Abstract: Quantum photonics provides a powerful toolbox with vast
applications ranging from quantum simulation, photonic information
processing, all optical universal quantum computation, secure quantum
internet as well as quantum enhanced sensing. Many of these
applications require the integration of several complex optical
elements and material systems which pose a challenge in scalability.
Integration of linear and non-linear photonics on a chip is essential
to tackle this issue leading to more compact, high bandwidth devices.
I will address the problem of a scalable, chip integrated, fast single
photon source, by using atomically thin layers of 2D materials
interfaced with plasmonic waveguides. Another important element in the
quantum photonics toolbox is a quantum memory. To address the
challenge of creating a chip integrated nanophotonic quantum memory, I
will introduce a new material system realized by integrating rare
earth ions with the emerging commercial platform of thin film lithium
niobate on insulator. Rare earth ions have found widespread use in
classical and quantum information processing. However, these are
traditionally doped in bulk crystals which hinder their scalability. I
will discuss an integrated photonic interface for rare earth ions in
thin film lithium niobate that preserves it's favorable optical
properties. This combination of rare earth ions with the chip-scale
active interface of thin film lithium niobate opens a plethora of
opportunities for compact optoelectronic devices. An immediate
application is in the development of a nanophotonic quantum memory
with an optical cavity coupled rare earth atomic ensemble. Another
important application is the development of a compact integrated
telecom laser by interfacing Erbium (rare earth) ions with ring
cavities in thin film lithium niobate. Strong light matter interaction
at the nanoscale may also render the possibility of single ion
addressability which can potentially lead to an excellent spin photon
interface.
(pizza and drinks served at 12pm; talk starts at 12:10pm)