PhoG

Sub-Poissonian Photon Gun by Coherent Diffusive Photonics

EU Flagship Quantum Technologies

The goal of the project is to deliver deterministic and compact sources of highly non-classical states, from sub-Poissonian light to multi-mode entanglement, all using a single technological platform.
The consortium PhoG will build working prototypes and develop the technological foundation for the applications of these sources in advanced optical imaging and metrology.
The proposed sources will be based on a novel paradigm in photonic devices: coherent diffusive photonics operating with dissipatively coupled optical waveguides. The project will demonstrate that light can flow diffusively while retaining coherence and even entanglement, can be effectively equalized and distributed in a controlled way by means of dissipative coupling. Such unique light propagation regimes will be realized with the help of a photonic analogue of a tight-binding lattice using coupled waveguide networks in linear and non-linear glass materials. The decisive role is played by the linear and nonlinear engineered loss. These coherent photonic devices will be fabricated by ultrafast laser inscription. The dissipative coupling will be realised by coupling each pair of the waveguides carrying optical signal to a linear chain of waveguides that act as a dissipative reservoir. Efficient quantum diagnostic methods will be developed to verify the source characteristics and to assess their technological readiness. We expect coherent diffusive photonic devices to find applications in photonic networks and in a range of metrology tasks, potentially also for simulations of complex quantum dynamics. The specific project goals are:
(1) to implement a family of compact sub-Poissonian photon guns, capable of robust generation of mesoscopic non-classical and entangled states at 1550 nm and at 852/894 nm;
(2) to perform a feasibility study of their applications in entanglement-enhanced imaging and atomic clocks aiming at the 2-4 times better clock frequency stability.

Consortium

Natalia Korolkova

Theoretical Quantum Information Group, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom

Our group combines different fundamental aspects of quantum optics with more application-oriented research in practical quantum communication. Our main field is quantum information using continuous variables of light and its applications in experimental quantum communication including secure quantum signatures and coherent signal transport.
A large focus lies on the theory of quantum correlations in and beyond entanglement for Gaussian states. We further work on new settings for quantum computation over continuous variables, like measurement-based schemes, ancilla-driven quantum computation (ADQC), topological quantum computation (TQC) and some other, novel paradigms. On the more fundamental side, we are interested in engineered dissipation, physics of open quantum systems and in quantum state characterisation.

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Dmitri Mogilevtsev

Theory Quantum Optics Group, Institute of Physics, Minsk, Belarus

The B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics (IPNASB) was founded in 1955 and is at present one of the leading scientific institutions in Belarus, comprising about 530 academic staff. Its area of research is mainly connected to laser physics, quantum optics and spectroscopy. The Institute closely collaborates with a number of the Belarusian small and medium enterprises producing laser and spectroscopic equipment for the Belarusian and world markets. The scientists of the Institute are world leaders in such areas as dye lasers and dynamic holography. Directly involved with PhoG is the Center for Quantum Optics and Information 2015, specializing, in particular, in the research on non-classical states of light, super-resolution imaging, and quantum tomography. Researchers of the Center have extensive experience in theoretical methods of quantum state/process inference, open system dynamics.

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Christine Silberhorn

Integrated Quantum Optics Group, University of Paderborn, Germany

The IQO group develops novel optical devices and methods for possible future applications in quantum information processing, quantum communication and for fundamental quantum experiments. Exploiting the potential of integrated optical devices enables on the one hand the realization of compact, miniaturized and rugged quantum lights sources and converters. Moreover, on the other hand, integrated quantum optics enables the implementation of quantum optic experiments with high complexity. Both aspects can be considered to be an important milestone towards the development of quantum technologies. These promise exciting novel applications by exploiting specific quantum properties which are not accessible with classical resources.

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Robert Thomson

Photonic Instrumentation Group, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

The HWU team is part of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) which carries out a broad range of world-leading research in photonics, engineering photonics and quantum sciences. IPaQS builds on Heriot-Watt's 40+ years of history in world-leading research in photonics. The diverse research topics within IPaQS include lasers and optical sensing approaches, future manufacturing methods, and the fundamentals of quantum information. A key area of expertise lies in quantum sciences and their close relationship with photonics-based technology. The broad research base encourages cross-fertilisation of ideas across the theoretical and experimental topics of photonics and quantum sciences, giving the Institute a strong capability to manage the challenges of contemporary academic research. IPaQS has strong links to industry and other collaborative partner laboratories and currently has formal strategic alliances with SELEX ES, Renishaw and AWE. The depth and quality of photonics research in IPaQS has led to the formation of a number of successful spin-out companies including Edinburgh Instruments, Helia Photonics, Optoscribe and PowerPhotonic.

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Dmitri Boiko

CSEM, Switzerland

CSEM is a private, non-profit Swiss research and technology organization focused on generating value for a sustainable world.

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Publications

S. Mukherjee, D. Mogilevtsev, G. Ya. Slepyan, T. H. Doherty, R. R. Thomson, N. Korolkova: "Dissipatively coupled waveguide networks for coherent diffusive photonics", Nature Communications 8, 1909 (2017).

A photonic circuit is generally described as a structure in which light propagates by unitary exchange and transfers reversibly between channels. In contrast, the term 'diffusive' is more akin to a chaotic propagation in scattering media, where light is driven out of coherence towards a thermal mixture. Based on the dynamics of open quantum systems, the combination of these two opposites can result in novel techniques for coherent light control. The crucial feature of these photonic structures is dissipative coupling between modes, via an interaction with a common reservoir. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that such systems can perform optical equalisation to smooth multimode light, or act as a distributor, guiding it into selected channels. Quantum thermodynamically, these systems can act as catalytic coherent reservoirs by performing perfect non-Landauer erasure. For lattice structures, localised stationary states can be supported in the continuum, similar to compacton-like states in conventional at band lattices.

Latest News

7 June 2019 Biannual Project Meeting 1, University of Paderborn, Germany (agenda, photo)
18-22 February 2019 The first European Quantum Technology Conference (EQTC 2019), initiated by the European funding initiative Quantum Flagship, took place in Grenoble, France. (programme, photo)
22 November 2018 PhoG [820365] Kick-off meeting, University of St Andrews, UK (agenda)
2 November 2018 Press releases published by the University of St Andrews (link) and University of Paderborn (link)
29-30 October 2018 Kick-off meeting for the Quantum Flagship in Vienna, Austria (poster presentation)

Photos and Posters

Biannual Project Meeting 1

Paderborn, 7 Jun 2019.

EQTC 2019

European Quantum Technologies Conference. Grenoble, 18 Feb 2019.

PhoG Kick-off meeting

Agenda for the meeting held on 22 Nov 2018 in St Andrews.

PhoG Group Photo

St Andrews, 22 Nov 2018.

PhoG - Project 820365

Aim of the project. Expected deliverables. The Consortium. Presentation for the Vienna Kick-off Meeting on 29-30 Oct 2018.

Quantum Simulation Projects

Information on other projects in the Quantum Simulation pillar of the Quantum Technologies Flagship.

PhoG poster for Vienna meeting

Vienna, 29-30 October 2018. Why? How? Physics. Expected Deliverables for PhoG.

Contact

Dr Natalia Korolkova
School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews,
North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, Scotland, UK

About the Quantum Flagship

The Quantum Flagship was launched in 2018 as one of the largest and most ambitious research initiatives of the European Union. With a budget of €1 billion and a duration of 10 years, the flagship brings together research institutions, academia, industry, enterprises, and policy makers, in a joint and collaborative initiative on an unprecedented scale.
The main objective of the Flagship is to consolidate and expand European scientific leadership and excellence in this research area as well as to transfer quantum physics research from the lab to the market by means of commercial applications and disruptive technologies. With over 5000 researchers from academia and industry involved in this initiative throughout its lifetime, it aims to create the next generation of disruptive technologies that will impact Europe's society, placing the region as a worldwide knowledge-based industry and technological leader in this field.

Our project PhoG is part of the European Union's Quantum Flagship research and innovation initiative, and is funded under project agreement [820365].