Scientists teleport telecom qubit to solid-state quantum memory

Researchers at Nanjing University have achieved the world’s first quantum teleportation of a telecom-wavelength photonic qubit into a solid-state quantum memory, marking a significant advance toward scalable quantum internet technology. Unlike previous experiments that required frequency conversion, this demonstration operated entirely within the telecom band used by conventional fiber-optic networks, enabling seamless integration with existing communication infrastructure. The experiment transferred quantum information from a photon to an erbium ion ensemble-based solid-state memory, which is crucial for temporarily storing quantum states and facilitating long-distance quantum communication. The team, led by Xiao-Song Ma, implemented a complex system comprising five interconnected components: input state preparation, an entangled photon source generated on an integrated photonic chip, a Bell-state measurement module, the erbium-based quantum memory, and a frequency distribution and fine-tuning setup using Fabry-Pérot cavities and the Pound-Drever-Hall technique. This fully fiber-compatible setup avoids signal loss and frequency mismatches, overcoming major hurdles in practical