Coherent multi-mode conversion from microwave to optical wave via a magnon-cavity hybrid system

Abstract: Coherent conversion from microwave to optical wave opens new research avenues towards long distant quantum network covering quantum communication, computing, and sensing out of the laboratory. Especially multi-mode enabled system is essential for practical applications. Here we experimentally demonstrate coherent multi-mode conversion from the microwave to optical wave via collective spin excitation in a single crystal yttrium iron garnet (YIG, Y3Fe5O12) which is strongly coupled to a microwave cavity mode in a three-dimensional rectangular cavity. Expanding collective spin excitation mode of our magnon-cavity hybrid system from Kittel to multi magnetostatic modes, we verify that the size of YIG sphere predominantly plays a crucial role for the microwave-to-optical multi-mode conversion efficiency at resonant conditions. We also find that the coupling strength between multi magnetostatic modes and a cavity mode is manipulated by the position of a YIG inside the cavity. It is expected to be valuable for designing a magnon hybrid system that can be used for coherent conversion between microwave and optical photons.