Mid-infrared quantum optics in silicon

Lawrence M Rosenfeld, Dominic A Sulway, Gary F Sinclair, Vikas Anant, Mark G Thompson, John G Rarity, Joshua W Silverstone*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Applied quantum optics stands to revolutionise many aspects of information technology, provided performance can be maintained when scaled up. Silicon quantum photonics satisfies the scaling requirements of miniaturisation and manufacturability, but at 1.55 μm it suffers from problematic linear and nonlinear loss. Here we show that, by translating silicon quantum photonics to the mid-infrared, a new quantum optics platform is created which can simultaneously maximise manufacturability and miniaturisation, while reducing loss. We demonstrate the necessary platform components: photon-pair generation, single-photon detection, and high- visibility quantum interference, all at wavelengths beyond 2 μm. Across various regimes, we observe a maximum net coincidence rate of 448 ± 12 Hz, a coincidence-to-accidental ratio of 25.7 ± 1.1, and, a net two-photon quantum interference visibility of 0.993 ± 0.017. Mid-infrared silicon quantum photonics will bring new quantum applications within reach.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages11
JournalOptics Express
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 25 Sept 2020

Structured keywords

  • Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training
  • QETLabs
  • Bristol Quantum Information Institute
  • Photonics and Quantum

Keywords

  • quantum
  • mid-infrared
  • Photon counting
  • photon sources

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