Progress in Quantum Science: Research Team Creates Key Components for Photonic Quantum Simulators

Researchers utilize a programmable chip to manipulate quantum information carried by individual photons. Each pink dot symbolizes a single photon, and the connections between them indicate quantum entanglement, the medium through which quantum data is exchanged among diverse photons. Image Credit: Stefano Paesani

Scientists at the Niels Bohr Institute, in collaboration with the University of Münster and Ruhr-Universität Bochum, have invented a technology that can manage the vast amounts of data produced by quantum systems. They’ve effectively interconnected deterministic single-photon light sources, which create quantum bits at phenomenal speeds, with bespoke integrated photonic circuits. These circuits can process quantum data quickly and efficiently while preserving delicate quantum states.

This significant advancement lays the groundwork for the development of photonic quantum devices that might, for instance, analyze and emulate intricate quantum systems, such as the vibrational activity of biological molecules. The research has been published in Science Advances.

The long journey now bears fruit

Professor Peter Lodahl and the Quantum Photonics research group at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen have dedicated nearly two decades to this field. Simply put, it involves using single photons, the tiniest components of light, to encode quantum data.

The field is growing rapidly, showcasing a single-photon encrypted communication link in the fall of 2022, and a recent record investment in the spin-out firm Sparrow Quantum.

The photon sources, developed and perfected by the team over many years, sit at the heart of the matter. They now offer unmatched control, precision, and quality, unlocking new paths for research and development in quantum technology.

Deciphering Quantum Simulator

The term “quantum” is often accompanied by “computer” – the concept of a robust computing platform capable of solving complex problems.

Peter Lodahl suggests that the current work aligns with what they refer to as a “quantum simulator.”

A quantum simulator is a specialized computer that simulates quantum systems by processing quantum data (quantum bits), a task that classical computers struggle with.

Stefano Paesani, a key researcher in the study, explains, “Processing quantum data requires exponentially increasing capacity on a classical computer as the number of quantum bits grows. This means that even relatively simple quantum mechanical problems cannot be solved on classical computers.”

Understanding the Role of a Quantum Simulator

What does it mean to “process” quantum information? Here, an important interdisciplinary aspect arises.

Under the Novo Nordisk Foundation Project, “Solid-State Quantum Simulators for Biochemistry (SolidQ),” photons interacting within a photonic circuit can be used to characterize biochemical processes.

The photonic quantum simulator can process the complicated quantum information that describes a system (the biomolecule) using another system (photons). One of the hurdles is comprehending the relationship between these two complex quantum systems.

Reliance of Quantum Simulator on Similarities Between Quantum Systems

Peter Lodahl explains, “We can gain insights into one system by examining the other, essentially ‘mapping’ one system onto another. The initial understanding of a complex system is, however, critical.”

For instance, there’s a natural mapping between photons and molecular vibrational dynamics: the quantum mechanical operation that describes the evolution of a vibrating molecule is the same one that describes photons traveling through a circuit.

Bridging Technologies

The challenge lies in rapidly and efficiently processing the deluge of photons travelling at light speed. The processing must be swift and lossless, with minimal room for error.

In partnership with the University of Münster over the past two years, the teams have created photonic circuits capable of handling quantum bits from the photonic source and harmonizing the two systems. The focus of the Novo Nordisk Foundation project SolidQ has been optimizing photon processing.

Stefano Paesani comments on the collaboration, “Working with Münster has been a fantastic example of how research communities pioneer advancements. Following that, we draft a ‘road map’ for scaling up the technology.

Our platform appears extremely promising. By partnering with Münster, we’ve managed to create photonic circuits that are efficient and fast enough to keep pace with our photon sources. This opens the door to potential applications.”

Reference: “High-speed thin-film lithium niobate quantum processor driven by a solid-state quantum emitter” by Patrik I. Sund, Emma Lomonte, Stefano Paesani, Ying Wang, Jacques Carolan, Nikolai Bart, Andreas D. Wieck, Arne Ludwig, Leonardo Midolo, Wolfram H. P. Pernice, Peter Lodahl and Francesco Lenzini, 12 May 2023, Science Advances. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg7268

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• Niels Bohr Institute
• University of Münster
• Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Science Advances Journal
• Sparrow Quantum
• Novo Nordisk Foundation
• Quantum Computing
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