In this thesis, we describe our efforts to build a transducer device capable of translating quantum information between microwave and optical domains. Our motivation for building such a device is to provide a bus for a quantum computer constructed of superconducting qubits. While this type of qubit holds great promise for building a practical quantum computer, it is fundamentally confined to a cryogenic environment while optical photons are not. In order to build this transducer device, we will build electromechanical resonators out of a piezoelectric material, and then interact its mechanical degrees of freedom with an optical resonator using the optomechanical interaction. We will describe the theoretical underpinnings, practical design and nanofabrication of these devices, as well as characterizing their cryogenic performance.

We conclude with a workable proof of concept operated in the classical regime, demonstrating a 10-2 internal 10-4 external) microwave-to-optical photon conversion rate (in amplitude) and a firm understanding of its limitations in a cryogenic environment. We analyze what additional materials and fabrication engineering will be required to realize a fully quantum transducer device.