Structured Quantum Waves: From Quantum Cryptography to Extreme Quantum Microscopy

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The Structured Quantum Optics (SQO) at the University of Ottawa is a pioneering research group in quantum information processing and expert in generating, detecting, and manipulating the structured quantum waves. Structured quantum waves include photon and electron beams shaping and their applications in modern science and quantum technologies. For instance, in quantum sensing, these technologies can be used to probe very fundamental and applicable aspects of materials and bioprocess. Multi-dimensional research leading to enabling technologies with applications in strategic sectors such as quantum information processing. High-impact publications in prestigious journals, frequently being highlighted by numerous scientific news outlets and research reports, and over 90 peer-reviewed papers (over the past six years) indicate the level of success the SQO group has achieved. Group members are receiving invitations from around the globe, as guest speakers, to attend conferences and meetings to share their discoveries and findings. The full-control of structured quantum waves for quantum communication, quantum simulation, and quantum sensing is the focus of this research program. The list of currently active research areas include: 1) design and fabrication of novel optical/electronic devices suitable for structuring single photon, single electron, and optical beams, such that spatial and spin degree of freedom could be shaped, manipulated, and sorted more efficiently; 2) developing a novel platform for quantum-safe communication through different channels, underwater, free-space, and fibre, with structured photons, aiming to establish a quantum network in Ottawa; 3) designing novel devices to simulate complex quantum systems with structured photons; 4) exploiting fundamental tests of quantum physics with structured quantum waves, aiming to reveal the physical features of materials as well as biological samples with an extreme quantum microscope. These goals make us achieve the expertise, capacity and tools required to build the future of quantum technologies in the next ten years. In particular, I aim to establish two main infrastructure focused labs: 1) Ottawa's first secure Quantum Network and 2) the first Extreme Quantum Microscope, where the physical properties of a specimen would be probed with atomic spatial resolution and within the femtosecond regime. Quantum science and technology is the area that will be most benefited from the research my group is performing. "Structured Waves" is a new and rapidly emerging field of research in physics, which has not yet been fully exploited. Thus, my research activities allow the University of Ottawa (and Canada) to place itself among the global leaders in this field. The proposed optical and electronic devices as well as quantum secure communication and microscopy schemes, will also be employed in high-technology applications, facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge to Canadian industries.