Develop chip-based devices with integrated quantum dots for basic quantum science research as well as applications in quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum networks

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards (CFDA 11.609) federal grant program provides $135,000 to Theiss Research, a non-profit research organization, to develop chip-based devices with integrated quantum dots. The purpose is to support basic quantum science research and applications in quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum networks.

The key activities include designing, fabricating, and testing chip-integrated photonic devices to generate quantum light from single quantum dots. This will involve developing nanofabrication processes to implement the devices, optimizing the quantum dot optical properties through electronic control, and producing finalized devices to support further quantum research and technology development. The expected outcomes include advancing chip-integrated quantum light sources and optimized nanofabrication processes for hybrid, multi-material integrated optical devices.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to develop chip-based devices with integrated quantum dots for basic quantum science research as well as applications in quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum networks.

Activities

The project will involve the design, fabrication and testing of chip-based integrated photonic devices for the generation of quantum light based on single quantum dots. Chip-integrated photonic components will be designed to allow the on-chip emitted quantum light to be maximally leveraged in quantum information applications - for instance, efficiently directing the on-chip emitted light towards signal processing systems on- or off-chip. Methods for electronic control of important quantum DOT optical properties, such as emission wavelength and temporal stability, will be investigated. Nanofabrication processes will be developed and optimized to implement the designed devices in hybrid chips involving multiple types of materials. Fabricated devices will be characterized for their optical performance, and measured results will provide feedback for further optimization. Finally, optimized devices will be produced to support research and development in photonic quantum information basic research and applications.

Expected outcomes

The project will lead to the development of chip-integrated devices containing quantum light sources based on single quantum dots, where the quantum DOT optical emission properties can be controlled electronically to meet necessary, stringent specifications for quantum information applications. IT will also lead to the development of optimized nanofabrication processes for a class of hybrid, multi-material chip-scale integrated optical devices that can be used in both basic research and applications in quantum information technologies. Finalized devices will be available for experimental quantum research and photonic quantum technology development.

Intended beneficiaries

Both fabrication processes and devices produced by this research will benefit scientists working in quantum science and technology investigations. This research will also benefit researchers doing work on on-chip integrated photonic circuits, nanophotonics, nanofabrication.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds --