Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Semiconductor quantum photon emitters are foundational to enable most of the quantum applications including quantum communications, quantum sensing/metrology, quantum cryptography and optical quantum computing. Such quantum single photon emitters (SPEs) are also crucial for advanced applications, including quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPIC) for on-chip communication and quantum imaging. The requested closed cycle cryostat for integration with the micro-photoluminescence and second-order autocorrelation setup at INRS will enable developing next-generation quantum light sources operating over a wide spectral range at cryogenic temperatures to above room temperature. Such cryogenic temperatures measurements will enable to solve several challenges associated with phonon related spectral broadening effects generally seen at room temperature measurements. The critically required facility will enable us to perform various funded quantum science and technology related research projects, including NSERC Alliance Quantum, NSF-NSERC Alliance Quantum international, NSERC Discovery, Photonique Quantique Quebec and so forth. The requested program has compelling scientific merits and far-reaching applications related to quantum information processing. The applicants S. Sadaf and A. Ruediger (INRS), C. Bradac (Trent University). K. Bevan (McGill univrsity), and H. Maher (Sherbrooke University) currently focus on the development of various classical and non-classical nanostructured solid-state devices. The applicants' excellent track-records and complementary expertise will ensure timely progress and overall success of the envisioned goals. Moreover, the project has attracted 12 national and international collaborators and industry partners. The requested cryostat have all the features to study a wide range of materials including III-nitride nanostructured semiconductors, defects/color centres, two-dimensional (2D) materials and strain-engineered 2D/3D hybrid. Besides, non classical SPE development, the equipment will be used to develop classical nanoscale devices, including nanoLEDs, and nanophotocatalysts. The proposed system will lead to a dynamic training environment for students to explore three unique materials platforms to develop high efficiency quantum emitters for diverse quantum applications. The team currently supervised 30+ graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (across four universities and departments: energy & materials, physics, electrical engineering and materials science). Moreover, the projects supported by the requested equipment will lead to new partnerships with Canada's leading photonic companies in the quantum photonics field and spin-offs in the photonics sector. Finally, the proposed program will significantly enhance the growth of Canada's quantum research, technologies and talents, as outlined in the national quantum strategy (NQS).