Objectif
One of the most important developments in modern physics was the recent emergence of quantum information science, which by its very nature is broadly multidisciplinary. It was started by investigations of the foundations of quantum mechanics, and fundamental quantum concepts, most notably, entanglement, play a key role. We are now at an historic moment where a major qualitative step, both in developing a new technology and applying it to new fundamental questions, can be made. In this proposal, we aim to combine the investigation of fundamental questions with the development of micro-optics technology to reach a new level of both quantum information experiments and fundamental tests of quantum mechanics. We propose to utilize the advanced development of micro-optics to build novel integrated quantum optics photonic chips. High quality micro-optics will allow precise control over many properties, including birefringence, dispersion, periodicity, and even absorptive properties. We will combine this with novel highly efficient detectors, hopefully, in the long run, also integrated into the same microchips. By their very nature, the new multi-mode devices will make new higher-dimensional regions of Hilbert space and new types of multi-photon entanglement accessible to experiment. Such devices will enable many new fundamental investigations of quantum mechanics, such as, to give just one example, exploring quantum complementarity both between different numbers of photons and as a function of Hilbert space dimension with significant mathematical implications. Most importantly, we are convinced that many new ideas will arise throughout the project. The new integrated quantum optical chips will also be important in quantum computation, specifically with cluster states and similar complex quantum states. With these chips, we will realize multi-qubit procedures and algorithms and demonstrate the feasibility of all-optical quantum computation in realistic scenarios.
Champ scientifique
Appel à propositions
ERC-2008-AdG
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Régime de financement
ERC-AG - ERC Advanced GrantInstitution d’accueil
1010 Wien
Autriche