ECE 730 Topic 31 - Spring 2015

ECE 730 Topic 31 - Solid-state photonic devices

Course description

This course is intended to introduce fundamental concepts and give an overview of recent developments in solid-state photonic devices, as well as their applications in quantum optics and information. These solid-state based photonic devices can be shaped at the nanoscale in order to control the light collection efficiency, integrated in control structures to manipulate their electronic properties, as well as photonic circuits to influence light at the single photon level. Applications include transferring quantum information over long distances for secure communication; generation and detection of non-classical states of light for use in metrology, imaging, and the quantum internet; and the manipulation and storage of quantum information – the fundamental element in a quantum processor.

Contact information

Instructor: Michael Reimer
Office: RAC 1113, Schedule by appointment or ask a question by e-mail
Email: mreimer@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: x31574

Course objectives

  • Introduce fundamental concepts in solid state photonic devices at the nanoscale
  • Learn various physical implementations to store, manipulate and send quantum information
  • Control light-matter interaction at the nanoscale
  • How to generate, control and detect non-classical states of light (i.e., single photon and entangled photon sources)
  • Methods to manipulate electronic properties of nanostructures
  • Applications in quantum optics and information

Required text

No required text. The course material will consist of course notes and PowerPoint slides, as well as selected research papers.

Course topics

  1. Review of solid-state physics
    • band structure and how it is modified at the nanoscale
    • semiconductor p-n junctions
    • applications (solar cells, detectors, field effect transistors)
    • superconductivity (single-photon detectors)
  2. Introduction to quantum information
    • Overview of physical implementations for manipulating and storing quantum information (atoms, NV centers, quantum dots, photons)
    • Interfacing light and matter
    • Quantum cryptography
    • Quantum repeater
  3. Semiconductor nanostructures (nanowires, quantum dots)
    • Growth and nanofabrication
  4. Controlling light at the nanoscale
    • Non-classical sources of light
    • On-demand quantum light sources
  5. Applications in quantum optics (single-photon interference, two-photon interference, entanglement, multi-photon entanglement)
  6. Manipulating electronic properties of quantum dots
  7. Integrated quantum photonic circuits
  8. Quantum detectors

Evaluation

The course grade will be based on problem sets, weekly research paper discussions, a research paper presentation and a project-based final exam. As a component of the final exam there will be a question period at the end of the presentation.

Problem sets: 10%
Weekly research paper discussions: 20%
Research paper presentation: 20%
Final exam: 50% (50% written, 50% oral)

The project-based final exam will consist of identifying an interesting research topic related to the course and writing a research review or original paper, as well as presenting their work to the class and answering questions. Extra marks are possible if an original research problem is identified and solved, which is suitable for possible publication.

Policies

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Discipline

A student is expected to know what constitutes academic integrity to avoid committing an academic offence, and to take responsibility for his/her actions. A student who is unsure whether an action constitutes an offence, or who needs help in learning how to avoid offences (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) or about "rules" for group work/collaboration should seek guidance from the course instructor or academic advisor. For information on categories of offences and types of penalties, students should refer to Policy 71, Student Discipline. For typical penalties check Guidelines for the Assessment of Penalties.

Appeals

A decision made or penalty imposed under Policy 70 (Student Petitions and Grievances) (other than a petition) or Policy 71 (Student Discipline) may be appealed if there is a ground. A student who believes he/she has a ground for an appeal should refer to Policy 72, Student Appeals.

Note for Students with Disabilities

AccessAbility Services, located in Needles Hall, Room 1132, collaborates with all academic departments to arrange appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities without compromising the academic integrity of the curriculum. If you require academic accommodations to lessen the impact of your disability, please register with the AccessAbility Services at the beginning of each academic term.