Frontiers of nonlinear quantum optics: from fundamentals to technology

非线性量子光学前沿：从基础到技术

• 批准号: RGPIN-2021-03029
• 负责人: Rotenberg, Nir
• 金额: $ 2.4万
• 依托单位: Queen's University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=742337
• 关键词: Frontiers; nonlinear; quantum; optics; fundamentals

Our research explores a new frontier of nonlinear optics, at the extreme edge of the quantum regime. There, we `build' coherent quantum optical nonlinearities photon-by-photon, designing nonlinear responses that shape quantum photonic states (such as single photons) at ultrafast speeds. This radically new approach to nonlinear optics is made possible by our group's control of both single quantum emitters and nanoscale light fields. In fact, we can now design these to illicit a strong nonlinear response from a single-photon, bringing us to the precipice of higher-order quantum nonlinearities where multiple individual photons simultaneously interact with a quantum object. Over the next five years we will (1) study new few-body quantum phenomena, gaining insight on fundamental nonlinear light-matter interactions at the single-photon level; (2) learn how to exploit these phenomena to manipulate quantum states on sub-nanosecond time scales; (3) design scalable quantum circuits based on these active elements. Our research will help position Canada at the forefront of the worldwide race towards viable quantum technology by providing key photonic elements for photonic quantum networks, simulators and even computers: technologies that are poised to revolutionize the way that we communicate, the way in which we discover new medicines, or how we optimize our economic decision making. The devices engineered at our Quantum Nanophotonics Lab at Queen's University are not improvements over existing architecture, but are rather based on a radically new approach that offers orders-of-magnitude improvement to size, speed and operating energy. In creating these, we develop new photonic systems, expand fundamental theory and understanding of the quantum world and educate the next generation of quantum engineers. These young scientists will be trained in state-of-the-art nanofabrication, experimental and theoretical quantum optics and advanced nanophotonic engineering, a unique blend of skills that will allow them to succeed and drive innovation across the Canadian academic and industrial sectors.

我们的研究探索了非线性光学的新前沿，处于量子领域的最边缘。在那里，我们逐个光子“构建”相干量子光学非线性，设计以超快速度塑造量子光子态（例如单光子）的非线性响应。我们团队对单量子发射器和纳米级光场的控制使这种全新的非线性光学方法成为可能。事实上，我们现在可以设计这些来引发单光子的强烈非线性响应，从而将我们带到高阶量子非线性的悬崖，其中多个单独的光子同时与量子物体相互作用。在接下来的五年中，我们将（1）研究新的少体量子现象，深入了解单光子水平上的基本非线性光与物质相互作用； （2）学习如何利用这些现象在亚纳秒时间尺度上操纵量子态； (3)基于这些有源元件设计可扩展的量子电路。我们的研究将通过为光子量子网络、模拟器甚至计算机提供关键的光子元件，帮助加拿大在全球可行的量子技术竞赛中处于领先地位：这些技术将彻底改变我们沟通的方式、我们发现的方式新药，或者我们如何优化我们的经济决策。女王大学量子纳米光子学实验室设计的设备并不是对现有架构的改进，而是基于一种全新的方法，该方法在尺寸、速度和运行能量方面提供了数量级的改进。在创建这些系统的过程中，我们开发了新的光子系统，扩展了量子世界的基础理论和理解，并教育了下一代量子工程师。这些年轻科学家将接受最先进的纳米制造、实验和理论量子光学以及先进纳米光子工程方面的培训，这是一种独特的技能组合，将使他们能够成功并推动加拿大学术和工业部门的创新。