Breakthrough in Quantum Memory: UIUC's Chip Stores Multiple Photons for Over a Microsecond!

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed an on-chip quantum memory that simultaneously stores up to 20 photons for over a microsecond. Using erbium-doped thin-film lithium niobate, this chip streamlines quantum networking by enhancing photon storage and retrieval. The technology aligns with existing commercial photonics manufacturing, marking a significant leap toward practical quantum networks.