Grant: Alliance Grants

Canada is presently at the forefront of quantum computer development based on silicon integrated photonics-a platform which leverages established optical data communication and semiconductor fabrication technologies. Quantum computers based on integrated photonics offer immense potential for exceptionally compact systems which can be scaled to reach millions of qubits and operating at room temperature. This technology is a leading candidate to drive the anticipated quantum revolution, with Canada well poised to play a leading role in future quantum industries. Integrated photonic components are also now beginning to replace older technologies for classical optical internet data communications. However, the central remaining challenge for the silicon photonics platform is to find a way to better integrate optical transducers (quantum light sources and single photon detectors for quantum applications, lasers for data communications) on this platform. This research collaboration between McMaster University and Xanadu Quantum Technologies will develop game-changing approaches for integrating highly-efficient III-V semiconductor optoelectronic devices (quantum entangled-photon sources, lasers, single photon detectors) on the silicon integrated photonics platform. A novel ultra-thin strain-reducing Ge buffer layer approach based on ion implantation and selective oxidation will be employed to relieve lattice misfit strain and enable III-V optoelectronic device growth directly on the Si platform. High-symmetry semiconductor quantum dots will be developed by employing surface modification with surfactants and high-symmetry substrate orientations. These approaches will be deployed to monolithically integrate quantum dot light emitters, detectors and lasers on the silicon integrated photonics platform. These technologies could light up the next generation of internet data communication and drive the scale-up of optical quantum computers and quantum communications to power the quantum revolution.