Quantum photonics, or the art of controlling light in the quantum regime
Developed since the end of the 20th centurye century, quantum photonics consists of taking advantage of the specifically quantum properties of light, in particular single photons (emitted one by one), for quantum calculation and securing communications. This discipline offers one of the most promising avenues for quantum computing (quantum computers and networks) or even for tamper-proof encryption key distribution protocols (quantum cryptography).
European leader in photonic quantum computing and from the Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (C2N-CNRS/Université Paris-Saclay/Université Paris Cité), Quellela has been producing and marketing quantum light emitters in Europe since 2017, essential components for photonics technologies. photonic quantum computing, and delivered its first photonic quantum computers in 2023. These emitters, made up of a quantum dot that can be seen as an artificial atom in a matrix of semiconductor material, make it possible to generate in series single photons, indistinguishable from each other and emitted on demand by a succession of laser pulses concentrated on this artificial atom.
In the best conditions of resonance and extraction of photons conferred by the optical cavity in which they are positioned, these quantum dots make it possible to generate a flow of photons at a rate of several tens of megahertz, which is used to effectively implement communication protocols. quantum calculation on a photonic chip.
Towards unprecedented computing power and efficiency
This new joint research-business laboratory (Labcom) aims to develop transmitters and protocols to generate new states of quantum light, with the aim of creating a photonic quantum computer.
error-tolerant and capable of demonstrating quantum communication protocols.
To do this, the work will fall into two areas of research:
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The “optical” axis of the project will first aim to develop photonic quantum entanglement protocols
in order to create chains and graphs of multi-entangled photons. These non-classical states of light are at the heart of the “measurement-based” quantum computing paradigm, which is the most promising framework for realizing a universal quantum machine. - The “growth” axis will be focused on improving the quality of the quantum dot photonic devices that will be produced within Labcom. This will notably involve growing materials of very high purity, in order to control the “quantum purity” of photons and thus increase the reproducibility of manufacturing photonic devices.
QDlight, the continuation of close public-business research collaboration
This joint laboratory is a continuation of the collaboration since 2017 between Quellela and the research laboratory from which it originated, the Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (C2N). It resulted in numerous interactions between public and corporate research actors for the benefit of fundamental research on the physics of semiconductor quantum dots, light-matter interaction in solid microcavities, protocols for quantum light generation and their measurement, as well as the first implementations of quantum protocols or calculations.
Labcom QDlight represents a new step in maintaining a globally competitive lead in semiconductor single photon source technology, ensuring their constant refinement and exploiting their exceptional properties in research and development activities.
« The CNRS is delighted with the creation of QDlight which, by combining the excellence of the C2N laboratory teams with the company Quelle, European leader in photonic quantum computing from the academic world, contributes in two ways to position French public research in quantum at the best level in the world. » declares Antoine Petit, president and CEO of the CNRS.
« This research aims to maintain our technological leadership in quantum photonics globally “, says Niccolo Somaschi, co-founder and CEO of Quandela.
« It is a real pleasure for me to find myself at C2N, one of the high places of French research in nanosciences and nanotechnologies, to inaugurate this new Labcom, symbol of successful synergy between national research organizations, universities and deeptech companies which will make it possible to combine academic and technological expertise at the highest level to remove scientific and technological obstacles in the crucial field of quantum photonics, while participating in the training of students and young researchers », Adds Camille Galap, president of Paris-Saclay University.
« Paris Cité University is proud to have contributed to the creation of this joint laboratory, which illustrates the collaboration capabilities between universities, ONR and the private sector. It is essential to combine our strengths and expertise for the benefit of research and innovation, particularly in a field as strategic as quantum technology. », Explains Édouard Kaminski, president of Paris Cité University.
“We are proud of the creation of this joint laboratory which concretizes years of trusting relationships and will allow us to continue to support the strengthening of knowledge and skills in quantum photonics at Quellela alongside our partners. », underlines Thierry Dauxois, director of CNRS Physics.
ABOUT QUANDELA
Quandela is a leading company in the field of quantum technologies. Using the world’s most efficient single photon emitters, the company has developed and brought to market photonic quantum computers. Quandela designs, builds and delivers off-the-shelf quantum systems for data centers, cloud-accessible quantum processors, and algorithm access services.
Founded in 2017 by Pascale Senellart, CNRS research director at the Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (C2N), Niccolo Somaschi and Valérian Giesz, internationally renowned experts in quantum physics, Quellela employs more than 100 collaborators of 15 different nationalities, the majority of them researchers and engineers in optics, algorithms and information sciences. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges. (www.quandela.com)
ABOUT THE CNRS
A major player in fundamental research on a global scale, the CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to combine different scientific disciplines to illuminate and understand the challenges of the contemporary world, in conjunction with public and socio-economic stakeholders. Together, sciences serve sustainable progress that benefits all of society. (www.cnrs.fr)
ABOUT PARIS-SACLAY UNIVERSITY
Born from the combined will of universities, major schools and research organizations, Paris-Saclay University is one of the major European and global universities, covering the sectors of Science and Engineering, Life Sciences and Health, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Its scientific policy closely combines research and innovation, and is expressed in both fundamental sciences and applied sciences to respond to major societal challenges. From undergraduate to doctorate, including Grandes Ecoles programs, Paris-Saclay University offers training across a wide spectrum of disciplines, serving student success and professional integration. It prepares students for a rapidly changing society, where critical thinking, agility and the ability to renew skills are key. Paris-Saclay University also offers a rich lifelong learning program. Located south of Paris over a vast territory, Paris-Saclay University benefits from a geographical position favoring both its international visibility and close links with its socio-economic partners – large industrial groups, SMEs, startups, local authorities , associations… (www.universite-paris-saclay.fr)
ABOUT PARIS CITÉ UNIVERSITY
Paris Cité University is an omni-disciplinary, intensive research and world-class university, labeled IdEx, with a strong professional dimension. It is positioned at the best international level for the influence and originality of its research, the diversity and attractiveness of its training courses, its capacity for innovation and its active participation in the construction of the European research area. and training. Paris Cité University includes three faculties (Health, Sciences, Societies & Humanities), a component establishment, the Paris Institute of Globe Physics, and a partner research organization, the Institut Pasteur. It has 63,000 students, 7,500 teacher-researchers and researchers, 21 doctoral schools and 117 research units. A university with a positive societal impact, it is committed to “planetary health: healthy humans, in a healthy society, on a healthy planet”. (u-paris.fr)
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