Cavity optomechanical device
We are interested in the physics and engineering of nanophotonic devices in the context of quantum information science, metrology, communications, and sensing. We use nanofabrication technology to develop engineered geometries that strongly enhance light-matter interactions, such as parametric nonlinear optical processes, coupling to quantum emitters, and acousto-optic effects. We study the basic device-level physics and tailor devices for specific applications, and our research generally involves computational modeling, nanofabrication, and optoelectronic and quantum photonic characterization. Recent topics have included quantum frequency conversion, single-photon and entangled-photon generation, microresonator frequency combs, optical parametric oscillators, and cavity electro-optomechanical transducers.
More generally, nanophotonic systems offer us the ability to study interesting physics in a controllable way, using platforms that are inherently suitable for the development of new technologies. Our labs are at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD, and the Joint Quantum Institute at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Bullseye! New Method Accurately Centers Quantum Dots Within Photonic Chips
Researchers at JQI and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed standards and calibrations for optical microscopes that allow quantum dots to be aligned with the center of a photonic component to within an error of 10 to 20 nanometers (about one-thousandth the thickness of a sheet of paper). Such alignment is critical for chip-scale devices that employ the radiation emitted by quantum dots to store and transmit quantum information.
Group talks at Photonics West
Our lab has several talks at the upcoming SPIE Photonics West conference in San Francisco from Jan 27 - Feb 1, 2024. If you are at the conference, please come check out our talks!
Light Synchronization Technique Heralds a Bright New Chapter for Small Atomic Clocks
Humanity’s desire to measure time more and more accurately has been a driving force in technological development, and improved clocks and the innovations behind them have repeatedly delivered unexpected applications and scientific discoveries. For instance, when sailors needed high precision timekeeping to better navigate the open seas, it motivated the development of mechanical clocks. And in turn, more accurate clocks allowed better measurements in astronomy and physics. Now, clocks are inescapable parts of daily life, but the demands of GPS, space navigation and other applications are still motivating scientists to push timekeeping to new extremes.
Synchronization of a soliton frequency comb to an external reference laser
We have published a paper in Nature describing the all-optical synchronization of a microresonator soliton to an external reference laser. This provides a passive, electronics-free approach to comb-laser locking, which is a fundamental step in microcomb use in a variety of applications.
Daniel Pimbi
Daniel Pimbi is a graduate student working on microring and photonic crystal resonators within the framework of multilayer integration. He earned a B.S. in Applied Physics from Towson University in 2020, followed by a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2021. In 2023, he successfully completed his M.Sc., receiving the prestigious Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., highest-ranking graduate from the College of Engineering. His master's thesis focused on the development of polarization-independent and rotation photonic Bragg grating filters.
Shao-Chien Ou
Shao-Chien Ou is a graduate student working on injection locking and self-injection locking in the context of nonlinear nanophotonics with microring resonators
Review article on telecommunications-band quantum technologies for quantum networks
A new review article on telecommunications-band quantum dot technologies for quantum networks.
Do the Bump: NIST Scientists Perfect Miniaturized Technique to Generate Precise Wavelengths of Visible Laser Light
In research, sometimes the bumpy path proves to be the best one. By creating tiny, periodic bumps in a miniature racetrack for light, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their colleagues at JQI have converted near-infrared (NIR) laser light into specific desired wavelengths of visible light with high accuracy and efficiency.
Wavelength-accurate nonlinear nanophotonics
We demonstrate methods to realize high wavelength accuracy in nonlinear nanophotonics.
3D printed waveguides for quantum light sources from quantum emitters
We demonstrate a strategy for efficient out-coupling of quantum dot emission into optical fibers based on 3D-printed polymer waveguides.