Quantum Structured Waves - QSW

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Nature of the research:***The Structural Quantum Optics (SQO) group of Dr. Karimi focuses on the generation, detection and manipulation of the structured quantum waves, e.g. light and electron beams, and their applications in modern science. This involves manipulating and engineering waves' vectorial nature, intensity and phase distributions upon propagation, or in desired regions. Lying at the intersection of fundamental quantum physics and applied science, we expect important advances to emerge from such a novel, and not yet fully explored, research branch of physics. The SQO team is already well-recognized by the community as a world-class research group, as evidenced by their significant achievements, which are frequently highlighted by news outlets. During the next five years, we aim to: 1) design and fabricate of thin or ultra-thin liquid-crystal and/or plasmonic optical devices for tailoring the quantum/classical state of light, 2) design novel devices to perform quantum information protocols/quantum computations with structured photons, 3) design a novel platform for ultra-secure quantum communication (quantum key distribution) with structured photons, and 4) exploit fundamental tests of quantum physics with structured quantum waves including electron/ion beams.***Significance, expected outcomes, and benefits to Canadians:***“Structured waves” is a new and rapidly emerging field of research in physics, which has not yet been fully exploited, and has also not been studied in Canada to any appreciable extent. Thus, Dr. Karimi's research activities give the University of Ottawa (and Canada) the opportunity to place itself among the leaders in this field. Despite the novelty of the field, beam shaping and exotic beam structures have already been put to successful use in a large number of applications in photonics. This project will foster collaborations among distinguished scientists throughout Canada, which may lead to the development of further ideas and projects. The proposed optical devices and secure communication schemes may also be put to use in industrial applications, facilitating transfer of technology and knowledge to Canadian industry. Moreover, Dr. Karimi has already established a reputation in quantum optics and the study of waves' angular momenta, which will greatly benefit the students and postdoctoral fellows training under his supervision. They will become proficient in theoretical physics (both classical and quantum optics), modelling physical (quantum) systems, and developing logical quantum gates with photons. Students will be trained to work at liquid crystal and quantum optics laboratories. The top-level facilities available at uOttawa provide students with the opportunity to be trained in technical, research and professional skills important for careers in academia and industry.**