Extreme light-matter interaction in the solid-state for quantum technologies

Optoelectronic devices are vital in our modern society for processing and transmitting information. Electronic signals are manipulated at GHz frequencies with semiconductor devices and signals are transmitted over large distances via optical fibres using semiconductor lasers and detectors. However, new approaches to process and transmit information are required to keep pace with the daunting increase in the volume of information and the continued miniaturization of devices. To address this, radical ideas which exploit coherent quantum states are being developed for a diverse range of applications including communication, information processing, and metrology. As with the existing digital economy, semiconductor heterostructures will be central to future commercialization of quantum technologies. The most feasible approach to implement quantum technologies is to interface flying bits of quantum information, photons, with the semiconductor quantum states. Hence, quantum photonic devices with extremely efficient light-matter interaction (at the single photon level) are paramount for the future digital economy. This Challenging Engineering programme aims to engineer ideal quantum photonic devices and exploit them for an array of quantum technologies. Success will be a major boost to UK competitiveness in a key frontier research area and strategies are in place to impact multiple academic disciplines, UK industry, and multiple segments of the general public.

Radical proposals which exploit coherent quantum states are being developed for a diverse range of applications including communication, information processing, and metrology. As with the existing digital economy, semiconductor heterostructures will be central to future commercialization of quantum technologies. This programme aims to engineer the ideal quantum photonic device and exploit it for an array of quantum technologies, including: cryptography, metrology, information processing, and communication. This programme aims to have a wide-ranging impact. Specifically: - We will provide unique training to a number of young scientists. This training includes: advanced fabrication technologies, advanced laser and electronic technologies, simulation software, and semiconductor device design. The team members will also have the ability to visit Hitachi Laboratory and Harvard University for training and collaborative work during which they will be exposed to new approaches to problem solving, new techniques, new technology, and- perhaps most importantly- new cultures. These young scientists will be in high demand in industry upon graduation. - We will work closely with UK industry, in particular project partners Hitachi, Renishaw, and Element Six. We will also work closely with the National Physical Laboratory on precise characterization of the novel devices. These companies are eager for knowledge transfer and uptake of quantum technologies. Success in this programme will enhance the innovative capacity of UK industry and potentially contribute toward wealth creation due to the creation and growth of companies and jobs. - We also seek to educate and create enthusiasm for non-experts, particularly of school age, in this cutting edge research. We will send team members into schools, design exhibitions for science festivals, publish popular science articles, and design a web-site accessible to non-experts. Potential long term impact of these devices includes the following: 5-10 years: Our modern society relies on the ability to communicate with utmost security (e.g. transactions over the internet). The most secure way is to encode information in a quantum mechanical state such as the polarization of a single photon. This research will develop quantum photonic devices that emit single photons capable ultra-secure communication. This could benefit consumers, industries such as the finance and banking, and national security within the government. 5-15 years: Efficient processing of information can be achieved with a highly non-linear optical interaction. A single emitter in a device with 100% coupling efficiency can satisfy this, potentially leading to the ability to more energy efficient devices. Furthermore, communicating information at the single photon level is much more energy efficient than today's technologies and could positively impact the environment. 5-15 years: Entangled photons offer the possibility for quantum imaging, which has sub-diffraction limited resolution, which could positively impact both the physical and life-sciences. 10-20 years: These devices have potential to be used as a resource for linear-optical quantum computing, which could lead to accurate quantum simulations. Quantum simulations would be revolutionary, for instance enabling the design of new materials and new drugs from the bottom up.