Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>Since its discovery, quantum mechanics has kept surprising scientists with its seemingly counterintuitive properties. Interestingly, we now know that one of its most startling features, quantum entanglement, can be exploited as an enabling resource for revolutionary technologies. These include quantum cryptography, promising completely secret communications on which it is impossible to eavesdrop, as well as quantum computers, allowing for new types of computations with quantum speedups. To bring these technologies to fruition, we must develop the underlying tools and resources to create, manipulate and measure quantum systems with high precision.</p> <p>In previous works, my collaborators and I demonstrated a promising new method to produce quantum states of light called <em>cascaded downconversion</em>. My group is now embarking on a research program with the aim of harnessing the power of this physical process for quantum applications. Cascaded downconversion requires the combination of two compatible sources of entangled photon pairs. I have secured funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and from the Universit&eacute; de Moncton for the construction of one of these sources. This application is requesting funding for equipment necessary to build the other source required for the cascade. This equipment comprises a laser system, optics for entanglement generation, single-photon detectors and an automated measurement system to characterize the source performance. </p> <p>Once both sources are built, they will be combined into a single setup and used to produce entangled states of light, as well as to study the properties of cascaded downconversion. The equipment will be utilised by two graduate students and undergraduate summer students, who will develop a wide range of advanced skills working with optics, lasers, computer programming and automation, and electronics. Through this training of highly qualified personnel, and by helping to develop novel technologies with commercialization potential in the emerging field of quantum information, this research will provide significant tangible benefits to Canadians.<br /> <br /> </p>