Grant: Alliance Grants
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
$250,000.00
Low-index Quantum Optics (LexQuO)
EF 2024-25
Résumé
The "Low-index Quantum Optics" (LexQuO) project leverages the unique properties of strongly nonlinear near-zero-index (NZI) materials to advance quantum technologies, focusing on single-photon frequency conversion at telecom wavelengths and on-chip photon-pair generation - both essential for scalable quantum systems. This synergistic collaboration between Marcello Ferrera (UK) and Luca Razzari plus Roberto Morandotti (Canada) addresses current challenges in developing efficient single-photon sources and optical processing circuitry, which will be fully integrated on a single chip. The key research objectives include: 1) designing NZI-based thin films optimized for maximum optical nonlinearities; 2) demonstrating single-photon frequency conversion at telecom wavelengths, essential for integrating quantum systems with existing infrastructure; 3) developing and validating theoretical models to predict and optimize NZI material behavior; and 4) fabricating and testing nonlinear waveguides integrated with low-index material interconnects for efficient photon-pair generation. LexQuO aims to set new benchmarks in quantum photonics, improving the performance of quantum information processing and reinforcing Canada's leadership in the global quantum technology market. Committed to EDI principles, the project ensures a supportive and inclusive research environment. The applicants' diverse backgrounds foster a holistic training experience, enhancing interdisciplinarity and innovation potential. Trainees gain practical experience in clean room techniques, theoretical analysis, and experimental work, while also developing valuable skills in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, preparing them for diverse roles in the rapidly evolving quantum technology field. The project's anticipated advancements promise significant economic, social, and environmental benefits by fostering innovative, ultra-secure, and efficient solutions for telecommunications and data security, as well as for future quantum sensing devices.
Programme
Alliance Grants
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Quebec, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
597857-2024
Name nom
Razzari, Luca L
Department département
Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Centre - Varennes
Organization id
56
Institution établissement
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Province en
Québec
Province fr
Québec
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2024
Competition year année de concours
2024
Award amount
250000
Program id
ALLRP
Program name en
Alliance Grants
Program name fr
Subventions Alliance
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
514
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Communications equipment
Area of application fr
Matériel de télécommunications
Research subject code
3112
Research subject group en
Physics
Research subject group fr
Physique
Research subject en
Photonics
Research subject fr
Photonique
Field of research list names en
Not available
Field of research list names fr
Non disponible
Socioeconomic objective list names en
Not available
Socioeconomic objective list names fr
Non disponible
Application title
Low-index Quantum Optics (LexQuO)
Keywords
giant nonlinearities; integrated optics; near-zero index materials; nonlinear photonic thin films; nonlinear waveguides; on-chip nonlinear optics; photon pair generation; quantum photonics; single-photon frequency conversion; transparent conductive oxides
Application summary
The "Low-index Quantum Optics" (LexQuO) project leverages the unique properties of strongly nonlinear near-zero-index (NZI) materials to advance quantum technologies, focusing on single-photon frequency conversion at telecom wavelengths and on-chip photon-pair generation - both essential for scalable quantum systems. This synergistic collaboration between Marcello Ferrera (UK) and Luca Razzari plus Roberto Morandotti (Canada) addresses current challenges in developing efficient single-photon sources and optical processing circuitry, which will be fully integrated on a single chip. The key research objectives include: 1) designing NZI-based thin films optimized for maximum optical nonlinearities; 2) demonstrating single-photon frequency conversion at telecom wavelengths, essential for integrating quantum systems with existing infrastructure; 3) developing and validating theoretical models to predict and optimize NZI material behavior; and 4) fabricating and testing nonlinear waveguides integrated with low-index material interconnects for efficient photon-pair generation. LexQuO aims to set new benchmarks in quantum photonics, improving the performance of quantum information processing and reinforcing Canada's leadership in the global quantum technology market. Committed to EDI principles, the project ensures a supportive and inclusive research environment. The applicants' diverse backgrounds foster a holistic training experience, enhancing interdisciplinarity and innovation potential. Trainees gain practical experience in clean room techniques, theoretical analysis, and experimental work, while also developing valuable skills in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, preparing them for diverse roles in the rapidly evolving quantum technology field. The project's anticipated advancements promise significant economic, social, and environmental benefits by fostering innovative, ultra-secure, and efficient solutions for telecommunications and data security, as well as for future quantum sensing devices.
