Researchers Are One Step Closer to Making Integrated Quantum Optical Circuits a Reality
September 1, 2017 | KTHEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
KTH researchers have taken a significant step toward enabling optical quantum information processing on a chip. A new method in quantum nano photonics was published today in Nature Communications.
The group, from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, has managed to create the building blocks of such a system by integrating artificial atoms (quantum dots) in silicon-based photonic chips. They have generated and filtered single photons on-chip without the use of any external components. The results are presented in an article in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
Quantum computers and networks are expected to outperform today’s classical computers and networks, which encode information in binary bits. Rather than bits consisting of ones and zeros, quantum bits can simultaneously take a superposition of both values, which means that they can process significantly higher amounts of information with fewer calculation steps. Potential applications include energy efficient computation, sensing and secure communication.
However, there are challenges to overcome in order to be able to develop effective integrated quantum circuits. The Quantum Nano Photonics group at KTH solves these challenges in the work presented in Nature Communications, says KTH researcher Ali Elshaari, a co-author of the study.
In the past, it has been extremely difficult to isolate quantum dots and to place them in a useful circuit, as they are randomly grown without having high control over their properties and their position in the circuit. Additionally, it is difficult to generate single photons on the same chip without using external filtering to remove all unwanted signals from the quantum emitters and background light, Elshaari says.
The research team, led by Professor Val Zwiller and Klaus D. Jöns, used a novel nanomanipulation technique to transfer selected and pre-characterized single photon emitters in nanowires, on a silicon chip. The team then built an integrated optical circuit to filter single photons and multiplex them. The latter means using multiple quantum dots to generate light in various “colors” that can be used to encode different information on the same chip, he says.
“In order to achieve a functioning integrated quantum circuit, one must build its components deterministically,” Elshaari says. “That means every component of the circuit is carefully designed and optimized to perform a specific task. There is no room for randomness or chance when it comes to the characteristics of the source or its location in the optical circuit, unlike previous approaches.”
One of the new achievements of the research team's work is that they have created a hybrid approach that combines two semiconductor technologies, III-V technology in the form of nanowire-based quantum emitters, and silicon technology in the form of the integrated optical circuit, he says.“Hybrid integration with nanowires has not been done before. The results are a very important step toward enabling quantum information processing on a chip.”
Suggested Items
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Plasmatreat: Innovative Surface Preparation Solutions
04/25/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this interview, Editor Nolan Johnson speaks with Hardev Grewal, CEO and president of Plasmatreat, a developer of atmospheric plasma solutions. Plasmatreat uses clean compressed air and electricity to create plasma, offering environmentally friendly methosd for surface preparation. Their technology measures plasma density for process optimization and can remove organic micro-contamination. Nolan and Hardev also discuss REDOX-Tool, a new technology for removing metal oxides.
Nanotechnology Market to Surpass $53.51 Billion by 2031
04/25/2024 | PRNewswireSkyQuest projects that the nanotechnology market will attain a value of USD 53.51 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 36.4% over the forecast period (2024-2031).
Cadence, TSMC Collaborate on Wide-Ranging Innovations to Transform System and Semiconductor Design
04/25/2024 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence Design Systems, Inc. and TSMC have extended their longstanding collaboration by announcing a broad range of innovative technology advancements to accelerate design, including developments ranging from 3D-IC and advanced process nodes to design IP and photonics.
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.
Orbex Secures £16.7m Investment for Rocket ‘Ramp Up’ Period
04/24/2024 | OrbexThe UK spaceflight company Orbex has received £16.7m from six backers in an update to its Series C funding round.