Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This research program represents a promising direction at the intersection of photonics, material science, and nanotechnology to advance Silicon Photonics. All components of silicon photonic circuits have been developed to a descent level of functionality except efficient light sources. To address this issue my interdisciplinary research program at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) brings together the creation of (a) novel materials and (b) using these materials in optimally designed nanostructures. The goal to enhance the light emission properties of silicon-based platforms will be accomplished over the next five years along with collaborators in Canada, US, Netherlands, and Germany. In more detail, the objectives of this NSERC Discovery Grant (DG) proposal are built based on the demonstrated successes of current and previous projects and will further be continued as follows in the short term: 1)Develop novel tri rare-earth doped silicon oxide thin films and understand their luminescence mechanisms. 2)Develop isolated tellurium ions in pure silicon nanocavities. 3)Enhance the emissions of G-centres in pure silicon. 4)Inversion Design of silicon single photon sources. In the long term, I aim to improve the material performance and photonic structures of emitter centres in scalable silicon platforms to achieve an "ideal" photon source beyond the reach of existing technologies used for quantum photonic circuits. This interdisciplinary project will establish the first silicon photonic laboratory at UNB and the Province of New Brunswick. To make this expensive and demanding research program possible, I have developed strong collaborations nationally and internationally. Leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, the US, the Netherlands, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, this project will offer students one of the best training programs in the nanofabrication of next-generation efficient silicon light emitters with the potential application for quantum technology. This NSERC DG program, in the next five years, will strengthen the ability of 14 highly qualified personnel (HQP): 3 PhD, 4 MSc and 7 UG students to work skillfully with collaborators and conduct leading-edge research by accessing state-of-the-art outside facilities. Single photon sources are the key building block of quantum memories for the applications in quantum networks and quantum cryptography. With the current world race in advancing quantum technology, to maintain its leadership, Canada and the Province of New Brunswick need to take more concrete actions in both quantum communications and networks. In parallel with the strategic plans of the governments of Canada and the Province, the outcome of this research can accelerate the talent pipeline and government and industry involvement.