An on-chip phased array for non-classical light

Area of Science:

• Quantum Science and Technology
• Integrated Photonics
• Metamaterials

Background:

• Wireless links are crucial for expanding quantum technologies.
• Phased arrays revolutionized classical wireless communication through directional wave manipulation.
• Existing quantum technologies are primarily wired, limiting their reach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a chip-based phased array system for free-space quantum signal manipulation.
• To create a direct free-space-to-chip interface for reconfigurable quantum links.
• To enable wireless quantum sensing and communication.

Main Methods:

• Developed an integrated photonic-electronic system with over 1000 components.
• Integrated 32 sub-wavelength engineered metamaterial antennas for free-space reception.
• Implemented a large-scale array of quantum-limited coherent receivers for simultaneous signal detection.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected squeezed light using the phased array system.
• Demonstrated a 32-pixel imaging capability of non-classical light.
• Achieved spatially configurable reception and manipulation of squeezed light over free space.

Conclusions:

• The developed system advances wireless quantum technologies.
• This work paves the way for practical applications in quantum communications and sensing.
• On-chip integration of phased arrays offers a scalable solution for future quantum networks.