In this talk, I will describe my group's progress in developing technology that would serve as a fundamental component of a quantum repeater, a hypothetical device that will be a central component for practical long-range quantum communication. The devices we have developed to date rely on the parametric conversion of signals between microwave and optical frequencies, via a strong optomechanical interaction in a suspended one dimensional photonic/phononic crystal. The device is coupled to a fiber optic line for transmission of classical (ultimately quantum) optical information, and its microwave frequency (few GHz) mechanical mode is strongly coupled to a piezoelectric transducer. This device would ultimately be coupled to a microwave frequency quantum bit, either based on superconducting or semiconducting quantum technology, which would serve to purify and/or entangle quantum information. I will include a brief description of our approach and a description of the current status of development. Worked is supported by grants from AFOSR and NSF.