Photonic quantum state transfer between a cold atomic gas and a crystal

As work on quantum networks continues apace, attention is being focused on the tools and techniques for integrating different quantum platforms to harness the distinct benefits of each. Nicolas Maring et al. now report an important step in the development of such a hybrid network. They demonstrate how a quantum state initially stored in a cold atomic ensemble can be faithfully transferred to a solid-state storage mediuma rare-earth-doped crystalfrom where it can subsequently be recovered.