Towards quantum networking with Yb atom arrays using frequency-converted photons

Neutral atoms trapped in reconfigurable optical tweezer arrays have become a rapidly advancing platform for quantum applications. Pairing this platform with the unique atomic structure of ¹⁷¹Yb (I=1/2) atoms enables novel implementations of quantum computation, simulation, and communication. The existence of a metastable ³P₀ state enables shelving and nuclear-spin qubit encoding with long coherence. Spin-photon entanglement using a telecom transition from the metastable state was also demonstrated recently. As part of the InterQnet project, we explore integration of this platform into a large-scale heterogeneous quantum network, and the ability to share entanglement via common-wavelength photons is one of its key components. We report progress towards the collection of nuclear-spin-entangled visible photons emitted by single Yb atoms, as well as a quantum frequency-conversion technique to convert single visible photons to telecom wavelengths with low noise.  We also report steps towards evaluations of spin-photon entanglement across the Argonne Quantum Network (ArQNET) using frequency-converted photons.