Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

High-precision time measurements and data cryptography are becoming increasingly crucial aspects of our digital lives. Optical-based devices are one of the most exploited solutions to these purposes. In particular, frequency combs have revolutionized metrology so deeply to deserve the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2005 (HÂnsch and Hall). On the other hand, cryptographic systems based on the quantum properties of light are starting to become a standard for secure data transfer. Optical quantum processing has been recognized with the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2012 (Serge Haroche). However, these technologies currently rely on bulky and expensive laboratory equipment. Therefore, it is now fundamental to transfer those concepts to the realm of integrated optics, thus bridging the gap from research to high-technology applications. Here we propose to develop an integrated, universal source of frequency combs and entangled photon pairs, compatible with the current electronic platform. Based on a new scheme developed in our group we will generate i) octave-spanning frequency combs, and ii) entangled photon pairs (the building blocks of quantum cryptography algorithms) on a chip. The PI's laboratory already hosts almost all the necessary equipment. However few FUNDAMENTAL components (requested in the current application) are still urgently needed. A mid-infrared (1 to 5 micron) camera, to be coupled with an available spectrometer, will provide the necessary frequency bandwidth for recording the octave-spanning frequency comb, while a custom-made Erbium-doped phosphate fiber amplifier will furnish the external gain to our integrated photon source. On the other hand, a single photon detector, together with a time-to-digital converter, will complete the equipment necessary for demonstrating photon entanglement. This application will complement funding from other sources. The benefits related to our research programs are twofold: they will pave the way to the development of new advanced technologies while promoting the training of highly qualified personnel, consistently with the needs of Canadian industry and society.