Low Loss, Highly Nonlinear Waveguides for Transparent Optical Quantum Networks

Quantum optical networks being developed by the DOE require all optical signal processing to preserve the quantum state of generated and transmitted photons. This requirement necessitates the development of transparent optical components with functionalities to support a quantum network. Robust, fiber packaged lithium niobate waveguide technologies can fit these needs in a suitable, scalable manner. Highly nonlinear, low loss lithium niobate ridge waveguides are being developed to suit the needs of a quantum network. In this Phase I, AdvR will establish the feasibility of developing periodically poled magnesium oxide doped lithium niobate ppMgO:LN) ridge waveguides with advanced phase modulated poling structures to support quantum and classical multicasting and multiplexing in transparent optical networking and quantum information processing applications under development at the DOE. In this phase I SBIR, AdvR will design, fabricate, and evaluate MgO:LN ridge waveguides with phase modulated poling structures to support quantum and classical multiplexing and demultiplexing. This approach is enabled by AdvR’s patented chip level periodic poling process and commercial ridge waveguide fabrication procedure. AdvR will work closely with established DOE partner, Dr. Joe Lukens at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to ensure the developed waveguides are suitable for DOE needs. Quantum network components are an enabling technology for an all optical quantum network. While near-term commercial opportunities primarily involve supporting research and development staff, future implementation may be much larger. Fully integrated, low loss, highly non-linear waveguides in thin film lithium niobate represent an enabling technology for emerging quantum networks being developed by the DOE. Today, fully packaged periodically poled lithium niobate PPLN) ridge waveguides are used to generate high flux, broad band photon pairs which are a key resource in a transparent optical quantum network. While ridge-based photon pair sources are available commercially, highly nonlinear ridge waveguides with more complex functionality to support classical and quantum-based wavelength multicasting and multiplexing need to be developed to ensure the full utility of transparent optical networks can be realized, and enable classical and quantum coexistence. In this DOE SBIR Phase I, AdvR will establish the feasibility of developing periodically poled magnesium oxide doped lithium niobate ppMgO:LN) ridge waveguides with advanced phase modulated poling structures to support quantum and classical multicasting and multiplexing in transparent optical networking and quantum information processing applications under development at the DOE. The key innovation is applying AdvR’s chip level poling technology, which can produce high fidelity poling at the micron level, to produce phase modulated grating patterns in thin film MgO:LN ridge waveguides. This work will be performed in collaboration with Dr. Joseph Lukens in the Quantum Information Sciences Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with Dr. Lukens providing insight into the applications and end use of the proposed devices, and AdvR providing expertise in waveguide fabrication and characterization. MgO:LN ridge waveguides offer low loss from UV to IR wavelengths, high power handling capabilities, and high electro- optic and nonlinear performance, making them ideal for use in demanding quantum networking applications that require all optical signal processing.