This project aims to develop a new photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform for nonlinear photonics at UV-to-visible wavelengths, enabling scalable quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Moving from bulky free-space optics to integrated chips will dramatically improve stability and scalability, but requires overcoming challenges in loss, efficiency, and material compatibility.
Key aspects:
- Research focus: Fabricate low-loss PICs in Al₂O₃ and III-N materials, integrate silicon single-photon detectors and nonlinear resonators using nanometre-precision transfer printing.
- Impact: Realise mm²-scale circuits for photon transmission and processing, advancing hardware for quantum emitters/memories and multi-site atom/ion addressing.
- Skills developed:
- Numerical simulation (FDTD, eigenmode modelling).
- Cleanroom fabrication (laser lithography, reactive ion etching).
- Transfer printing integration and optical characterisation.
- Environment: Work within the Institute of Photonics at Strathclyde, with access to state-of-the-art cleanroom and optical labs, plus CDT training and collaborative research culture.