Noel Wan—Large-scale integration of artificial atoms with photonic circuits

Noel Wan, a PhD candidate in electrical engineering and computer science, gave the Nano Explorations talk on February 2, 2021.

The construction of large, controllable quantum systems is a formidable task in quantum science and technology. In the context of quantum networks, single emitters in diamond have emerged as leading quantum bits that combine long coherence times with efficient optical interfaces. Despite their potential manufacturability, such solid-state qubits have been limited to small-scale quantum network demonstrations due to their low system efficiencies, deteriorated properties in devices, and low yields.

To address these challenges, Wan and fellow researchers report the development of a nanophotonic platform in diamond for the efficient control and routing of photons. In particular, Wan describes the fabrication and coupling of qubits to single-mode waveguides and photonic crystal resonators. He then demonstrates the large-scale heterogeneous integration of diamond waveguide-coupled qubits with photonic circuits in another material system.

This hybrid quantum chip architecture enables the combination of coherent qubits in diamond with low-loss active photonics in aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. This modularity also circumvents the low device yields associated with monolithic chips, enabling here a 128-channel, qubit-integrated photonic chip with frequency tunability and high optical coherence. As an outlook, Wan discusses ongoing efforts that combine the advances towards the construction of a quantum repeater microchip.

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Nano Explorations is a virtual seminar series powered by MIT.nano that features presentations by MIT students on their work in nanoscience, nanotechnology, and other advanced research fields. The series was launched as a way to keep our nano community connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presentations take place every other Tuesday at 11am EDT and are open to any interested viewers.