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arXiv:2311.09398

Photonic quantum computing on thin-film lithium niobate: Part I Design of an efficient heralded single photon source co-integrated with superconducting detectors

Sayem, A.

Published Nov 15, 2023• 1 citation
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Photonic quantum computers are currently one of the primary candidates for fault-tolerant quantum computation. At the heart of the photonic quantum computation lies the strict requirement for suitable quantum sources e.g. high purity, high brightness single photon sources. To build a practical quantum computer, thousands to millions of such sources are required. In this article, we theoretically propose a unique single-photon source design on a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform co-integrated with superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We show that with a judicial design of single photon source using thin film periodically poled lithium waveguides (PPLN), back-illuminated grating couplers (GCs) and directly bonded or integrated cavity coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) can lead to a simple but practical high efficiency heralded single-photon source using the current fabrication technology. Such a device will eliminate the requirement of out coupling of the generated photons and can lead to a fully integrated solution. The proposed design can be useful for fusion-based quantum computation and for multiplexed single photon sources and also for efficient on-chip generation and detection of squeezed light.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2311.09398

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Photonic quantum computers are currently one of the primary candidates for fault-tolerant quantum computation. At the heart of the photonic quantum computation lies the strict requirement for suitable quantum sources e.g. high purity, high brightness single photon sources. To build a practical quantum computer, thousands to millions of such sources are required. In this article, we theoretically propose a unique single-photon source design on a thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform co-integrated with superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We show that with a judicial design of single photon source using thin film periodically poled lithium waveguides (PPLN), back-illuminated grating couplers (GCs) and directly bonded or integrated cavity coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) can lead to a simple but practical high efficiency heralded single-photon source using the current fabrication technology. Such a device will eliminate the requirement of out coupling of the generated photons and can lead to a fully integrated solution. The proposed design can be useful for fusion-based quantum computation and for multiplexed single photon sources and also for efficient on-chip generation and detection of squeezed light.
We demonstrate waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors on thin-film lithium niobate (LN). Using a 250 um-long NbN superconducting nanowire lithographically defined on top of a 125 um-long LN nanowaveguide, on-chip detection efficiency of 46% is realized with simultaneous high performance in dark count rate and timing jitter. As LN possesses high second-order nonlinear \c{hi}(2) and electro-optic properties, an efficient single-photon detector on thin-film LN opens up the possibility to construct small scale fully-integrated quantum photonic chip which includes single-photon sources, filters, tunable quantum gates and detectors.
Here, we demonstrate waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors on thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN). Using a 250 μm-long NbN superconducting nanowire lithographically defined on top of a 125 μm-long LN nanowaveguide, an on-chip detection efficiency of 46% is realized with simultaneous high performance in dark count rates and timing jitter. As LN possesses high χ(2) second-order nonlinear and electro-optic properties, an efficient single-photon detector on thin-film LN opens up the possibility to construct a small-scale fully integrated quantum photonic chip, which includes single-photon sources, filters, tunable quantum gates, and detectors.
Integrated thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonics has emerged as a powerful platform for quantum information science, offering its outstanding nonlinear, electro-optic (EO), and integration capabilities. In this review, we present the latest advances in TFLN-based integrated photonics tailored to quantum technologies. We first explore state-of-the-art quantum light sources realized in both straight waveguide and resonator configuration, including high-brightness photon pair generations, squeezed light, and versatile entanglement schemes. Next, we detail progress in integrated photonic processors, with a focus on programmable interferometric networks, ultrafast EO modulators, and essential passive components for photonic qubit processing. We then address critical challenges in optical interfacing and detection technologies, discussing recent innovations in low-loss fiber-to-chip and grating coupler designs, as well as the integration of on-chip single photon detectors. This review provides a forward-looking perspective on scalable quantum photonic systems that could underpin future advances in quantum communication, computing, and sensing.
We demonstrate waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors on thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN). Using a 250 μm-long NbN superconducting nanowire lithographically defined on top of a 125 μm-long LN nanowaveguide, an on-chip detection efficiency of 46% is realized with simultaneous high performance in dark count rates and timing jitter. As LN possesses high χ(2) second-order nonlinear and electro-optic properties, an efficient single-photon detector on thin-film LN opens up the possibility to construct a small-scale fully integrated quantum photonic chip, which includes single-photon sources, filters, tunable quantum gates, and detectors.
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Lithium niobate, because of its nonlinear and electro-optical properties, is one of the materials of choice for photonic applications. The development of nanostructuring capabilities of thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) permits fabrication of small footprint, low-loss optical circuits. With the recent implementation of on-chip single-photon detectors, this architecture is among the most promising for realizing on-chip quantum optics experiments. In this Letter, we report on the implementation of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) based on NbTiN on 300 nm thick TFLN ridge nano-waveguides. We demonstrate a waveguide-integrated wavelength meter based on the photon energy dependence of the superconducting detectors. The device operates at the telecom C- and L-bands and has a footprint smaller than 300 × 180 μm 2 and critical currents between ∼12 and ∼14 μA, which ensures operation with minimum heat dissipation. Our results hold promise for future densely packed on-chip wavelength-multiplexed quantum communication systems.