Quantum optics: fundamental tests and quantum technology

量子光学：基础测试和量子技术

• 批准号: RGPIN-2015-04625
• 负责人: Simon, Christoph
• 金额: $ 4.59万
• 依托单位: University of Calgary
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2019
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2019-01-01 至 2020-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=691171
• 关键词: Quantum; optics; fundamental; tests; quantum

Quantum optics studies the interaction of light and matter at the quantum level. This area, which has been at the core of the development of quantum physics from the very beginning, continues to be exceptionally well suited for fundamental tests of quantum physics, but also for the development of new technologies based on basic quantum phenomena. One such phenomenon is quantum entanglement, which allows quantum particles to be connected even if they are far apart in space. In my theoretical research I develop proposals for experiments that will advance both the fundamental and the applied side of our field.***The first main question that motivates my research is whether it will be possible to extend entanglement to global distances. This is interesting both from a fundamental point of view and for information technology, because it will provide secure global communication via quantum cryptography. Ultimately it will also allow the construction of a quantum internet, linking future quantum computers on a global scale. Quantum computers promise to solve problems that are intractable with conventional computers. I approach this question by designing architectures for global quantum communication  and by making proposals for the implementation of the various components that these architectures require. ***The second main question is whether quantum physics, which has passed many experimental tests at the microscopic scale, also applies to macroscopic systems, or whether the theory has to be modified at some level of system size or complexity. Such a modification could for example be due to the unification of quantum physics and gravitation, which is one of the big unsolved problems in modern physics. I approach this question by developing proposals for experiments that should allow the creation and observation of quantum effects in increasingly complex and macroscopic systems, which then also allows one to test various modifications of quantum physics that have been proposed. ***The work described in this application will make significant steps towards answering both of these questions. On the one hand, the investigations proposed here will make the path towards global entanglement much clearer. The area of long-distance quantum communication also has the potential for commercial applications, and theoretical work on the physical implementation is essential for taking our field to that point. On the other hand, the present work will help to push the boundaries of quantum physics, and to lay the foundation for discovering what lies beyond.**

量子光学研究光与物质在量子水平上的相互作用。这一领域从一开始就处于量子物理学发展的核心，仍然非常适合量子物理学的基本测试，也适合基于基本量子现象的新技术的开发。其中一个现象是量子纠缠，它允许量子粒子连接，即使它们在空间中相距很远。在我的理论研究中，我提出了一些实验建议，这些实验将推进我们领域的基础和应用方面。激发我研究的第一个主要问题是，是否有可能将纠缠扩展到全球距离。从基本观点和信息技术的角度来看，这都很有趣，因为它将通过量子密码术提供安全的全球通信。最终，它还将允许构建量子互联网，在全球范围内连接未来的量子计算机。量子计算机有望解决传统计算机难以解决的问题。我通过设计全球量子通信的架构来解决这个问题，并为这些架构所需的各种组件的实现提出建议。* 第二个主要问题是，在微观尺度上通过了许多实验检验的量子物理学是否也适用于宏观系统，或者理论是否必须在系统尺寸或复杂性的某种程度上进行修改。例如，这种修改可能是由于量子物理学和引力的统一，这是现代物理学中未解决的大问题之一。我通过制定实验提案来解决这个问题，这些实验应该允许在日益复杂的宏观系统中创建和观察量子效应，从而也允许人们测试已提出的量子物理学的各种修改。* 本申请中描述的工作将为回答这两个问题迈出重要的一步。一方面，这里提出的研究将使通往全球纠缠的道路更加清晰。长距离量子通信领域也具有商业应用的潜力，物理实现的理论工作对于将我们的领域带到这一点至关重要。另一方面，目前的工作将有助于推动量子物理学的边界，并为发现超越边界的东西奠定基础。