Distributed quantum networks with spin-photon interfaces
We investigate scalable architectures of quantum optical networks with distributed qubits and photonic interconnects using solid-state spin-based qubit systems. Experimental techniques and capabilities include state-of-the-art ultrafast optical manipulation and readout of single spins, high-rate distant entanglement generation and efficient generation of photonic cluster states. Our efforts focus on two types of quantum systems, the semiconductor quantum dots and diamond spin defects. Near-term goals of both research strands include demonstration of quantum registers and functioning quantum repeater nodes.
A photo from the distributed quantum entanglement experiment.
Semiconductor spins: Alex Ghorbal, Yusuf Karlı
Diamond spins: William Roth, Niamh Mulholland, Niels Timmerman
Quantum-enhanced sensing for nanosystems & life sciences
We study new physical phenomena in the nanoscale using quantum sensors based on diamond colour centres. Our sensing modalities include magnetometry for studying emergent magnetism in novel materials, imaging of unconventional transport in quantum nanocircuits. The second research strand focuses on using nanodiamond quantum sensors for applications in life sciences. We perform nanoMRI, thermometry and diffusion studies inside live cells and C. Elegans worms.
(Left) A close-up of the quantum sensor head for magnetometry performing ODMR of a single NV centre at the tip of a diamond cantilever. (Right) Magnetic variations captured 100 nm above a 5×5 micron area surface with 10-nm resolution using an NV centre.
Scanning quantum magnetometry: Merve Gülmüş, Freya Johnson, Qian Ling Kee
Nanodiamond biosensing: Jack Hart, Louise Shanahan, Sophia Belser
exploring novel materials for quantum-photonics devices
We investigate new material platforms to develop our understanding of their properties, as well as to identify their advantages for developing future quantum-photonic devices. One material of interest is hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), which hosts optically active spin defects at room temperature. Another material platform is 2d materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, which allows for moire physics and the investigations of exciton interactions in 2d heterostructures.
Scalable quantum emitter arrays in atomically thin layered materials on nanostructured substrates.
hBN spin-photon interfaces: Oliver Powell, Catie Curtin, Stephanie Fraser, Carmem Maia Gilardoni
Moire physics in 2d materials: Carmem Maia Gilardoni