Integrated sources of multi-entangled/multi-dimensional quantum states

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The massive network integration of “intelligent” devices in the near-future, in addition to the consequent rapidly increasing demands on bandwidth, will require novel technologies that can enable this transition. The main requirement will be a high data rate computing and processing power to handle so-called “big data.” Since today’s technology will soon reach its limit with regard to power consumption and computing performances, thus failing to fulfill these demands, a new approach based on the laws of quantum mechanics emerges as a promising alternative. Quantum computation is predicted to outperform its classical counterpart in certain specific tasks, solving fundamentally important problems such as factorization and sorting. For realizing meaningful quantum computing, complex high-dimensional quantum states are required, but practical approaches with scalable, custom quantum state outputs have been experimentally inaccessible thus far - consequently slowing the realization of quantum technologies. Here we intend to build on our previous results, i.e. the demonstration of an on-chip optical light source generating two- and multi-photon qubit states (the quantum analogue to the classical bit), or, in other words, a frequency comb of qubits (Science 351, 1176 (2016). Based on these findings, our goal is the realization of high-dimensional quantum states in an integrated and compact form . Here we propose a new and disruptive scheme, in particular we plan to exploit hyper-entangled states built on the combination of time-bin and frequency-bin entanglement, focusing on the demonstration of the largest quantum state ever realized (also including bulk systems!). For this vision to become reality, a fundamental component (requested in the current application and not available elsewhere in Canada) is urgently needed, i.e. an ultra-fast optical modulator in combination with a high-frequency RF synthesizer as a driving unit. Such equipment will be used to introduce a deterministic frequency shift of the generated single photons, required to implement and design the frequency-bin entanglement. The benefits stemming from the proposed research program are two-fold. Not only will it pave the way for the development of new advanced quantum technologies, but it will also promote the training of highly-qualified personnel as needed by both Canadian industry and society.