Single-atom-based asynchronous photonic interconnect for scalable modular quantum computing
The paper presents a single-atom-based photonic interconnect intended to link modular quantum processors. It addresses entanglement distribution across optical channels and positions the scheme relative to loss-resilient protocols built on linear-optics type-II fusion gates.
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What this could mean
- 0–2 yearsPlausible
If the single-atom memory can absorb and re-emit photons on demand, small quantum modules could be linked without nanosecond-scale synchronisation within two years.
Asynchronous operation would relax precise timing requirements between modules, allowing simpler control electronics and early testbed interconnects. Experimental single-atom cavity systems already exist, so the path is visible but gated on demonstrating on-demand absorption and re-emission with sufficient fidelity.
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