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.
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.
Shifted photonic crystal microrings and their application nonlinear nanophotonics
We demonstrate that a simple spatial shift of the position of a single period grating in a photonic crystal ring enables frequency control over multiple ring modes, and showcase its use in microresonator optical parametric oscillation.
Towards arbitrary dispersion engineering for broadband microcombs
We present an approach for near-arbitrary dispersion engineering of photonic crystal microrings used in microresonator frequency combs.
Usman Javid
Usman Javid is a postdoctoral researcher working at UMD and NIST. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan. He earned a PhD in Optics from University of Rochester. His dissertation focused on developing optical quantum simulation tools on the lithium niobate nanophotonic platform. Currently, he is working nonlinear wave-mixing interactions on chips. including optical frequency combs for clockwork operations and parametric oscillators.
Upcoming CLEO talks from our lab and its collaborators
Schedule of our talks at CLEO 2023
High-performance optical parametric oscillator on a silicon photonic chip
We report on a silicon photonics optical parametric oscillator with an unprecedented level of performance in terms of output power and efficiency.