Experimental realization of 105-qubit random access quantum memory

Abstract

Random access memory is an indispensable device for classical information technology. Analog to this, for quantum information technology, it is desirable to have a random access quantum memory with many memory cells and programmable access to each cell. We report an experiment that realizes a random access quantum memory of 105 qubits carried by 210 memory cells in a macroscopic atomic ensemble. We demonstrate storage of optical qubits into these memory cells and their read-out at programmable times by arbitrary orders with fidelities exceeding any classical bound. Experimental realization of a random access quantum memory with many memory cells and programmable control of its write-in and read-out makes an important step for its application in quantum communication, networking, and computation.