Grant: Canada Excellence Research Chairs

The conventional photonic quantum bit, or ‘qubit,’ describes a system with two dimensions. Establishing reliable and scalable, higher-dimensional systems using the spatial degree of freedom of single photons enables a test bed for a plethora of potential applications in higher-dimensional quantum information processing, quantum computing, and quantum communication. Through fundamental and applied research in photonic quantum information processing, the CERC in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies will advance the science and applications for satellite-based quantum communications and quantum interfaces towards novel higher-dimensional quantum memory architectures, as well as quantum communication protocols using integrated-photonics based approaches. Building on Dr. Urbasi Sinha’s significant contributions to the manufacture and application of single and entangled photons and higher-dimensional quantum information processing, the interdisciplinary research program will draw on theoretical and experimental approaches to explore: 1) the development of novel payload platforms for satellite-based quantum communications; 2) the merging of higher-dimensional quantum information processing and solid-state quantum memories to advance new research directions in higher-dimensional quantum memories; and 3) the potential of various photon sources and integrated photonics-based approaches for the development of new quantum technology protocols. Leveraging a burgeoning quantum technologies innovation ecosystem and strong national and global networks, the CERC in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies will produce world-leading science, innovative technologies and applications of quantum innovations for economic and societal impact.