An integrated platform for quantum networks

利用量子力学复杂性的技术将导致计算、安全通信、传感和计量系统大大超出我们当前技术的能力。最有前途的方法是量子网络，或“量子互联网”，其中光被用来远距离传输量子信息（通常使用低损耗光纤），原子或固态材料被用来（在网络节点上）处理和存储这些信息。光和原子之间的相互作用本质上是弱的，这是量子技术发展面临的最大挑战之一。在两个镜子之间放置原子或固态材料（一种所谓的光学腔）可以极大地提高光-物质相互作用的效率，特别是当腔被缩放到微观尺寸时。将原子和纳米级固体材料嵌入到微尺度光学腔中，以及构建包含大量此类腔的系统，都需要实际的工程解决方案。这仍然是一个重大的、未解决的技术挑战。**我们最近开发了一种在单个芯片上制造高质量、微观光学腔阵列的新工艺。我们已经取得了一些关键的里程碑，包括在与量子计算相关的波长范围内的操作，以及光学特性的组合，应该能够实现相干原子-光子相互作用。在此基础上，我们提出了实现“量子芯片”的长期愿景，它结合了片上微腔阵列，精确定位原子和这些腔内机械谐振器的技术，以及用于调谐光学特性的片上电线，控制原子，并作为微波信号的接口。我们将使用这些芯片来实现单光子（单光粒子）的集成源和集成系统，以在微波和光域之间转换量子信息。这项工作有望将加拿大置于广泛寻求的量子信息技术的前沿。******************

Technologies that exploit the complexity of quantum mechanics will lead to computing, secure communications, sensing, and metrology systems that greatly exceed the capabilities of our current technologies. The most promising approach is the quantum network, or 'quantum internet', where light is used to transmit quantum information over large distances (typically using low-loss fiber optics), and atoms or solid-state materials are used (at network nodes) to process and store this information.**The interaction between light and atoms is inherently weak, posing one of the greatest challenges associated with quantum technology development. Placing atoms or solid-state materials between two mirrors (a so-called optical cavity) strongly increases the efficiency of light-matter interactions, especially as the cavity is scaled to microscopic dimensions. Practical engineering solutions are needed for embedding atoms and nano-scale solid-state materials into micro-scale optical cavities, and for building systems that comprise large numbers of such cavities. This remains as a significant, unsolved technological challenge.**We have recently developed a new process for fabricating arrays of high-quality, microscopic optical cavities on a single chip. We have already achieved some key milestones, including operation in wavelength ranges relevant to quantum computing, and a combination of optical properties that should enable coherent atom-photon interactions.**Building on this, we propose a long-term vision to implement 'quantum chips', which combine arrays of on-chip micro-cavities, techniques for precisely locating atoms and mechanical resonators within these cavities, and on-chip electrical wiring for tuning of optical properties, control of atoms, and as an interface for microwave signals. We will use these chips to implement integrated sources of single photons (single light particles) and integrated systems to convert quantum information between the microwave and optical domains. This work promises to place Canada at the forefront of widely sought quantum information technologies.******************