Next-generation quantum light sources for emerging quantum technologies

用于新兴量子技术的下一代量子光源

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-04135
• 负责人: Branczyk, Agata
• 金额: $ 1.97万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2016
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2016-01-01 至 2017-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=614859
• 关键词: Next; generation; quantum; light; sources

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.

量子信息科学有望给通信和计算这两个世界上最大的行业带来革命性的变化。量子密码提供了基于自然规律的终极安全，商业量子密码系统已经可以使用。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怪的量子世界和我们日常经验之间的边界的关键。 因为光以自然界的速度运动，并且在数百公里内不会退化，所以它是我们远距离发送信息的最佳媒介。要传输量子信息，我们需要量子光。 我的计划旨在开发下一代量子光源的理论基础，下一代量子光源将比现有光源更明亮、更纯净、更坚固、更多功能。所有这些性质都直接影响到量子技术在计数率、干涉可见度、纠缠质量和可扩展性方面的性能。虽然现有的光源足以进行原理验证实验并证明光学用于量子技术的可行性，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，这种过程调节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的既定标准。许多非线性声源利用周期性极化--材料中具有交替取向的层的形成。然而，我们还没有利用在非线性介质中制作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。具体地说，该计划旨在开发理论方法，在光源处塑造光的光谱，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，如热辐射的明亮光源、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。 我的项目将为五名硕士学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，并发展独立、分析和创造性思维能力。加拿大已经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的专家合作中获益。在我的项目中，HQP培训将为在学术界以及包括金融、计算建模、数据分析和光学在内的各种行业寻求职业生涯做好准备。