This project addresses a key challenge in quantum photonics: efficient generation of entangled photon pairs at telecom wavelengths. While silicon nitride (SiN) waveguides are widely used for integrated quantum circuits, their weak nonlinearity limits photon-pair generation. Two-dimensional semiconductors like monolayer WSe₂ offer strong excitonic nonlinearities that could dramatically enhance spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM).

Research goals:

• Design and simulate hybrid SiN–WSe₂ waveguides for improved nonlinear performance.
• Fabricate and integrate monolayer WSe₂ with SiN photonic circuits using cleanroom techniques.
• Characterize photon-pair generation, entanglement fidelity, and electrostatic tuning.
• Demonstrate an integrated, tunable entangled-photon source for quantum networks.

PhD timeline:

• Year 1: Simulation and design (dispersion engineering, mode overlap optimization).
• Year 2: Fabrication (SiN waveguides, monolayer transfer, encapsulation).
• Year 3: Characterization (loss, CAR, JSI mapping, entanglement metrics).
• Year 4: Integration and system-level testing.

Impact: This work combines material innovation with photonic engineering to enable scalable, high-efficiency entangled-photon sources compatible with telecom networks.