The second quantum revolution, Quantum 2.0, is fueled by recent progress in generating and manipulating quantum states in both light and matter, leading to new applications such as quantum sensing, computing, and communications. These new applications, which leverage unique quantum properties, such as superposition, entanglement, and measurement sensitivity of quantum states to offer fundamental advantages over classical technologies, are in principle enabled by the Quantum 1.0 technologies such as lasers. As quantum information science and technology progresses steadily from a purely academic discipline towards technology demonstrations, the imperative to transition from laboratory-grade lasers to industry-grade lasers becomes evident in the quest for scalability, robustness, improved performance, and often, reduced SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) for field deployability. This paper provides an overview of the current state and challenges of laser-enabled quantum applications and outlines the advancements in laser technologies from macro-optics to micro-optics to integrated photonics with their prospects towards the practical realization of quantum advantage.
Quantum information science and technology (QIST) harnesses a burgeoning class of photonic devices, enabling the manipulation of quantum states in both light and matter for superior performance compared to classical technologies. While early-stage demonstrations in various areas of QIST have predominantly employed bulk-optic components, the imperative for integrated photonic devices becomes evident in the quest for scalability. This transition is crucial for substantial reductions in SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) and is seen as essential for achieving the quantum advantage. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of classical and quantum light sources from bulk-optics to mini-bulk-optics to integrated photonics, examining their potential for scalable QIST deployments. While these components can greatly advance quantum computing, communication, sensing, and metrology, they also have readily shown promise in numerous classical technologies such as optical processors, LIDAR, and optical communications. This indicates the mutual dependence of QIST and integrated photonics for growth and fruition.
Hexagonal sodium yttrium fluoride (β-NaYF) is a promising material for optical refrigeration due to the narrow crystal field splitting of the Yb(III) ion. However, growing single crystals of β-NaYF remains a challenge due to thermal expansion stresses during melt growth. We demonstrate a hydrothermal synthesis of β-NaYF with widely tunable aspect ratios that match computationally predicted cavity resonances. The β-NaYF microcrystals contain 10% Yb(III) cations and are used to build optomechanical laser-refrigeration cantilever devices. Laser refrigeration of these devices shows cooling up to 12.5°C, which is measured using the cantilever’s fundamental eigenfrequency and photoluminescence from the Yb(III) ions.
Optically levitated nanoparticles provide excellent systems to sense minute forces and explore quantum effects in a large system. However, optically levitated nanoparticles are prone to heating and require cooling and temperature stabilization to reach sensitivities necessary to study small forces and quantum effects. This problem can be solved by trapping nanocrystals doped with rare-earth ions that can be anti-Stokes cooled by tens of degrees. The efficiency of the anti-Stokes depends on gas pressure and can counter heating due to optical absorption. Cooling nanocrystals allows for thermally stabilizing nanocrystal systems to measure minute forces and quantum effects.
Conference Committee Involvement (4)
Photonics for Quantum 2025
16 June 2025 | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Photonics for Quantum 2024
17 June 2024 | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
SPIE Quantum West
27 January 2024 | San Francisco, United States
Photonics for Quantum
12 July 2021 | Online Only, New York, United States
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