Research groups

The Coherent Spintronics Group at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) focuses on furthering the science and technology of quantum devices, by developing prototypes and quantum control methods necessary for scalable Quantum Information Processing (QIP). Particular focus is on using the particle property of spin to robustly encode quantum information. Realizing spin-based quantum bits (qubits) in the solid-state offers a technologically attractive path to scalable quantum devices: this approach builds on the experience of the semiconductor electronics industry, and is poised to benefit from the use of novel nanomaterials such as nanowires and carbon nanotubes. They are putting in place a comprehensive research program aimed at addressing the fundamental and technical challenges to realizing building block quantum devices. These efforts will expand current scientific knowledge and create new platforms for technological innovation.

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In the Engineered Quantum Systems Laboratory, we study light-matter interactions using superconducting microwave circuits for exploring new physics in the quantum regime.

Our research includes:

• observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect and related work
• quantum electrodynamics in 1D
• dressed states and dressed decoherence in an artificial atom

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The Laboratory of Ultracold Quantum Matter and Light focuses on building exotic quantum systems with strongly interacting quantum matter and light. We apply advanced techniques in cold atom physics, quantum optics, and nanoscience to investigate macroscopic quantum phenomena with (i) strongly interacting atoms and photons near nanoscale structures and with (ii) ultracold Rydberg atoms. By harnessing the genuine quantum dynamics at the level of single quanta, we could manipulate and examine highly entangled states of light and matter, and build a foundation for new quantum optical materials at ultracold temperature.

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The liquid state laboratory in Chemistry 2, room 170, houses all of the test equipment and tools necessary to design, construct, troubleshoot and repair RF instruments. Professor Bill Power's chemistry laboratory for sample preparation is available for use. The physics department maintains a machine shop for the students and researchers. There is access to X-ray crystallography and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) facilities in the chemistry department for solids sample characterization.

NMR systems

• 700 MHz Bruker Avance 6-channel NMR system with dual inverse cryoprobe, several other commercial probes.
  A 12-spin benchmark on this spectrometer was recently completed.
• 600 MHz Bruker Avance NMR system.
  This is used for liquid-state quantum information processing work and liquid/solid chemistry studies. HCN, HF, 2.5mm MAS commercial probes.

Solid State laboratory

Located at the Research and Advancement Centre (RAC), room 1124.

• 300 MHz (wide-bore) Bruker Avance 6-channel NMR spectrometer with home-built probes for solid state NMR Quantum Information Processing (QIP); primarily used for single crystal QIP studies
• 200 MHz (wide-bore) Bruker Avance 6-channel NMR spectrometer with home-built probes for solid state NMR QIP.
• Magnet charged to 100 MHz for low-temperature dynamic nuclear polarization experiments.
• 0 to less than 30 MHz variable field magnet for future studies of coherent hyperfine dynamics/optical magnetic resonance.
• Two Oxford continuous flow helium cryostat for low-temperature experiments

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As a growing array of quantum technologies are developed, the need for “quantum software” grows. The main focus of Qsoft: The Quantum Software group, is to develop a range of tools for the synthesis and optimization of quantum software to be run on fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware.

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The Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission will demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) in space. QKD is a technology that creates virtually unbreakable encryption codes and will provide Canada with secure communications in the age of quantum computing.

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The Laboratory for Quantum Information with Trapped Ions (QITI) studies interaction between quantum degrees of freedom in a laser-cooled trapped ion system. QITI aims to create a flexible quantum system, with control at the level of individual particles for studying problems in quantum many-body physics and computation.

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The Tsen Group – Quantum Materials and Devices Lab employs a combination of experimental techniques for materials characterization at the nanoscale (transmission electron microscopy, micro-optical spectroscopy, magnetotransport measurements, etc.) as well as state-of-the-art nanofabrication processes for device engineering. The group aims to uncover new physical phenomena in quantum materials with reduced dimensionality, and incorporate these materials in novel (opto)electronic devices for quantum information technology.

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The Quantum Nanophotonics Initiative is a collaborative research program at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) innovation fund and by the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) large infrastructure fund. The objective of the program is to develop scalable quantum optical circuits for quantum computation, communication, and simulation, with hybrid physical platforms consisting of atomic and solid-state quantum bits.

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The research interests of the Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Lab at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) are in:

• experimental quantum optics
• nonlinear optics
• state reconstruction and measurement
• interferometry. 

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Quantum Optics Theory is a theoretical research group run by Christine Muschik, based in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.

The group develops novel tools for investigating and engineering light-matter interactions with applications in the field of quantum information science. Their work involves close collaborations with experimental groups and focuses particularly on finding new protocols for realizing (i) quantum networks and (ii) quantum simulations of models from high energy physics.

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The Quantum Photonic Devices Laboratory at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is focused on advancing quantum information science and technologies through the development of novel quantum light sources and solid-state quantum devices. The researchers also test fundamental questions in quantum photonics.

The group aims to:

1. Realize a quantum repeater – a quantum device that extends the distance for transferring quantum information than what is currently possible
2. Perform quantum optics and algorithms on a semiconductor chip
3. Realize an efficient interface between stationary and flying quantum bits, an important milestone towards the Quantum Internet
4. Develop a `plug and play’, tunable quantum light source – an essential component needed in advanced quantum information schemes.

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The Quantum Photonics Laboratory at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) centers on the applications of quantum photonics and quantum optics, as well as the fundamental aspects of the quantum world. They are involved in the experimental design of devices based on quantum photonics suitable for communication and computing with photons, and the development of ultra-long distance quantum communication systems using terrestrial and satellite-based systems.

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The Superconducting Quantum Devices (SQD) Group was established in 2009. on experimental research with superconducting devices, ranging from quantum bits for quantum information experiments, to superconducting resonators for loss characterization, among other projects.

Quantum systems based on superconductors have applications in quantum technologies and provide a versatile testbed for fundamental investigations in quantum mechanics.

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