  Quantum networks promise to revolutionise computing, simulation, and
communication. Light is the ideal information carrier for quantum networks, as
its properties are not degraded by noise in ambient conditions, and it can
support large bandwidths enabling fast operations and a large information
capacity. Quantum memories, devices that store, manipulate, and release on
demand quantum light, have been identified as critical components of photonic
quantum networks, because they facilitate scalability. However, any noise
introduced by the memory can render the device classical by destroying the
quantum character of the light. Here we introduce an intrinsically noise-free
memory protocol based on two-photon off-resonant cascaded absorption (ORCA). We
consequently demonstrate for the first time successful storage of GHz-bandwidth
heralded single photons in a warm atomic vapour with no added noise; confirmed
by the unaltered photon statistics upon recall. Our ORCA memory platform meets
the stringent noise-requirements for quantum memories whilst offering technical
simplicity and high-speed operation, and therefore is immediately applicable to
low-latency quantum networks.
