Grant: Alliance Grants

The goals of this project are to develop compact, efficient and robust quantum source based on thin film lithium niobate photonic integrated circuit (TFLN-PIC). Quantum source is a key component and urgently demanded in quantum communication networks. We will also investigate and demonstrate advantages of PIC based quantum source in quantum communication networks, which is especially important to build robust and cost-effective quantum communication networks based on both fiber and satellite. The major outcomes of this project will be new generation of quantum sources suitable for practical quantum communication networks by leveraging the industry partners' expertise on photonic device design/packaging/commercialization, McMaster team's strength on nonlinear optical material/device development and Waterloo team's expertise on quantum communication and key distribution (QKD). The proposed quantum source integrates multiple devices into one single PIC chip, greatly reducing size and complexity of the quantum source. Quantum research and development are considered strategically important to Canada. One application of the proposed quantum sources is quantum communication where entangled photons are distributed between two or more receivers. Entanglement plays an important role in the development of quantum technologies - an area that has been identified globally as a key priority of studying improved computing power, faster search algorithms, and secure communication protocols. In response to the development of this exciting field, Canada has recently dedicated resources to support scientific progress through initiatives such as Canada's National Quantum Strategy. The expected project results will not only enhance Canada's competitiveness in the quantum communication industry, but will also lead to a new class of product (i.e. quantum source with high degree of integration) to be brought to the marketplace by our industry partners.