Integrated Quantum Photonics Based on Hybrid Superconductor-Semiconductor Nanostructures

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Quantum photonic technology puts the quantum properties of light into practical use. Information encoded on individual photons not only offers new opportunities to enhance the security of communication but also radically new ways to perform sensing, imaging, computation and metrology. The best example of quantum photonic technology is a commercially available quantum key distribution system that potentially enhances the security of information over a point-to-point fiber optic communication link. It is anticipated that such systems will be extended to communication networks upon deployment of advanced photonic devices capable of generation, detection, transmission and processing of single-photons and entangled multi-photons. This proposal explores a new integrated platform based on hybrid superconductor-semiconductor structures that integrate on-demand single and entangled photon sources, single photon detectors and quantum waveguides to make a quantum photonic transceiver. The rich optical and electronic properties of semiconductor nanostructures will be combined with the quantum coherency of superconductors to achieve the best overall efficiency and speed in processing of photons on a chip. Integrated quantum photonic chips are typically comprise semiconductor quantum dots embedded in an optical waveguide with superconducting electrodes as a source of single and entangled photons, three different types of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors and ridge semiconductor optical waveguides that connect sources to detectors. The proposed program will address challenges to the design, simulation and fabrication of such structures and enhance the efficiency, indistinguishability, and speed of photon generation and detection in quantum transcievers. Canada has identified quantum information technologies as strategic area for future development. It is highly expected that this program will deliver fully-integrated single and entangled photon generation and detection advances as well as several highly qualified personnel to this vital sector.