Next-generation quantum light sources for emerging quantum technologies

量子信息科学有望彻底改变通信和计算这两个世界上最大的产业。量子密码学提供了基于自然法则的终极安全性，商业量子密码系统已经可用。量子计算机将比经典计算机更有效地解决问题，而量子信息是探索奇异量子世界与我们日常经验之间边界的关键。 由于光以自然界的速度极限移动，并且在数百公里内不会衰减，因此它是我们长距离发送信息的最佳媒介。为了传输量子信息，我们需要量子光。 我的计划旨在开发支撑下一代量子光源的理论，这将比当前的光源更亮，更纯，更强大，更通用。所有这些属性都直接影响量子技术的计数率，干涉可见性，纠缠质量和可扩展性。虽然现有的光源足以进行原理验证实验并证明量子技术的光学可行性，但该领域的重大进展将需要对量子光进行更高程度的控制。 我将专注于用非线性光学过程产生量子光，这些过程介导光子之间的相互作用。非线性光源正在成为产生单光子和其他重要量子态光的既定标准。许多非线性源利用周期性极化-在材料中形成具有交替取向的层。然而，我们还没有利用在非线性介质中制造复杂极化图案的进展，这提供了比传统方法更大的优势。 我的研究计划将扩大我们在非线性光学方面的能力。具体而言，该计划旨在开发理论方法，用于在光源处塑造光谱，以产生具有前所未有纯度的光子。我还计划设计单光子以外的非经典光源，例如明亮的热辐射源、光纤中的简并光子对以及用于耦合到量子存储器的光。这些成果将极大地推动量子技术的进步。 我的计划将为五名硕士生和两名博士生提供培训，他们将学习实验理论建模的分析和计算技术，并培养独立，分析和创造性思维能力。加拿大已投资使滑铁卢成为新兴量子技术的中心，我的学生将从与该领域专家的合作中获益。在我的计划中的HQP培训将配备在学术界追求职业生涯，并在各种行业，包括金融，计算建模，数据分析和光学。

Quantum information science promises to revolutionize communication and computing, two of the largest industries in the world. Quantum cryptography offers ultimate security based on the laws of nature, and commercial quantum cryptographic systems are already available. Quantum computers will solve problems more efficiently than their classical counterparts, while quantum information is key to exploring the boundary between the strange quantum world and our everyday experiences. Because light moves at nature’s speed limit, and doesn’t degrade for hundreds of kilometers, it is our best medium for sending information over long distances. To transfer quantum information, we will require quantum light. My program aims to develop the theory underpinning the next generation of quantum light sources, which will be brighter, purer, more robust, and more versatile than current sources. All of these properties directly impact quantum technologies in terms of count rates, interferometric visibility, entanglement quality and scalability. While existing sources were sufficient for proof-of-principle experiments and to demonstrate the feasibility of optics for quantum technologies, significant progress in the field will require a much higher degree of control over quantum light. I will focus on generating quantum light with nonlinear optical processes, which mediate interactions between photons. Nonlinear sources are becoming an established standard for generating single photons and other important quantum states of light. Many nonlinear sources utilize periodic poling—the formation of layers with alternating orientations in the material. We have yet to exploit, however, the advances in fabrication of complex poling patterns in nonlinear media, which offer enormous advantages over conventional methods. My research program will expand our capabilities for nonlinear optics. Specifically, the program aims to develop theoretical methods for shaping the spectrum of light at the source to generate photons with unprecedented purity. I also plan to design nonclassical sources beyond single photons, such as bright sources of thermal radiation, degenerate photon pairs in optical fibres, and light for coupling to quantum memories. These outcomes will greatly advance the progress of quantum technologies. My program will provide training for five MSc students and two PhD students who will learn analytical and computational techniques for theoretical modelling of experiments, and develop independent, analytic, and creative thinking competencies. Canada has invested in making Waterloo the hub for emerging quantum technologies, and my students will reap the benefits of working with experts in the area. The HQP training in my program will be equipped to pursue careers in academia, and in a variety of industries including finance, computational modelling, data analysis, and optics.