Integrated photonic circuit fabrication by femtosecond laser writing for quantum information

Introduction

Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize the way we acquire, manipulate, and communicate information. Photons are key players in quantum technologies with a transversal role in all applications.

Integrated Photonics

In particular, integrated photonics is the only viable approach to scale up quantum photonics to the level of real-world applications. In this context, many materials and fabrication technologies are being explored. Among them, femtosecond laser writing of photonic circuits in transparent glasses is a powerful microfabrication technique with several advantages that could particularly benefit quantum applications.

Advantages of Femtosecond Laser Writing

In a rapidly developing field such as that based on quantum technologies, there is a great need for:

1. Rapid prototyping
2. Easy customization
3. Versatility in terms of layouts, materials, and applications

All these features are specifically provided by femtosecond laser writing.

Project Objectives

In this project, we would like to build from several key device demonstrations achieved in the main ERC Advanced Grant to develop their potential for commercial exploitation in the globally expanding market of quantum photonic devices.

Industrial Viability

Femtosecond laser writing has already demonstrated its industrial viability with several existing companies based on this technology; however, none of them tackles the market of quantum integrated photonic devices.

Team Expertise

The PI and his team have longstanding experience in designing and producing integrated photonic devices for quantum applications.

Focus Areas

The PhotonFAB project will focus on improving the production capability in terms of:

• Circuit complexity
• Efficiency
• Packaging

Together with a thorough market and IPR analysis, contacts with potential end users and stakeholders, and detailed cost estimation, this project will help shape the exploitation strategy of the many groundbreaking results achieved in the ERC Advanced Grant project.