"Quantum information seeks to harness the quantum world for new technologies in computing, communication and precision measurement," explains Kevin Resch, professor of physics and astronomy. "Quantum effects, such as entanglement, superposition and the uncertainty principle, are often referred to as bizarre or paradoxical as they have no analogues in our everyday experience."
But with properly engineered quantum systems, he adds, those effects have profound implications for computing power and information security. "It will revolutionize how we process and share information."
As a result of those challenges, quantum information has attracted researchers from a diverse range of traditional disciplines spanning engineering, physics, computer science and mathematics.
The CFI-funded lab will be used to construct optical sources of entanglement for investigations of entangled quantum systems and quantum nonlinear optics. "The research and its results will enhance Canada's reputation and scientific presence in experimental quantum information science," Resch says.