| Project goals | Quantum technologies are a variety of practical applications of the extraordinary properties of the quantum world. These solutions allow overcoming the limitations of devices whose operation is based on phenomena described by the laws of classical physics. Thanks to quantum mechanics, it is possible, for example, to construct reliable information security systems or super-sensitive chemical and biological detectors. A particularly promising platform for quantum technologies is integrated optics. Special photonic chips built from waveguides fabricated in nonlinear crystals are to optics what integrated circuits are to electronics: they make it possible to build systems of unprecedented complexity, miniaturization and control of operating parameters.
The object of study in the project is a new quantum-optical integrated time-frequency platform, which has recently become the subject of intensive research in the world’s top laboratories. It allows to produce a series of single photons, which are further shaped in the frequency domain. Our goal is to develop specialized theoretical methods to analyze this platform, develop its functionality and apply it to selected quantum technologies of great practical importance. Integrated optics will be used to study the complex quantum interference of light as well as the interaction of photons with a nanomaterial of enormous potential – graphene. The UW Physics Department will become the first Polish center to have such apparatus in its own quantum-optical laboratory. This will be possible thanks to scientific cooperation with the University of Oxford and the University of Paderborn, which are leading centers in the field of integrated optics technology, as well as with the Graphene Laboratory of the Warsaw University of Technology and Raith GmbH, which will prepare graphene samples. The team will also work closely with the Department’s excellent scientific community, particularly the Department of Optics, the Department of Condensed Matter Physics and the Department of Solid State Physics.
The second major goal of the project is to establish a new research team. Young scientists will receive training from foreign partners, build apparatus and then apply it to innovative research. The result of their work will be PhDs and unique, practical knowledge. The project manager and one of the scientific partners are women, which I hope will encourage ladies to study this interesting branch of knowledge. |
| Expected effects | Integrated optics systems are characterized by their small size, resistance to external conditions and high performance. They are seen as an opportunity to overcome the limitations of modern electronics. We want our young team to contribute to the international work on a new quantum time-frequency platform, which will result in new discoveries and the search for interesting applications of photonic quantum technologies. This platform could become an important component of the so-called ?second quantum revolution,? i.e. the spread of quantum technologies in everyday life.
The prototype of a simple, reliable quantum random number generator built within the project will surpass the quality of randomness of previously used sources based on, for example, thermal noise. Random numbers are indispensable, for example, in information security protocols, for creating one-time passwords, authorizing transactions. They play a special role in cryptography, for securing data transmission on the Internet and in telecommunications. Work on the generator will therefore contribute to improving our security. Random numbers are also used in engineering and science, such as in Big Data processing, Monte Carlo computing algorithms and distributed processing on the Internet.
Investigating the interaction of quantum light with graphene will be the first step toward developing graphene-based optoelectronics. In the future, graphene may find application in the construction of a new generation of displays, cameras, flexible touch screens, where it could replace expensive elements belonging to the so-called rare earth group. Graphene photosensitive arrays are expected to be used in infrared cameras in cars, for example, to detect pedestrians.
The use of graphene nanostructures for quantum plasmonics in the 1550 nm band is highly anticipated by the scientific community, which would thus gain access to new nanomaterials with interesting optical properties. This research could pave the way for the construction of low-cost, ultra-sensitive chemical and biological sensors to replace current ones based on precious metals. The sensors would find applications in systems for detecting air and water pollutants, as well as viruses and bacteria. |
National Science Centre
Research Executive Agency
Foundation for Polish Science
Ministry of Science and Higher Education
National Agency for Academic Exchange
