Photonic quantum technologies: non-destructive photon detection and quantum simulation in solid-state systems
Date
2021-12-16
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Abstract
Quantum technologies are progressing rapidly with the potential for a wide range of applications. Many different physical systems are being investigated to build quantum technologies. Photonics plays a crucial part here. Quantum networks will almost certainly rely on photons due to their high speed and very small interaction with the environment. Photonic quantum computing technology is very promising too and making long strides recently. Moreover, light-matter interaction is an essential part of most systems. Due to their ultrasmall dimensions, many quantum systems are manipulated using light. Among these solid-state systems are particularly interesting due to their potential for robust practical uses in the long term.
In this thesis, we propose two solid-state quantum devices employing photonic technologies in two very different areas - non-destructive photon number detection and quantum simulation. Non-destructive photon number detection finds application in both quantum networks and computing. Building on previous works to make non-destructive detectors using cross-phase modulation, we aimed for single-photon non-destructive detection using a nano-photonic cavity doped with rare-earth ions. The cavity however introduced complex phase shapes. Despite this challenge, a non-destructive detection scheme with high success probability and low loss was successfully proposed. The quantum many-body simulation proposal used recently discovered Rydberg excitons in semiconductors. Shining focused laser lights on a microscopic crystal, exciton patterns in any arbitrary shape can be created. The Rydberg interactions between these excitons would give rise to ordered phases and can have interesting applications like solving the maximum independent set problem. A very high fidelity exciton detection scheme was explored too.
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quantum communication, quantum network, quantum non-demolition measurement, quantum non-demolition detector, quantum satellite, Rydberg exciton, quantum simulation, maximum independent set
Citation
Goswami, S. (2021). Photonic quantum technologies: non-destructive photon detection and quantum simulation in solid-state systems (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.