Interfacing superconducting quantum processors, working in the GHz frequency range, with optical quantum networks and atomic qubits is a challenging task for the implementation of distributed quantum information processing as well as for quantum communication. Using spin ensembles of rare-earth ions provides an excellent opportunity to bridge microwave and optical domains at the quantum level. In this Rapid Communication, we demonstrate the ultralow-power, on-chip, electron-spin-resonance spectroscopy of Er 3+ spins doped in a Y 2 SiO 5 crystal using a high-Q, coplanar, superconducting resonator.Quantum communication is a rapidly developing field of science and technology, which allows the transmission of information in an intrinsically secure way. 1 As well as its classical counterpart, a quantum communication network can combine various types of systems which transmit, receive, and process information using quantum algorithms. 2 For example, the nodes of such a network can be implemented by superconducting (SC) quantum circuits operated in the GHz frequency range, 3 whereas fiber optics operated at near infrared can be used to link them over long distances. For the reversible transfer of quantum states between systems operating at GHz and optical frequency ranges, one must use a hybrid system. 4 Spin ensembles coupled to a microwave resonator or to a SC qubit represent one of the possible implementations of such a system. 5-8 The collective coupling strength of a spin ensemble is increased with respect to a single spin by the square root of the number of spins. Transparent crystals doped with paramagnetic ions often possess long coherence times, 9,10 and the collective coupling has been recently demonstrated with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, 11-13 organic molecules, 14 and (Cr 3+ ) ions in ruby. 12 In this Rapid Communication, we report on the ultralowpower electron-spin-resonance (ESR) spectroscopy of an erbium-ion spin ensemble at sub-Kelvin temperatures using a high-Q, coplanar, SC resonator. The Er 3+ ions are distinct from other spin ensembles due to their optical transition at the telecom C band, i.e., inside the so-called erbium window at 1.54 μm wavelength, and their long measured optical coherence time. 15 The energy-level diagram of erbium ions embedded inside a crystal is shown in Fig. 1(a). The electronic configuration of a free Er 3+ ion is 4f 11 , with a 4 I term. The spin-orbit coupling splits it into several fine structure levels. An optical transition at the telecom wavelength occurs between the ground state 2S+1 L J = 4 I 15/2 and the first excited state 4 I 13/2 , where S, L, and J are the respective spin, orbital, and total magnetic momenta of the ion. The weak crystal field splits the ground state into eight (J + 1/2) Kramers doublets. 16 At cryogenic temperature, only the lowest doublet Z 1 is populated, therefore the system can be described as an effective electronic spin with S = 1/2. However, erbium has five even isotopes, 162 Er, 164 Er, 166 Er, 168 Er, and 170 Er, and one odd ...