On chip optical storage at telecom wavelengths using rare earth ions

Nanophotonic quantum memories are a promising technology with applications in long distance quantum communication. Our work focuses on nanophotonic resonators coupled to ensembles of erbium ions in yttrium orthosilicate crystals (Er:YSO). These devices operate at telecom wavelengths, allowing for integration with silicon photonics and with existing telecommunications technology. We present fixed time optical storage in a nanobeam in isotopically purified Er:YSO using the atomic frequency comb protocol. We further describe our recent efforts to evanescently couple silicon photonic resonators to Er:YSO, with a focus on design improvements to optimize the cavity ion interaction.