Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Single-photon technologies have considerably evolved beyond applications in quantum information science (e.g. quantum computing, quantum key distribution, etc.). Nowadays, they are found in multiple new areas including spectroscopy, particle detection, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring. It is anticipated that in the next 10 years and beyond, single-photon generation and detection technologies will not only be increasingly prominent in quantum cryptography and quantum internet, but they will also be progressively integrated into light detection and ranging instrumentation systems such as quantum radar. These quantum optical technologies rely on the accurate generation and detection of individual photons. As these quantum devices and testbeds evolve from the lab to field applications, they will need to be stable, reliable, and well characterized. This program will explore innovative protocols that enable single-photon generation, detection and characterization techniques for future quantum photonic applications. The proposed research leverages existing expertise in measuring key photon detection and generation parameters, such as single-photon detector efficiency and single-photon source performance metrics including photon purity. The laboratory at the National Research Council Canada is well equipped to characterize several types of single-photon sources, such those based on semiconductor quantum dots and defects in 2D materials, using a variety of single-photon detectors based on semiconductor materials and on superconducting technologies. The overarching goal of this program is to continuously advance single-photon technologies through: 1) the development of characterization tools, techniques, and methodologies for single-photon sources and detectors; 2) the optimization of emission characteristics of state-of-the-art single-photon sources; and 3) the broadening of the scope of applications for single-photon measurement techniques. Through the development and characterization of single-photon sources and their detectors, this program will enable the uptake of single-photonic technologies in a variety of areas including in Canadian infrastructure as hardware for quantum internet and wireless communications. The HQP involved in this program will benefit from both theoretical and hands-on training that is critical to maintain Canada's leadership position in this high-tech field.