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arXiv:2201.04715 · Advanced Photonics Nexus

Supporting quantum technologies with an ultralow-loss silicon photonics platform

Matteo Cherchi, Arijit Bera, A. Kemppinen, J. Nissilä, Kirsi Tappura, M. Caputo, Lauri Lehtimäki, J. S. Lehtinen, Joonas Govenius, Tomi Hassinen, Mika Prunnila, Timo T. Aalto

Published Apr 6, 2023• 22 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are expected to play a significant role in the ongoing second quantum revolution, thanks to their stability and scalability. Still, major upgrades are needed for available PIC platforms to meet the demanding requirements of quantum devices. We present a review of our recent progress in upgrading an unconventional silicon photonics platform toward this goal, including ultralow propagation losses, low-fiber coupling losses, integration of superconducting elements, Faraday rotators, fast and efficient detectors, and phase modulators with low-loss and/or low-energy consumption. We show the relevance of our developments and our vision in the main applications of quantum key distribution, to achieve significantly higher key rates and large-scale deployment; and cryogenic quantum computers, to replace electrical connections to the cryostat with optical fibers.

DOI
10.1117/1.apn.2.2.024002

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VTT micron-scale silicon photonics platform can play a significant role in the second quantum revolution, supporting not only quantum photonics but also solid-state quantum systems. Quantum photonics can benefit from the unique properties of the platform, a distinctive example application being quantum key distribution, where we are developing receivers to support its large-scale deployment. On the other hand, we are using our photonic integration technology also to aid scaling-up superconducting quantum computers, by controlling and reading the qubits in the cryostat through classical optical links. I will cover all these developments showing our recent results, ongoing activities, and future plans.
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In recent years, standard CMOS microprocessors have approached their maximum power dissipation per unit area, effectively placing a limit on computational power. This highlights the urgent need to explore alternative technologies. One promising avenue is the use of superconductors, which demonstrate zero resistivity below a critical temperature. However, circuits based on superconductors necessitate the use of cryostats to maintain low temperatures, presenting challenges in data transfer with the room temperature environment. While coaxial cables are often employed for this purpose, they suffer from limited data transfer rates and contribute significantly to heat load. On the contrary, photonics integrated circuits (PICs) coupled with optical fibers present a viable solution. They enable scalable, cost-effective, and power-efficient optical interconnections capable of supporting high data transfer rates while minimizing heat transfer. In this presentation, We will discuss the latest advancements in cryogenic PICs, focusing on their application in interfacing with cryogenic computing systems such as single-flux-quantum logic circuits and superconducting qubits.
Optical chips for quantum photonics are cutting-edge technology, merging photonics and quantum mechanics to manipulate light at the quantum level. These chips are crucial for advancing quantum computing, secure communication, and precision sensing by integrating photonic components such as waveguides, beam splitters, and detectors to manipulate single photons, the fundamental carriers of quantum information. Key advancements in optical chips include low-loss waveguides, efficient single-photon sources, and high-fidelity quantum gates, all essential for scalable quantum circuits. Integrating these circuits on a chip offers significant advantages in miniaturization, stability, and reproducibility over traditional bulk optics setups. Recent breakthroughs in materials science and nanofabrication have propelled the field forward, enabling the production of chips with higher precision and lower defect rates. Silicon photonics, in particular, has become a prominent platform due to its compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes, facilitating the integration of quantum photonic circuits with classical electronic systems. Here, we share our vision of the future of optical chips for quantum photonics, which hold promise for various applications. In quantum computing, they enable the development of compact and scalable quantum processors. In communication, they provide the foundation for ultra-secure quantum networks through quantum key distribution. In sensing, they allow for high-precision measurements that surpass classical limits. As research progresses, optical chips are expected to play a critical role in realizing the full potential of quantum technologies.