Next-generation quantum light sources for emerging quantum technologies

量子信息科学有望彻底改变通信和计算这两个世界上最大的产业。量子密码学提供了基于自然规律的终极安全性，商业量子密码学系统已经可用。量子计算机将比经典计算机更有效地解决问题，而量子信息是探索奇怪的量子世界与我们日常经验之间边界的关键。因为光在自然界的速度限制下移动，并且在几百公里内不会衰减，所以它是我们长距离传递信息的最佳媒介。为了传递量子信息，我们需要量子光。我的项目旨在发展支撑下一代量子光源的理论，这种光源将比目前的光源更亮、更纯净、更健壮、更通用。所有这些特性在计数率、干涉可见性、纠缠质量和可扩展性方面直接影响量子技术。虽然现有光源足以进行原理验证实验，并证明光学用于量子技术的可行性，但该领域的重大进展将需要对量子光进行更高程度的控制。****我将专注于用非线性光学过程产生量子光，它介导光子之间的相互作用。非线性光源正在成为产生单光子和光的其他重要量子态的既定标准。许多非线性源利用周期性极化，在材料中形成具有交替取向的层。然而，在非线性介质中制造复杂的极点模式方面，我们还没有开发出比传统方法有巨大优势的进展。****我的研究计划将扩展我们在非线性光学方面的能力。具体来说，该计划旨在发展理论方法，以塑造光源的光谱，以产生前所未有的纯度的光子。我还计划设计超越单光子的非经典光源，如明亮的热辐射源，光纤中的简并光子对，以及耦合到量子存储器的光。这些成果将极大地推动量子技术的进步。****我的项目将为5名硕士研究生和2名博士研究生提供培训，他们将学习实验理论建模的分析和计算技术，并培养独立、分析和创造性思维能力。加拿大已经投资使滑铁卢成为新兴量子技术的中心，我的学生将从与该领域的专家合作中获益。我项目中的HQP培训将为我在学术界和包括金融、计算建模、数据分析和光学在内的各种行业的职业生涯做好准备

Quantum information science promises to revolutionize communication and computing, two of the largest industries in the world. Quantum cryptography offers ultimate security based on the laws of nature, and commercial quantum cryptographic systems are already available. Quantum computers will solve problems more efficiently than their classical counterparts, while quantum information is key to exploring the boundary between the strange quantum world and our everyday experiences.***Because light moves at nature's speed limit, and doesn't degrade for hundreds of kilometers, it is our best medium for sending information over long distances. To transfer quantum information, we will require quantum light.***My program aims to develop the theory underpinning the next generation of quantum light sources, which will be brighter, purer, more robust, and more versatile than current sources. All of these properties directly impact quantum technologies in terms of count rates, interferometric visibility, entanglement quality and scalability. While existing sources were sufficient for proof-of-principle experiments and to demonstrate the feasibility of optics for quantum technologies, significant progress in the field will require a much higher degree of control over quantum light.****I will focus on generating quantum light with nonlinear optical processes, which mediate interactions between photons. Nonlinear sources are becoming an established standard for generating single photons and other important quantum states of light. Many nonlinear sources utilize periodic polingthe formation of layers with alternating orientations in the material. We have yet to exploit, however, the advances in fabrication of complex poling patterns in nonlinear media, which offer enormous advantages over conventional methods.****My research program will expand our capabilities for nonlinear optics. Specifically, the program aims to develop theoretical methods for shaping the spectrum of light at the source to generate photons with unprecedented purity. I also plan to design nonclassical sources beyond single photons, such as bright sources of thermal radiation, degenerate photon pairs in optical fibres, and light for coupling to quantum memories. These outcomes will greatly advance the progress of quantum technologies.****My program will provide training for five MSc students and two PhD students who will learn analytical and computational techniques for theoretical modelling of experiments, and develop independent, analytic, and creative thinking competencies. Canada has invested in making Waterloo the hub for emerging quantum technologies, and my students will reap the benefits of working with experts in the area. The HQP training in my program will be equipped to pursue careers in academia, and in a variety of industries including finance, computational modelling, data analysis, and optics.**