Integrating two-dimensional optomechanical crystals with self-assembled electromechanics for efficient microwave-to-optical quantum transduction

Microwave-to-optical quantum transducers are pursued for networking superconducting quantum processors. Approaches based on optomechanical crystals (OMCs) are currently among the leading candidates because of their strong interaction rates and potential scalability. The performance of these devices, however, remains limited by optical-absorption heating from laser drives and the difficulty in integration with electromechanical coupling. We report progress in developing a platform for addressing both these challenges. First, we develop a fabrication-disorder-resilient means of electromechanical coupling in two-dimensional optomechanical-crystals (2D-OMCs), which have been shown to provide superior thermal anchoring. Second, we boost the electromechanical interaction rates (by a factor of 2.5x) via moving capacitors with miniaturized 25nm-gaps, fabricated via a self-assembly technique. We demonstrate these advances through room-temperature characterization of microwave-to-optical transducers.