SBIR-STTR Award

Quantum mechanics predicts that quantum two-level systems - quantum bits, or simply qubits - can provide fundamentally new methods of information processing due to possible existing in an arbitrary coherent superposition of quantum states. That offers an enormous gain in the use of information technology resources such as time and memory. The first qubits and quantum logic gates are now being built in the laboratory. ALTAIR Center proposes to develop a novel practically realizable physical scheme for optical quantum information processing based on polarized states of atoms embedded in a photonic crystal. Spontaneous decay of the photon-atom bound state is completely suppressed. That allows constructing the long-life qubits and single-atom quantum logic gates. The proposed physical realization solves the problem of decoherence critical for building the quantum information processing devices. In Phase I of this project we will prove feasibility of the proposed concept by modeling simulation and study quantum properties of the degenerate two-level systems embedded in a photonic crystal. In Phase II of the project the obtained results will be applied to developing of a comprehensive model for the prototype quantum information devices. The developed model will be delivered to DoD by the end of the project. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: In addition to immediate military applications the quantum information science and technology has great commercialization potential and niche market which cannot be covered by conventional classical technologies including the development of unbreakable cryptographic schemes, design of quantum computation algorithms and the development of quantum technologies for implementations in telecommunication, computer and information industry.

Keywords:
Quantum information processing, quantum computing, photonic bandgap crystals, entangled states, qubits, quantum encryption

Quantum mechanics predicts that quantum two-level systems - qubits - can provide fundamentally new modes of information processing due to possible existing in an arbitrary coherent superposition of quantum states. A practical realization of quantum information processing requires obviously isolated quantum systems that act as qubits. ALTAIR Center proposed a novel practically realizable physical system of an optical long-life qubit based on polarized states of atoms, molecules, or quantum dots embedded in photonic crystals that solves the decoherence problem, for long time considered to be a major obstacle to building optical quantum information devices. We also studied quantum-statistical properties of light pulses propagating in nonlinear resonance media, and developed a novel physical concept of creation of twin-photonic Fock states with large (over 106) occupation numbers. Using results of Phase I theoretical studies, in Phase II of this project we will develop detailed designs, technology, and Prototypes of a generator of twin-photonic Fock states with large occupation numbers and a generator of light pulses entangled in polarization. We will also demonstrate theoretically a technologically feasible optical fiber media and designs, which will preserve with high efficiency the quantum optical properties of squeezed light over a distance of at least 1 km. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: In addition to immediate military applications the quantum information science and technology has great commercialization potential and niche market which cannot be covered by conventional classical technologies including the development of unbreakable cryptographic schemes, design of quantum computation algorithms and the development of quantum technologies for implementations in telecommunication, computer and information industry.

Keywords:
Quantum information processing, quantum computing, photonic bandgap crystals, entangled states, qubits, quantum dots, doped fibers, Bragg grating