Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Quantum mechanics led to a revolution in science and technology that impacts our daily lives.  Devices, such as computer chips and lasers, are based firmly on quantum effects.  We are on the verge of the next wave of quantum technology, where exotic effects such as entanglement, uncertainty, and interference are harnessed to make blazingly fast computers and absolutely secure codes.  The most promising route to optical quantum computers is based on the recently discovered "one-way" model.  In this model, computation proceeds by making measurements on individual quantum particles from a large entangled "cluster" state.  Each measurement irreversibly eats away at the entanglement of the cluster, hence the name one-way. Measurement is an intrinsically random process in quantum mechanics.  The one-way model counteracts this randomness by adapting the future measurements settings based on the outcomes of ones past.  We will create entangled polarization states of light designed for the one-way model.  The capability to change measurement settings before the next photon arrives requires fast electrically-controlled polarization rotators called Pockels' cells, fast detection, and logic electronics.  This NSERC Research Tools and Instrumentation application is requesting funds for equipment enabling fast adaptive measurements which have not yet been implemented for one-way quantum computing.   This equipment will be used initially for one student's M.Sc. and Ph.D. projects.  In addition, one post-doctoral researcher and one undergraduate student (per year) will have access to the equipment.  These students will gain experience interfacing state-of-the-art optical equipment to computer-controlled experiments, and sensitive photon-counting devices.