Optical vector network analysis of ultranarrow transitions in 166Er3+ : 7LiYF4 crystal.

We present optical vector network analysis (OVNA) of an isotopically purified Er1663+:LiYF47 crystal. The OVNA method is based on generation and detection of a modulated optical sideband by using a radio-frequency vector network analyzer. This technique is widely used in the field of microwave photonics for the characterization of optical responses of optical devices such as filters and high-Q resonators. However, dense solid-state atomic ensembles induce a large phase shift on one of the optical sidebands that results in the appearance of extra features on the measured transmission response. We present a simple theoretical model that accurately describes the observed spectra and helps to reconstruct the absorption profile of a solid-state atomic ensemble as well as corresponding change of the refractive index in the vicinity of atomic resonances.

Efficient and robust analysis of complex scattering data under noise in microwave resonators.

Superconducting microwave resonators are reliable circuits widely used for detection and as test devices for material research. A reliable determination of their external and internal quality factors is crucial for many modern applications, which either require fast measurements or operate in the single photon regime with small signal to noise ratios. Here, we use the circle fit technique with diameter correction and provide a step by step guide for implementing an algorithm for robust fitting and calibration of complex resonator scattering data in the presence of noise. The speedup and robustness of the analysis are achieved by employing an algebraic rather than an iterative fit technique for the resonance circle.

Anisotropic rare-earth spin ensemble strongly coupled to a superconducting resonator.

Interfacing photonic and solid-state qubits within a hybrid quantum architecture offers a promising route towards large scale distributed quantum computing. Ideal candidates for coherent qubit interconversion are optically active spins, magnetically coupled to a superconducting resonator. We report on an on-chip cavity QED experiment with magnetically anisotropic Er(3+)∶Y2SiO5 crystals and demonstrate collective strong coupling of rare-earth spins to a lumped element resonator. Moreover, the electron spin resonance and relaxation dynamics of the erbium spins are detected via direct microwave absorption, without the aid of a cavity.