Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PANDA (Photon-Atom Non-linearities and Deterministic Applications via arrays)
Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2024-10-31
Photons are promising for quantum computing (QC) due to their weak interactions, allowing long-distance transmission with minimal losses. They have multiple degrees of freedom and their quantum properties can be accessed at room temperature, making them good particles (qubits) for quantum applications. However, their low interaction is a drawback for quantum information processing (QIP), as photon-photon interactions are necessary for quantum circuits. Current methods for photon interactions, such as using non-linear materials or resonant atoms, are not efficient or deterministic enough for practical use.
The project aims to build a foundation for a photonic quantum computer using a dense array of neutral atoms allowing for lossless and deterministic photon-photon interactions. The global objectives of the project are:
-to develop high-efficiency single-photon detection capabilities;
-to develop efficient non-linear operations and implement deterministic two-photon quantum gates with high fidelities;
-to explore subradiance for potential quantum memory applications and apply strong non-linearity to continuous variable (CV) quantum information.
The project addresses a gap in the Quantum Flagship by focusing on continuous variable Quantum Computing. High-efficiency two-photon gates will also be applicable to discrete-variable (DV) quantum processors. We expect to develop multiple patents for the array and single-photon detectors with on-chip linear-optical circuitry.
The project aims to build a foundation for a photonic quantum computer using a dense array of neutral atoms allowing for lossless and deterministic photon-photon interactions. The global objectives of the project are:
-to develop high-efficiency single-photon detection capabilities;
-to develop efficient non-linear operations and implement deterministic two-photon quantum gates with high fidelities;
-to explore subradiance for potential quantum memory applications and apply strong non-linearity to continuous variable (CV) quantum information.
The project addresses a gap in the Quantum Flagship by focusing on continuous variable Quantum Computing. High-efficiency two-photon gates will also be applicable to discrete-variable (DV) quantum processors. We expect to develop multiple patents for the array and single-photon detectors with on-chip linear-optical circuitry.
At the end of Year 1, the following has been achieved:
-ICFO has modeled neutral atoms arrays with specific geometries which can have multiple quantum applications. They have proposed a protocol for utilizing atomic arrays with super-wavelength spacings to implement efficient quantum optical operations, such as a quantum memory. This atomic spacing is of technical importance as it is easier to implement with current technologies, requiring significantly less complex setup and overheads.
-IOTA and Pasqal have spent the first year building a trapped atoms setup from scratch in a shared lab between the two institutions, allowing to leverage the knowledge and efficiency of both academia and the industry. Atoms were first trapped in a magneto-optica trap (MOT) in July 2024 (M9), in a setup specifically designed to achieve the goals of the project.
-Pixel has worked on adapting its on-chip detectors technology to the project. Namely, they worked on improving the coupling to the photonic integrated circuit to enable for delicate input states such as quantum light, and they demonstrated a better performance at the operating wavelength of the project than at telecom wavelength.
-SU, Pasqal and IOTA have worked together to define the key parameters for the quantum light source to be used as input to then generate quantum states of light that are more suited to quantum applications. This preliminary work will allow for a faster beginning of SU tasks that start in the second year.
-ICFO has modeled neutral atoms arrays with specific geometries which can have multiple quantum applications. They have proposed a protocol for utilizing atomic arrays with super-wavelength spacings to implement efficient quantum optical operations, such as a quantum memory. This atomic spacing is of technical importance as it is easier to implement with current technologies, requiring significantly less complex setup and overheads.
-IOTA and Pasqal have spent the first year building a trapped atoms setup from scratch in a shared lab between the two institutions, allowing to leverage the knowledge and efficiency of both academia and the industry. Atoms were first trapped in a magneto-optica trap (MOT) in July 2024 (M9), in a setup specifically designed to achieve the goals of the project.
-Pixel has worked on adapting its on-chip detectors technology to the project. Namely, they worked on improving the coupling to the photonic integrated circuit to enable for delicate input states such as quantum light, and they demonstrated a better performance at the operating wavelength of the project than at telecom wavelength.
-SU, Pasqal and IOTA have worked together to define the key parameters for the quantum light source to be used as input to then generate quantum states of light that are more suited to quantum applications. This preliminary work will allow for a faster beginning of SU tasks that start in the second year.
-The consortium members have discussing potential marketable applications of the tools and technology that Pixel is developping in the scope of the project, which could potentially expand outside the field of quantum optics.