Waveguide-based squeezed light sources

Squeezed light sources are a critical component of continuous variable quantum networking and quantum computing systems. Periodically poled nonlinear optical waveguides are a promising technology for squeezed light sources due to high conversion efficiency, long interaction length, robust fiber coupling, and integration potential. While these waveguides are available commercially, they are not optimized for demanding quantum applications, and a variety of nonlinear materials are available without specific understanding of the advantages or disadvantages of each material as they relate to squeezed light generation. The specific goal of the phase I project is to establish the feasibility of utilizing a variety of quasi phase matched nonlinear waveguide materials as squeezed light sources and determine unique characteristics of each material that make them well suited for specific squeezed light applications. The key innovation is applying AdvR’s well developed understanding of waveguide fabrication and characterization towards squeezed light sources, improving coupling loss, propagation loss, conversion efficiency, and power handling for efficient generation of squeezed light. This approach is enabled by AdvR’s demonstrated expertise fabricating and characterizing waveguides in proton exchanged lithium niobate, MgO doped lithium niobate, and thin film substrates for highly specialized classical and quantum applications. In the Phase I program, AdvR will fabricate and evaluate a variety of periodically poled waveguide systems for squeezed light generation. AdvR will assess the results and determine the suitability of each waveguide type for specific applications. This information will be used to refine processing conditions and optimize the sources in a Phase II effort. While the initial focus of this effort will be on quantum computing applications under development at the DOE, other commercial applications exist in both quantum computing and precision sensing arenas. This interest is reinforced by letters of support from commercial and DOE partners.