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)
