Canada-UK Quantum Technologies Call: Connectorizing Integrated Quantum Photonics Devices

量子网络可以提供革命性的解决方案，满足我们社会对安全通信的需求，例如在个人、银行和政府数据的传输中。量子通信网络由集成的本地节点组成，允许通过单光子和双光子纠缠源产生光学量子态，并通过量子存储器长期存储它们。然后，通过连接本地量子节点的光纤基础设施，在远程合作伙伴之间共享光子。已经探索了几种实现集成局部节点的方法：用于单光子源的量子点，用于双光子源的CHI(3)材料(例如，Hydex玻璃)，以及用于量子存储器的自旋活性杂质。然而，两个主要的瓶颈阻碍了量子网络的发展：(I)光子损耗和(Ii)本地节点之间缺乏可靠的互连。实现远距离量子通信的唯一方法是将网络组件引起的光损耗降至最低。在这项提议中，PI的目标是在工业合作伙伴OEC的支持下，在集成波导型光子芯片和标准光纤之间开发低损耗和坚固的互连，这是迈向基于光纤的量子安全通信商业化的关键里程碑。为此，我们将提供(I)能够产生高维频率纠缠光子对的微环谐振器，具有新颖的增强的耦合效率和性能；(Ii)基于现有光纤组件的低损耗光子处理方案；以及(Iii)高探测效率的超导纳米线单光子探测器，并针对耦合到不同的材料平台进行了优化。这项提议的特点是与英国学术和工业团队广泛合作，他们将并行开发基于SIN的光子芯片，以及光子发射器和量子存储器。目标结果将通过培训集成光子学和设备设计领域的高素质人员使加拿大工业受益，并将有助于保持加拿大在量子安全通信市场的领先地位。

Quantum networks can provide a revolutionary solution to our society's need for secure communication, as required, e.g., in the transmission of personal, bank, and government data. A quantum communication network consists of integrated local nodes allowing the generation of optical quantum states through single- and two-photon entangled sources, as well as their long-term storage through quantum memories. Photons are then shared among distant partners through a fiber-optic infrastructure connecting the local quantum nodes. Several approaches have been explored to realize integrated local nodes; quantum dots for single-photon sources, Chi(3) materials (e.g., Hydex glass) for two-photon sources, and spin-active impurities for quantum memories. However, two main bottlenecks prevent the development of quantum networks: (i) photon losses and (ii) the lack of a robust interconnection between the local nodes. The only way to achieve long-distance quantum communications is to minimize optical losses stemming from the network components. In this proposal, the PI aims, with the support of the industrial partner OEC, to develop low-loss and robust interconnects between integrated waveguide-based photonic chips and standard optical fibers, a crucial milestone towards the commercialization of fiber-based quantum secure communications. To this end, we will deliver (I) a microring resonator capable of generating high-dimensional frequency entangled photon pairs with novel enhanced coupling efficiency and performances, (II) low-loss photon processing schemes based on off-the-shelf fiber-based components, and (III) superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with high-detection efficiency and optimized for coupling to different material platforms. This proposal features an extensive collaboration with UK academic and industrial teams, who will develop in parallel SiN-based photonics chips, as well as photon emitters and quantum memories. The targeted outcomes will benefit Canadian industry through the training of highly qualified personnel in the fields of integrated photonics and device design and will contribute to maintain Canada as a leading player in the quantum secure communication market.