Developments in Quantum Information Science (QIS) critically rely on the capability to store, transfer, and process quantum bits between matter and light across a quantum network. Quantum networks are composed of quantum nodes that are coherently wired by quantum channels. They open a broad frontier for the exploration of new science at the interface between computer science, engineering, and physics, as well as the technological opportunities enabling new quantum toolkits for emergent quantum materials and quantum-enhanced sensors.
For instance, such a quantum network can serve as a ‘web’ for connecting quantum processors for computation with communication channels, while the interactions among the nodes can be utilized to assemble ‘quantum emulators’ atom by atom to investigate advanced quantum materials. The realization of quantum networks requires quantum interfaces capable of generating, storing, and transferring quantum bits between matter and light in a robust fashion, thereby percolating entanglement through a network of hybrid quantum systems. The goal of the proposed program is to establish a world-class infrastructure for micro- and nano-fabricated quantum circuits for hybrid quantum systems that connect atomic and solid-state quantum emitters using single photons propagating in optical and microwave structures. Overall, our vision is to achieve quantum functionality for integrated photonic circuits via strong radiative interactions with cold atoms and quantum gases, with low-dimensional electron systems and with superconducting qubits, all of which are integrated by a complex photonic network.
To bring this vision into fruition, we have assembled a consortium of researchers at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) with world-leading expertise in atomic and solid-state quantum systems, consisting of cold atoms, exciton-polaritons, quantum dots, and superconducting qubits, with disciplines spanning across atomic molecular optical (AMO) physics, Condensed Matter Physics (CMP), nanophotonics, and QIS. The initiation of our program is driven by the belief that there is a rare convergence of experimental capabilities that offers remarkable opportunities for fundamental discoveries of new principles and phenomena at the multidisciplinary interfaces of physics and QIS with quantum photonic systems pioneered by ourselves. For this synergetic program, we will develop an infrastructure platform with unique capabilities for quantum nanophotonics.