quantum memory

Researchers report a quantum memory that has stored single photons for a record duration, an advance described as a major step toward building a quantum internet. Such memories are needed to hold fragile quantum states long enough to link distant devices into secure communication networks. The announcement is drawing attention for suggesting quantum networking technology is moving closer to practical reality.

Researchers have demonstrated a random access quantum memory system in which a single quantum processor can select among seven storage cells, rather than reading stored quantum information sequentially. The result matters for scaling quantum networks and modular quantum computers, where fast, selective retrieval of quantum states is a key engineering hurdle. Details on the research team and the specific physical platform used were not included in the available report.