  Reliable quantum communication over hundreds of kilometers is a daunting yet
necessary requirement for a quantum internet. To overcome photon loss, the
deployment of quantum repeater stations between distant network nodes is
necessary. A plethora of different quantum hardware is being developed for this
purpose, each platform with its own opportunities and challenges. Here, we
propose to combine two promising hardware platforms in a hybrid quantum
repeater architecture to lower the cost and boost the performance of
long-distance quantum communication. We outline how ensemble-based quantum
memories combined with single-spin photon transducers, which can transfer
quantum information between a photon and a single spin, can facilitate massive
multiplexing, efficient photon generation, and quantum logic for amplifying
communication rates. As a specific example, we describe how a single Rubidium
(Rb) atom coupled to nanophotonic resonators can function as a high-rate,
telecom-visible entangled photon source with the visible photon being
compatible with storage in a Thulium-doped crystal memory (Tm-memory) and the
telecom photon being compatible with low loss fiber propagation. We
experimentally verify that Tm and Rb transitions are in resonance with each
other. Our analysis shows that by employing up to 9 repeater stations, each
equipped with two Tm-memories capable of holding up to 625 storage modes, along
with four single Rb atoms, one can reach a quantum communication rate of about
10 secret bits per second across distances of up to 1000 km.
