NSF Org: |
ECCS Div Of Electrical, Commun & Cyber Sys |
Recipient: |
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Initial Amendment Date: | September 11, 2018 |
Latest Amendment Date: | June 15, 2020 |
Award Number: | 1838996 |
Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
Program Manager: |
Dominique Dagenais
ddagenai@nsf.gov (703)292-2980 ECCS Div Of Electrical, Commun & Cyber Sys ENG Directorate For Engineering |
Start Date: | September 15, 2018 |
End Date: | August 31, 2023 (Estimated) |
Total Intended Award Amount: | $1,000,000.00 |
Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $1,006,000.00 |
Funds Obligated to Date: |
FY 2020 = $6,000.00 |
History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
ONE BROOKINGS DR SAINT LOUIS MO US 63110 (314)747-4134 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
Saint Louis MO US 63130-4899 |
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): |
OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC, EPMD-ElectrnPhoton&MagnDevices |
Primary Program Source: |
01002021DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT |
Program Reference Code(s): |
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Program Element Code(s): |
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Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.041 |
ABSTRACT
Quantum information science exploits quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to improve classical communication, computation, information processing, and precision measurement. Quantum technology is expected to play a decisive role in enhancing national security and bolstering further scientific discovery. In quantum information processing, single-quantum bit (qubit) operations are not sufficient to unlock all the computational power that is endowed by a collection of qubits. Hence it is necessary and in fact sufficient to add a two-qubit gate such as a controlled-phase gate to a finite set of single-qubit gates to achieve what no longer can be efficiently simulated on a classical computer. In optical quantum computation, photonic qubits are used as information carriers due to their low-noise, long coherence times, light-speed transmission and ease of manipulation at the single-qubit level using standard optical components. To date, only probabilistic two-qubit photonic logic gates based on linear optics and photon detectors have been demonstrated. The implementation, however, is associated with substantial resource overhead and demands stringent technological requirements which are still challenging today. This project addresses the fundamental challenges by developing a deterministic controlled-phase gate to realize the full potential of quantum computation. The educational and outreach activities will train the next-generation quantum scientists and engineers to accelerate the pace of quantum information science and applications.
Technical Abstract:
The goal of this work is to develop a new technological approach to a controlled-phase gate for two photonic qubits using an entirely novel approach based on the generation of photonic dimer states, a chiral nano-photonic waveguide, and a single dipole emitter. The tight optical confinement in the transverse direction in the nanophotonic waveguide allows one to place the dipole emitter at the chiral point and achieve strong coupling between the photon and the emitter such that the scattered photons couple efficiently to the forward but not the backward-propagating mode. The correlated photons form the photonic dimers, which are the bound states of photons and give rise to a non-trivial transmission pi phase shift. The validation of the controlled-phase gate will be achieved using a novel experimental design based on an integrated waveguide approach coupled with number-resolved photon detectors. The demonstration of the photonic dimer state and the corresponding 180-degree phase shift associated with the state with both photons interacting with the dipole emitter will be a major step forward in demonstrating the potential of photonic quantum computing.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Executive Summary
The RAISE: TAQS project has embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionize the field of optical quantum information science through the development of a deterministic two-qubit photonic controlled-phase (controlled-Z) gate. This innovative approach leverages the strengths of photons as flying quantum bits (qubits), which are crucial for the advancement of quantum communication, computation, and precision measurement. The project successfully addressed the challenge of realizing efficient two-qubit gates for photonic qubits, a longstanding obstacle due to the absence of highly efficient optical Kerr nonlinearities at the single-photon level.
Intellectual Merit
The core innovation of the RAISE: TAQS project lies in its exploitation of strong photon-photon correlation and single-photon-level optical nonlinearity enabled by photonic bound states. This is complemented by the novel use of non-reciprocal single-photon propagation in chiral quantum nano-photonic systems. The project's intellectual contributions extend to the realms of strongly correlated photon transport in quantum nonlinear optics, chiral quantum nano-photonics, and the integration of cutting-edge nano-fabrication and single-photon detection techniques.
The successful development and demonstration of the two-photon controlled-phase gate mark a significant milestone in deterministic photonic quantum logic gates. This breakthrough paves the way for further research into few-photon nonlinear quantum optics and non-reciprocal quantum photonic devices. Applications stemming from this work include all-optical switching, single-photon transistors, and diodes, as well as the on-chip generation of large fluxes of entangled quantum photonic states. Such advancements herald a new era of quantum photonic light sources and the exploration of exotic correlated photonic states, promising invaluable insights into quantum photonic phase transitions and nonlinear quantum optical physics.
Broader Impacts
The RAISE: TAQS project's broader impacts are multifaceted, with profound implications for modern society and the field of quantum information technology. By advancing solid-state-based quantum optics, the project contributes significantly to a domain that is vital for the future of quantum information science. Beyond the scientific community, the project has engaged in comprehensive education and outreach activities. These efforts include integrating research findings into academic curricula, providing research opportunities for students across all educational levels, and organizing outreach activities aimed at K-12 students and the general public, such as summer camps, workshops, and ethics training.
A key focus has been on promoting STEM education, particularly among underrepresented minorities who traditionally have less access to STEM resources. By involving both faculty and graduate students in these initiatives, the project has fostered a culture of inclusion and encouragement for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Conclusion
The RAISE: TAQS project stands as a testament to the power of innovative quantum research in transforming our understanding and control of the quantum world. Through its intellectual achievements and broader societal impacts, the project not only advances the frontiers of quantum information science but also inspires a diverse and inclusive future generation of researchers. As we look ahead, the insights and technologies developed through this project are set to influence a wide array of fields, from quantum computing and communication to precision measurement and beyond, heralding a new age of quantum-enabled technologies.
Last Modified: 03/11/2024
Modified by: Jung-Tsung Shen
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