CAREER: Ultrafast Quantum Networks: Pushing the Limits of Photon Production

依靠单光子携带信息的量子网络有望实现新一代安全通信、高效计算和高精度传感技术。然而，传输每个量子比特需要产生许多单个光子。因此，目前远程网络中的量子比特率往往在kHz及以下，这对于大多数实际应用来说是不够的。该项目将通过将纳米钻石颗粒中的量子发射器耦合到远小于光波长的金属结构来探索单光子产生速度的物理极限。它将创造基本知识，使量子光学电路能够以实际的MHz和GHz级量子比特率和非低温温度运行，并将应用扩展到经典的光通信链路。该项目包括一项开发教育模块的计划，向高中生和本科生传授量子力学和新兴的量子技术。此外，针对低收入中学生的推广活动将增加他们接触STEM内容和科学生涯的机会。拟议的研究项目将调查等离子体增强自发辐射的基本速度和效率极限。通过将纳米钻石中的第四族色心与由低损耗晶体金属制成的混合模式等离子纳米结构相结合，该项目针对三个主要挑战。首先，相干自发辐射将在亚皮秒的时间尺度上实现。其次，纳米结构中不同模式的杂交将带来巨大的场增强和近乎统一的辐射效率。第三，该项目将实现在近太赫兹重复频率和非低温温度下将不可分辨的光子按需发射到芯片上的波导模式。这项拟议的研究将改变未来量子光子电路的运行方式。通过将光-物质相互作用率提高到太赫兹范围，该项目的目标是超过GHz尺度的量子退相和非均匀展宽。该项目将解决等离子体纳米结构中电磁场限制和欧姆损耗之间的长期权衡问题，并释放高带宽光通信链路的潜力。该项目将为未来的量子网络创造基本知识，使之能够实现实际的MHz和GHz级量子比特率，在非低温下运行，以及量子偶极子的多方相互作用。PI将为初中生和高中生开发教育模块，并为每学期至少两名本科生研究人员提供研究机会。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Quantum networks relying on single photons to carry information are poised to enable a new generation of secure communication, efficient computing, and high-precision sensing technologies. However, transmitting each quantum bit requires generating many single photons. As a result, the current quantum bitrates in long-range networks are often in the kHz range and below, which is insufficient for most practical applications. This project will explore the physical limits to the speed of single-photon generation by coupling quantum emitters in nanometer-sized diamond particles to metallic structures much smaller than the wavelength of light. It will create the basic knowledge allowing quantum optical circuits to operate at practical MHz- and GHz-scale quantum bitrates and at non-cryogenic temperatures, with applications extending into classical optical communication links. The project includes a plan for developing educational modules to teach high-school and undergraduate students about quantum mechanics and the nascent quantum technology. Furthermore, the outreach activity for low-income middle-school students will increase their access to STEM content and scientific careers.The proposed research project will investigate the fundamental speed and efficiency limits of plasmon-enhanced spontaneous emission. By coupling group-IV color centers in nanodiamonds to hybrid-mode plasmonic nanostructures made from low-loss crystalline metals, the project targets three major challenges. First, coherent spontaneous emission will be achieved on the sub-picosecond timescale. Second, the hybridization of dissimilar modes in nanostructures will unlock a giant field enhancement and near-unity radiative efficiency. Third, the project will achieve on-demand emission of indistinguishable photons into on-chip waveguide modes at near-THz repetition rates and at non-cryogenic temperatures. The proposed research will transform how future quantum photonic circuits operate. By increasing the light-matter interaction rates to the THz range, the project aims to outpace GHz-scale quantum dephasing and inhomogeneous broadening. The project will address the long-standing trade-off between electromagnetic field confinement and ohmic losses in plasmonic nanostructures and unlock the potential for high-bandwidth optical communication links. The project will create basic knowledge enabling practical MHz- and GHz-scale quantum bitrates, operation at non-cryogenic temperatures, and multipartite interaction of quantum dipoles for future quantum networks. The PI will develop education modules for middle-school and high-school students and provide research opportunities for at least two undergraduate researchers per semester.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.