Quantum optics on a chip
Our project aims on controlling and exploiting the quantum nature of light in microscopic photonic networks on a chip. The networks are produced by 3D printing of micron-sized waveguides on chip substrates, where light fields are tightly confined and guided through the netwok. In parallel, we study the light-matter interaction of individual nano-emitters that can be immersed into the waveguides to construct microscopic photonic quantum networks for quantum optical applications.
Waveguides
We produce three-dimensional networks of photonic waveguides on optical chips using multi-photon lithography. This type of additive 3D printing on a micron length scale allows rapid prototyping. We aim on tight control over photonic mode as well as polarization in our photonic structures.
Nano emitters
Optically active impurities in diamond material have proven well-controllable artificial atoms in solids. We investigate light-matter interaction of individual impurities in nano-diamonds to immerse individual quantum emitters into our waveguide structures.
Publications
Our manuscript in APL photonics presents a characterization of waveguides in photoresist with low auto-fluorescence. In particular, even waveguides with small bending radius of down to 40 µm allow for efficient light control, facilitating high integration densities in our photonic networks.
A special feature of our structures are three-dimensional couplers, coupling light into and out of the network perpendicular to the substrate. Thus all input and output ports of the waveguide network can be addressed simultaneously with a single microscope objective.