Towards quantum photonic devices based on high-dimensional optical modes

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The study of optical modes carrying low-order states of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in fiber during the last decade was motivated by the paradigm-changing potential for optical communication applications in terms of enhanced information capacity. However the latest research shows that new scientific and technological advances in the area will depend on our ability to harness the high-order OAM modes. These high-order OAM modes have started to open an even larger unexplored world of fundamental discoveries through the study of high-dimensional quantum states of light. The proposed research program is expected to provide new fundamental insights into quantum light-matter interactions and push the scientific frontiers of quantum communications and quantum sensing. This will be achieved through: 1) finding new optical fibers and photonic schemes to access the high-order OAM modes, 2) the investigation of new methods and techniques for high-dimensional quantum OAM communications, and 3) the study of new modalities for fiber-optic quantum sensing using diamond NV centers.      Owing to the rapidly growing interest in quantum technologies at all levels of the academic, public and private sectors, there is a fertile ground for scientific contributions coming from the proposed program. Research in a future quantum connected world lies at the intersection of electrical engineering, information science and physics. It is thus crucial and urgent to establish a diverse workforce skilled in handling these complex quantum systems through graduate research training. Hence another key outcome of this program is the training of the next-generation of scientists in the fields of quantum information science and quantum metrology. The new methods, know-how and HQP produced in Canada through this program will promote further scientific advances in the domain and feed this emerging R&D ecosystem of strategic importance to our collective future.