Research in the QPG is focused on developing new quantum photonic materials and devices for applications in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum metrology. The type of research ranges from theory and design, to the fabrication and characterization of devices, and is naturally inter-disciplinary including fields such as quantum optics, nanomechanics, superconducting microwave circuits, and atomic physics.

Current Research Projects

Waveguide QED: A quantum emitter coupled to a waveguide (1D  radiation channel) can be used to dramatically modify the emission properties of the emitter.  Here we are coupling arrays of superconducting qubits through a common waveguide channel to study the many-body physics emerging from the interactions of the qubits mediated by (microwave) photons in the waveguide.

(a) Schematic of a `magic cavity’ arrangement of quantum emitters along a waveguide. (b) Optical and SEM images of a fabricated `magic cavity’ silicon microchip.

Metamaterial Superconducting Quantum Circuits: We are building superconducting quantum circuits consisting of metamaterials – synthetic materials built from modular component elements at or below the wavelength of light – to create microwave quantum circuits capable of advanced frequency division mutliplexing.

Hybrid Superconducting Quantum Circuits: We are developing a superconducting quantum circuit platform based on silicon-on-insulator which is integratable with other photonic and quantum electro-opto-mechanical devices.  Our current efforts are focused on realizing a quantum optical interface between the microwave and telecom frequency bands, enabling quantum entanglement via an optical fiber link between remote superconducting quantum circuit nodes.

Optical to microwave quantum converter chip
Optical image showing the edge of a silicon-on-insulator microchip in which optomechanical resonators (orange-red scattered light) are coupled to superconducting electrical circuits (background).

Quantum Optomechanics: Using optical techniques, we are studying the quantum mechanical properties of nanoscale mechanical structures.

SEM image off an optomechanical crystal structure in which light is strongly coupled to nanomechanical motion.

Optomechanical Sensors: Micro- and nano-scale sensors of ultra-high-sensitivity are being developed that utilize laser light for read-out, feedback and control.


Optical image of a prototype MEMS gyro in which rotation is read-out via an optomechanical resonator.

Nanophotonics: We are continually exploring and developing new nanophotonic technologies for quantum optical experiments.