Photon Queue

Photon Queue is the first startup from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepted into Duality Accelerator and the first quantum-focused UIUC startup, led by current and former PhD students from physics professors Paul Kwiat and Virginia Lorenz's labs, based on research from Kwiat's group. The company develops efficient and less costly quantum memories by storing single photons in free-space storage loops using optical switches paired with high-reflectivity mirrors, avoiding complex transduction processes required by other quantum memory approaches. Photon Queue's unique approach keeps photonic qubits intact through motion in compact spaces, avoiding costly cryogenics, ovens, or vacuums, designed to work with virtually any single photon source. The technology uses multiplexed optical delay lines and Herriott cells for compact, efficient photon storage. Photon Queue joined Chicago Quantum Exchange as corporate partner. Applications include quantum communication, computing, and metrology requiring photon storage and retrieval for quantum information processing and distributed quantum systems.