Quantum metamaterials generalize the concept of metamaterials (artificial optical media) to the case when their optical properties are determined by the interplay of quantum effects in the constituent 'artificial atoms' with the electromagnetic field modes in the system. The theoretical investigation of these structures demonstrated that a number of new effects (such as quantum birefringence, strongly nonclassical states of light, etc) are to be expected, prompting the efforts on their fabrication and experimental investigation. Here we provide a summary of the principal features of quantum metamaterials and review the current state of research in this quickly developing field, which bridges quantum optics, quantum condensed matter theory and quantum information processing.
Quantum metamaterials generalize the concept of metamaterials (artificial optical media) to the case when their optical properties are determined by the interplay of quantum effects in the constituent 'artificial atoms' with the electromagnetic field modes in the system. The theoretical investigation of these structures demonstrated that a number of new effects (such as quantum birefringence, strongly nonclassical states of light, etc) are to be expected, prompting the efforts on their fabrication and experimental investigation. Here we provide a summary of the principal features of quantum metamaterials and review the current state of research in this quickly developing field, which bridges quantum optics, quantum condensed matter theory and quantum information processing.
Quantum metamaterials generalize the concept of metamaterials (artificial optical media) to the case when their optical properties are determined by the interplay of quantum effects in the constituent ‘artificial atoms’ with the electromagnetic field modes in the system. The theoretical investigation of these structures demonstrated that a number of new effects (such as quantum birefringence, strongly nonclassical states of light, etc.) are to be expected, prompting the efforts on their fabrication and experimental investigation. Here we provide a summary of the principal features of quantum metamaterials and review the current state of research in this quickly developing field, which bridges quantum optics, quantum condensed matter theory and quantum information processing.
Metamaterials are artificially engineered periodic structures with exceptional optical properties that are not found in conventional materials. However, this definition of metamaterials can be extended if we introduce a quantum degree of freedom by adding some quantum elements (e.g quantum dots, cold atoms, Josephson junctions, molecules). Quantum metamaterials can then be defined as artificially engineered nanostructures made up of quantum elements. Furthermore, they exhibit controllable quantum states, maintain quantum coherence for times much higher than the transversal time of the electromagnetic signal. Metamaterials have been used to realised invisibility cloaking, super-resolution, energy harvesting, and sensing. Most of these applications are performed in the classical regime. Of recent, metamaterials have gradually found their way into the quantum regime, particularly to quantum sensing and quantum information processing. The use of quantum metamaterials for quantum information processing is still new and rapidly growing. In quantum information processing, quantum metamaterials have enabled the control and manipulation of quantum states, single photon generation, creating quantum entanglement, quantum states switching, quantum search algorithm, quantum state engineering tasks, and many more. In this work, we briefly review the theory, fabrication and applications of quantum metamaterials to quantum information processing.
Metamaterials are a class of artificially engineered materials with periodic structures possessing exceptional properties not found in conventional materials. This definition can be extended when we introduce a degree of freedom by adding quantum elements such as quantum dots, cold atoms, Josephson junctions, and molecules, making metamaterials highly valuable for various quantum applications. Metamaterials have been used to achieve invisibility cloaking, super-resolution, energy harvesting, and sensing, among other applications. Most of these applications are performed in the classical regime. Metamaterials have gradually made their way into the quantum regime since the advent of quantum computing and quantum sensing and imaging. Quantum metamaterials are a relatively new technology, and their use in quantum information processing has proliferated. We restrict this study to quantum state manipulation and control, quantum entanglement, single photon generation, quantum state switching, quantum state engineering, quantum key distribution, quantum algorithms, orbital angular momentum, and quantum imaging. Considering these developments, we examine the theory, fabrication, and applications contributing to quantum information processing and how quantum metamaterials contribute to this field. We find that the ability to harness the unique properties of metamaterials to drive these applications is of great importance, as they have the potential to unlock new possibilities for revolutionizing quantum information processing, bringing the world closer to practical quantum technologies with unprecedented capabilities. We conclude by suggesting possible future research directions.
By coupling controllable quantum systems into larger structures we introduce the concept of a quantum metamaterial. Conventional metamaterials represent one of the most important frontiers in optical design, with applications in diverse fields ranging from medicine to aerospace. Up until now however, metamaterials have themselves been classical structures and interact only with the classical properties of light. Here we describe a class of dynamic metamaterials, based on the quantum properties of coupled atom-cavity arrays, which are intrinsically lossless, reconfigurable, and operate fundamentally at the quantum level. We show how this new class of metamaterial could be used to create a reconfigurable quantum superlens possessing a negative index gradient for single photon imaging. With the inherent features of quantum superposition and entanglement of metamaterial properties, this new class of dynamic quantum metamaterial, opens a new vista for quantum science and technology
We study quantum features of electromagnetic radiation propagating in a waveguide built of an infinite array of super-conducting qubits (SCQ) placed within a resonator comprised of two massive superconductors. Such engineered media, so-called superconducting quantum metamaterials (SCQMM), have a great potential for quantum information processing and communications and devise a comprehensive study of the nature of the “light”-matter interaction. We predict the emergence of novel in-terference effects with possible practical applications. For exam-ple, photons may exhibit a nontrivial dispersion relation such as band edges and band gaps. In this way, QMMs may be viewed as photonic crystals. This, in turn, enriches their potential for practi-cal applications and provides novel means for devising compre-hensive studies of both practical and fundamental aspects of the interaction of artificial atoms and the EM field.
By coupling controllable quantum systems into larger structures we introduce the concept of a quantum metamaterial. Conventional meta-materials represent one of the most important frontiers in optical design, with applications in diverse fields ranging from medicine to aerospace. Up until now however, metamaterials have themselves been classical structures and interact only with the classical properties of light. Here we describe a class of dynamic metamaterials, based on the quantum properties of coupled atom-cavity arrays, which are intrinsically lossless, reconfigurable, and operate fundamentally at the quantum level. We show how this new class of metamaterial could be used to create a reconfigurable quantum superlens possessing a negative index gradient for single photon imaging. With the inherent features of quantum superposition and entanglement of metamaterial properties, this new class of dynamic quantum metamaterial, opens a new vista for quantum science and technology.