quantum memory

Researchers report a quantum memory that has stored single photons for a record length of time, a result described as a major step towards building a quantum internet. Long-lived storage of individual light particles is a key requirement for quantum repeaters, the devices needed to send entangled signals across continental distances. The achievement is drawing attention as a milestone in quantum communication research.

Researchers have demonstrated a random access quantum memory system in which a single quantum processor can select among seven storage cells, rather than reading stored quantum information sequentially. The result matters for scaling quantum networks and modular quantum computers, where fast, selective retrieval of quantum states is a key engineering hurdle. Details on the research team and the specific physical platform used were not included in the available report.