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.
Light Synchronization Technique Heralds a Bright New Chapter for Small Atomic Clocks
In an effort to improve atomic clocks, JQI Fellow Kartik Srinivasan and his colleagues have been exploring how light is altered as it races repeatedly around a minuscule track on a chip. In an article in Nature, they describe a new way to use the devices to make precision measurements of light. The new technique might eliminate the need for several large, energy-hungry components in next-generation optical atomic clocks and other metrology tasks.
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 NIST and JQI have converted near-infrared laser light into specific desired wavelengths of visible light with high accuracy and efficiency. The technique has potential applications in precision timekeeping and quantum information science, which require highly specific wavelengths of visible laser light that cannot always be achieved with diode lasers (devices akin to LED lights) to drive atomic or solid-state systems.
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.