University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a new type of single photon source (SPS) chip designed to use electrical pulses to generate entangled single photons, separate these photons based on chirality, and convert these to path-encoded photon qubits. Composed of various nano-photonic devices integrated on the same substrate this novel chip could revolutionize single photon optics and fields such as quantum computation.
Description
Quantum computing is a growing field still in early stages of research and development. Itis hoped that, with time, the technology will be superior to supercomputers that use traditional computing approaches. Quantum computing requires qubits and these novel SPS chips could provide path-encoded qubits. The chips will be needed to develop quantum communication and this novel SPS chip design could meet the current critical need for high-selectivity, high-throughput polarization-resolving chiral coupler and single photo sources in this field.
Applications
1. Quantum computing 2. Quantum Communication 3. High precision sensors
Advantages
This novel SPS chip will contain several nano-photonic devices: single isolated quantum-dots light-emitting diode (QD-LED), plasmonic chiral coupler, wavelength-tunable micro-ring waveguide bandpass filter, and plasmonic-to-dielectric waveguide coupler. The chip combines these components integrating them onto the same substrate andcan be used to transform polarization-entangled photons from a quantum dot (QD) emitter to path-entangled photons on low-loss dielectric waveguides. A key feature is the inclusion of a plasmonic chiral coupler which provides extra gain of photon emission rate and can compensate for insertion losses of the entire circuit, unlike conventional coupling.
Invention Readiness
Currently in the concept phase, this chip is based on recent studies that demonstrated circularly polarized electric dipoles harbor a near-field concentrated wave with an energy flux five orders of magnitude larger (at approximately 1nm radial distance) compared to far-field radiation. The intrinsic properties of this near-field energy flux could be harnessed to manipulate fundamental properties of dipole emission and in conjunction with other nano-photonics like a plasmonic couple, a high-efficiency chiral coupler structure with high polarization-selectivity and Purcell factor could lead to the development of functional SPS chips. These SPS chips could enable a high bitrate, polarization-selectivity, and throughput generation of entangled photons with a small form-factor. Additionally, they can be readily scaled.
IP Status
Patent Pending
