Hybrid integrated photonic devices: towards an all-optical chip for the emission, guidance, manipulation and detection of light

"Being able to combine different materials allows taking advantage of different properties and device engineering that cannot be found or exploited within a single material system. In the realm of integrated photonics, it allows to increase the device functionalities by, for instance, combining efficient classical and quantum light emission available in III-V semiconductors, low-loss light propagation accessible in silicon-based materials, fast electro-optical properties of lithium niobate and broad-band reflectors and/or buried metallic contacts for local electric field application or electrical injection of emitters. We have developed a transfer printing technique based on the removal of arrays of free-standing membranes and their deposition onto a host material. The student will use this approach to realise hybrid devices for classical and quantum photonics, taking advantage of the possibility of stacking relatively large areas of different materials and carrying out nano-fabrication processes on the final layered stack (or on each layer after transfer). In this way, she/he will develop high performing all-optical circuits composed of light emitters, low loss waveguides and superconducting detectors for the emission, routing, manipulation and detection of light on a chip. The project will involve design, nanofabrication and optical characterisation of integrated photonic devices.
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