A new class of transparent materials—conductive oxides with a near-zero refractive index—could dramatically shrink and strengthen the components that generate and manipulate single photons for quantum technologies. Today’s quantum devices rely on nonlinear optical effects to create single photons and entangled pairs, but the materials used require intense laser light to work. This makes the systems bulky, power-hungry, and hard to scale. The LexQuO project will integrate ultra-nonlinear, low-index thin films into two key quantum processes: converting the colour of single photons at telecom wavelengths, and generating photon pairs directly inside chip-scale waveguides. If successful, these materials would reduce the light intensity needed, enabling smaller, more energy-efficient quantum components. The impact is primarily on fundamental science and future infrastructure. More compact and efficient photon sources could accelerate the development of quantum communication networks and quantum computing hardware. The project also aims to resolve an open theoretical question about how nonlinear optical bandwidth behaves in low-index bulk materials, which could guide future material design. This is curiosity-driven research with clear engineering targets—it does not promise a consumer product, but it addresses a materials bottleneck that currently limits the practicality of quantum systems.
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APP47830: Low-index Quantum Optics (LexQuO) Nonlinear optics is a cornerstone of quantum systems because it enables essential processes such as the generation, manipulation, and detection of quantum states of light, including single photons and entangled photon pairs. These processes are fundamental for quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. Nonlinear effects, like frequency conversion, parametric down-conversion, and four-wave mixing, allow for the control and transformation of quantum information encoded in light. Without nonlinear interactions, many quantum operations would be impossible or highly inefficient. In this regard, the development of novel low-index ultra-nonlinear transparent conducting oxides is critical for enhancing the efficiency and scalability of quantum systems. Current materials often require high light intensities to achieve noticeable nonlinear effects, limiting their practicality and integration into compact, energy-efficient quantum devices. These ultra-nonlinear materials would reduce the required light intensity, enabling more robust and compact quantum components. This advancement would facilitate the creation of more scalable quantum networks and systems, making them more accessible and practical for real-world applications. Additionally, these materials could pave the way for new quantum phenomena and technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible in quantum optics and photonics. This proposal aims to pioneer the first integration of ultra-nonlinear low-index materials into quantum applications, establishing crucial benchmarks in the field. The project focuses on two primary objectives: i) Single-photon frequency conversion at telecom wavelengths using optically pumped near-zero-index (NZI) conductive oxide thin films ii) On-chip photon pairs generation in NZI-based integrated waveguides. These processes are selected for their critical roles in advancing quantum gate configurations and signal processing technologies. LexQuO is a collaborative research initiative between two well-established research teams in the UK and Canada with a long history of successful collaborations. The proposed project brings together world-class expertise in low-index materials and integrated quantum optics, a collaboration that is essential for the full realisation of the project’s ambitious objectives. In addition to these experimental goals, LexQuO will advance the theoretical framework by adapting quantum models for non-perturbative nonlinear solid-state systems. The project will also explore the effective nonlinear optical bandwidth in low-index bulk materials, a fundamental question that remains unresolved. The outcomes of the LexQuO project hold the potential to profoundly influence the development of quantum technologies, significantly enhancing both their functionality and scalability. Beyond the immediate scientific advancements, this project represents a strategic investment in the future of the quantum industry, crucial for both Canada and the UK. By addressing key challenges in quantum optics and low-index materials, LexQuO will not only push the boundaries of current technology but also lay the groundwork for a robust quantum ecosystem. Moreover, LexQuO’s commitment to advancing human resources is remarkable. By training the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists, this project wants to strongly contribute to the creation of a highly skilled quantum workforce, essential for sustaining and expanding the quantum high-tech market. The knowledge and expertise developed through this collaboration will be critical in meeting the rising demand for quantum professionals, ensuring that both nations remain competitive on the world stage. All in all, LexQuO fully supports the STFC Strategic Delivery Plan towards world-class people, careers, places, ideas, innovation, and impacts.
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