Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The unique properties of quantum entanglement can be harnessed to significantly outperform existing technologies, even performing tasks not possible with conventional technology. Quantum entanglement is an essential resource for secure quantum communication, quantum computing and quantum sensing. However, the leading photon technology to generate entangled photon pairs for these technologies is based on probabilistic approaches such as spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a non-linear crystal. Due to the probabilistic nature of the generation process, the pair efficiency of such sources is limited to ~1 % when operating with near-unity entanglement fidelity. In addition, the distance of quantum communication in fiber-based quantum networks is limited to nearby cities (~100 km) since quantum hardware does not exist to relay the quantum signal over long distances. This contrasts with relaying classical signals over long distances where it can be done by amplifying the signal in telecommunication networks. This research program aims to develop the missing quantum hardware needed for quantum networks to extend the distance of quantum communication from nearby cities to across the nation and linking remote quantum computers. This includes developing on-demand entangled photon sources using quantum dot in photonic nanowires with near-unity entanglement fidelity and state-of-the-art efficiency (>90%); quantum frequency conversion to telecom wavelengths for low-loss quantum communication channels via optical fiber by interfacing quantum dot single photons at 895 nm with cold atoms in micron-sized hollow-core fibers; and quantum repeaters for extending the distance of quantum communication from the scale of nearby cities to across the nation. Realizing a tunable entangled photon source is at the heart of this research program and will impact quantum technologies ranging from secure communication to quantum computing. At present, probabilistic entangled photon sources are used in these quantum technologies. Developing a more efficient entangled photon source that operates at a push of a button (i.e., on-demand) for these quantum technologies will enhance the secure key length, while such a source will enhance the speed of computation in photonic quantum computing and decrease the complexity of the quantum circuit. The missing quantum hardware that we will develop for realizing quantum networks will extend the distance of quantum communication from limited (~100 km) to across the nation and connect remote quantum computers to solve problems that we cannot today such as simulating quantum processes in biology and chemistry for pharmaceutical applications. This research program will also train the next generation workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to be leaders in the emerging quantum industry, which will create over 10,000 jobs and culminate into a multibillion-dollar (~$10B) industry in Canada within the next ten years.