Imagine trying to translate a conversation between two people who speak completely different languages and operate at different speeds. This project builds a tiny bridge on a chip that lets microwave signals (used in wireless networks) talk to light signals (used in fiber optics) without losing any information. It uses a special magnetic crystal to act as a translator, making the connection fast and seamless.
Current methods of converting microwave signals to optical light are highly inefficient, causing data loss and limiting the speed and reach of wireless and quantum networks.
A proof-of-principle on-chip analog coherent frequency converter. It utilizes suspended yttrium iron garnet disks to bridge microwave and optical frequencies.
If you are a network provider dealing with bottlenecks in backhaul networks — this project developed a coherent frequency converter that expands connectivity capacity. This allows for high-speed internet access to be delivered to any location more efficiently.
If you are a hardware manufacturer dealing with the difficulty of moving quantum data over long distances — this project developed an on-chip converter that links microwave quantum computers to optical fibers. This serves as the elementary brick for a future quantum-ready internet.
If you are a chip designer dealing with inefficient signal conversion for large frequency mismatches — this project developed a quadripartite hybridization process using yttrium iron garnet. This enables a conversion efficiency of the order of unity on a single chip.
Based on available project data, the specific unit cost of the device is not provided; however, the total project proposal budget was 3.3M€.
The project focuses on a proof-of-principle on-chip integrated device. While it uses materials science advances for micron-sized disks, industrial scaling is not yet detailed beyond the TRL2 stage.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project involves a consortium of 9 partners including one industrial partner.
The project aims to deliver the proof-of-principle converter within a 42-month timeframe.
The device is designed as an on-chip integrated analog coherent frequency converter, intended to fit into backhaul networks and quantum internet infrastructure.
The consortium is heavily research-oriented, consisting of 9 partners with 4 universities and 4 research organizations. There is a low industrial ratio of 11%, with only one SME involved, indicating the project is currently in a deep-tech discovery phase rather than a commercial rollout phase.
Contact the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) in France.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for quantum-optical conversion hardware.
