Abstract
Long-range quantum communication requires the development of in-out light-matter interfaces to achieve a quantum advantage in entanglement distribution. Ideally, these quantum interconnections should be as fast as possible to achieve high-rate entangled qubits distribution. Here, we demonstrate the coherent quanta exchange between single photons generated on-demand from a GaAs quantum dot and atomic ensemble in a Rb vapor quantum memory. Through an open quantum system analysis, we demonstrate the mapping between the quantized electric field of photons and the coherence of the atomic ensemble. Our results play a pivotal role in understanding quantum light-matter interactions at the short time scales required to build fast hybrid quantum networks.