Atoms can be controlled by manipulating their internal states using agile, quiet and reliable laser sources. An external-cavity diode laser (ECDL) is a crucial enabling technology to realize such laser sources since it allows for the narrowing of the linewidth of a laser diode and precise tuning of the laser frequency. This project aims to miniaturize the external cavity using a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) (i.e., a single chip), which will increase the reliability and functionality of the optical frequency source for quantum experiments. A PIC ECDL will be designed and fabricated using aluminum nitride (AlN). Since several atomic transitions of interest in quantum applications are in the visible spectrum, AlN is an ideal material due to its large bandgap that allows for low-loss waveguide propagation. AlN also enables key functionality for preparing narrow linewidth and agile optical frequencies. Thus, an AlN waveguide will be fabricated and tested to ensure low waveguide losses at visible wavelengths. An external cavity feedback laser will be fabricated by coupling a laser diode directly into the AlN waveguide. A micro-ring resonator feedback circuit will be used to select and narrow the laser output. The light will be further coupled into fibre optics for delivery to atoms in a vacuum chamber, demonstrating the viability of using PIC ECDLs to interact with atomic energy levels. This AlN PIC ECDL would be a compact optical frequency source that could help enhance existing quantum experiments, enable experiments currently unviable with bulk optical setups and allow for the translation of quantum atomic technologies out of the laboratory (i.e., large-scale quantum computation, high-precision gravimeters for resource mapping and portable optical atomic clocks).
Figure 1. A conceptual render of an external cavity diode laser in an aluminum nitride integrated photonic circuit.
Related Content
Advanced microwave electronics enabling quantum technologies
Summary Superconducting quantum computers require quantum-limited measurements at microwave frequencies in order to implement error correction. Conventionally, this is accomplished using near quantum-limited Josephson Parametric Amplifiers (JPAs). The JPAs require bulky ferrite-based circulators that prevent on-chip integration of the amplifiers with the processor and take up the majority of space and cooling power in the […]
April 1, 2020
Novel Superconducting Qubits for Error-Corrected Processors
Summary In this project, we develop novel superconducting qubits for error-corrected processors to enable large-scale quantum computing. Our design efforts will specifically target error-corrected architectures through a variety of paths. Possible features will include built-in parity measurements and the use of bosonic codes, such as Fock state and Cat codes, as our starting focus. Early […]
June 26, 2019
Towards large area, resonant quantum tunneling diodes by continuous Langmuir transfer of exfoliated 2D materials
Summary Atomically thin 2D materials constitute promising building blocks for quantum devices due to their exotic, layer-dependent electronic properties. The ability to stack these materials in alternating layers enables heterostructures to be built in almost limitless combinations and over small enough length scales to observe quantum phenomena. So far though, practical implementation of devices based […]
April 1, 2020
Spin Generation and High-Frequency Detection via the Quantum Nonlinear Anomalous Hall Effect in Weyl Semimetals
In magnetic conductors, the passage of current yields an electric field in the transverse direction even without an external magnetic field – this is known as the anomalous Hall effect (AHE). This effect can act as a convenient probe of spin ordering, magnetic textures, spin-orbit coupling, and band topology in solids, and can be further […]
April 19, 2023