Metasurface-Based Quantum Searcher on a Silicon-On-Insulator Chip

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Quantum Information Science
• Integrated Optics and Nanophotonics

Background:

• Optical analog computing offers advantages in speed and energy efficiency over digital methods.
• Current on-chip optical analog computing research primarily addresses classical operations.
• On-chip quantum analog devices, particularly those using metasurfaces, remain undemonstrated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first on-chip quantum analog device based on metasurfaces.
• To simulate a quantum search algorithm using classical waves and interference effects.
• To achieve efficient detection of marked items via wave focusing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform for device fabrication.
• Employed classical waves to simulate quantum search principles, including superposition and interference.
• Integrated an on-chip metasurface for precise wave modulation and focusing.
• Designed a compact device with dimensions of 60 × 20 μm².

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated an on-chip quantum searcher that mimics quantum search algorithm efficiency.
• Achieved precise localization of marked items through wave focusing on designated positions.
• Validated the use of classical waves and metasurfaces for quantum simulation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed on-chip quantum searcher represents a significant advancement in integrated quantum analog devices.
• This technology facilitates the miniaturization and integration of wave-based signal processing systems.
• The approach offers a viable pathway for realizing on-chip quantum simulations and computations.