Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The "Quantum Internet" is often considered the future generation of networking, where the shared quantum signals enable applications such as highly secure communications interfacing to remote quantum computers and quantum enhanced metrology. As of today, many different physical approaches are considered for quantum information. While it has yet to be determined which system is best suited to lead the quantum information revolution, it is clear that photons will play an important role in the communication between quantum devices. The photonic based quantum information systems that I plan to study are relevant to quantum communication, quantum sensing and imaging, and also fundamental quantum entanglement experiments. The proposed research devices we will implement will be tested and verified under outdoor conditions. The HQP will have the unique opportunity to perform research related to the Canadian quantum satellite mission called "Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite", and even participate in some of the experiment trials with the satellite, thereby gaining first hand experience in cutting edge optical satellite technology. The core themes of my proposed research are: - To work on highly stable and compact systems for the photon generation and photon detection for my research ground station located at Waterloo. This includes an entangled photon source with asymmetric wavelengths, and novel photon detectors based on array devices which could offer single-photon imaging but also photon number resolution.  These devices will be tested and verified outdoors, and if possible, will demonstrate interfacing a ground networks and ground based sources with the satellite based receiver node. - To implement and study strong optical nonlinearities suitable for few photon interactions, such as photon wavelength transducers and photon heralding. I plan to study several materials including waveguides, and micro-optical photonics such as micro-ring resonators, using strong nonlinear optic materials. These photon transducers will be important enablers in quantum communication networks including translating photons from the ~1550 nm wavelength optimal for fibre-optic networks with the ~790nm nm wavelength used in the ground to satellite link. I will also study photon heralding schemes which could enable loophole free Bell-tests over large distances, useful for highly secure quantum key distribution with device independence.