Single Photon Frequency Convertor with High Quantum Efficiency

The overall goal of this SBIR is to increase the accessibility and range of emerging all-fiber quantum networks by significantly advancing the state-of-the-art in optical quantum networks using fully integrated, single-pass, quantum frequency conversion (QFC). Fiber-based quantum networks, to take advantage of low losses and the wide range of existing network components and infrastructure, are expected to operate near the telecommunications C-band (~1550 nm). However, the quantum information to be transported over the quantum network is often generated or manipulated at wavelengths in the visible and UV spectral regions and thus require quantum frequency conversion to get information onto and off of the quantum network. Furthermore, to extend the physical range of a quantum network requires the use of quantum repeaters and memories, which, unlike classical fiber amplifiers that can operate in the C-band, typically also require operation in the visible and UV regions and also require quantum frequency conversion. In the Phase I effort, AdvR will explore improvements to nonlinear waveguide fabrication to investigate the feasibility of developing a QFC device for high efficiency conversion between the telecom IR region and the visible and UV. Developing a high efficiency, compact and robust QFC-based network device will directly support the expanding use and implementation of versatile quantum networks, as requested in the U.S. Department of Energy STTR Program, FY 2019, Topic 6a: Quantum Network Technologies.