Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Specifically, this proposal is a request for 1) a specialized camera capable of high-efficiency imaging of individual photons for Quantum Optics experiments targeting the manipulation of single-photon emitters by a nanostructured environment 2) a high temperature vacuum chamber to manipulate the sample environment under observation. The camera is an electron multiplying CCD (EMCCD) camera capable of imaging and quantifying single photon events, that will provide unmatched sensitivity to single photon events (high quantum efficiency), very low read-out noise and rapid frame rates. The chamber is capable of varying the temperature, pressure and gas specie surrounding samples while under observation. Both have been selected for their easy integrability into our microscopy system. Many revolutionary applications predicted across quantum cryptography, quantum computing and enhanced quantum sensing presume access to a reliable, on-demand, single photon source. However, such emission is observed only at cryogenic temperatures and a practical, room-temperature solution is becoming essential. The fundamental issue is that outside of cryogenic temperatures, such photon emission is stochastic. Once excited, a quantum emitter (atoms, quantum dots or fluorescing molecules) can spontaneously emit a photon to return to its ground state, but it becomes challenging, nearly impossible in fact, to accurately predict when or exactly how many photons will be emitted. As this photon lifetime and emission behaviour is highly dependent on the electromagnetic states in the immediate (nanoscale) surroundings of the emitter, that is our path to a solution. Finding a solution to the single photon source problem thus requires: 1) fabrication of novel nanophotonic environments to optimize emitter response, 2) deep understanding of quantum optics metrology to test for truly quantum sources, and 3) sophisticated microscopy to perform the actual measurements. We have assembled all other equipment, the necessary expertise and ambitious student researchers. Furthermore, we already demonstrated strong control over photon lifetimes at room temperature and believe we are on the verge of a breakthrough in quantum emission control. This proposal requests the last components necessary to complete our custom microscopy system and properly demonstrate on-demand single photon emission. The quantum nature of light is increasingly important to our technological advancement. Projects in communication, medicine, sensing and computing all depend on our better understanding and manipulating light in the quantum regime. Given the right equipment, this team will develop new material platforms, advanced applications and knowledgeable HQP, bringing recognition to Canada worldwide in both fundamental science as well as applications of quantum nanophotonics and control of quantum emission.