Quantum frequency combs on a chip for encrypted communication and fast computation

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The mass network integration of devices and environmental monitors predicted for the near-future by experts, in addition to already rapidly increasing demands on bandwidth, will require technology that can facilitate and enable this social transition: an Internet with perfect security and bandwidth scalability for large amounts of sensitive data (e.g. personal, health, or bank transactions), as well as the high data computing and processing power to handle these "big data." Current technology will soon reach its limit with respect to power consumption, data handling capacity and security, in the end not being able to fulfill these demands. With this three year strategic project we aim to offer an innovative solution to the problems just described, by developing an on-chip "quantum frequency comb," i.e. an electronics-compatible multichannel source of nonclassical states of light on a chip, relying on available industrial fabrication processes and commercial photonics components. The proposed research will allow the university team members from the INRS-EMT and the University of Montreal, in collaboration with their industrial partners (QPS Photronics Inc., OptoElectronic Components Inc.), to lead Canadian and international efforts in seeding unprecedented (in security and speed) data transfers via existing fiber optics infrastructures (known as quantum cryptographic systems) as well as the development of a fundamental cornerstone for a new photonic-based quantum computing technology. The project will address both the issue of bringing the quantum technology "out of the lab" into everyday use, through the miniaturization necessary for achieving widespread use of quantum cryptography. In this context, the scalability of our design and the mature technology associated with integrated waveguide structures is the ideal prerequisite for a successful commercialization through our industrial partners. The new knowledge generated from this project and the training of highly qualified personnel associated to this work will contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness in the most advanced high-technology sectors, allowing to grasp the industrial opportunities it missed in the previous digital revolution.