RTX and Xanadu partner on quantum photonics
Using silicon nitride PICs, the INSIGHT project aims to achieve a squeezed light generator and homodyne detector with sensitivity 16 dB below photon shot noise, paving the way for more scalable, efficient quantum technologies
RTX's BBN Technologies and Xanadu, in collaboration with the University of Maryland and Raytheon's Advanced Technology business, have announced they are spearheading a project in response to the INSPIRED Program run by DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). The team aims to develop the INSIGHT device: an integrated, in-package squeezed light generator and homodyne detector. The project aims to achieve an unprecedented detection sensitivity 16 dB below the photon shot noise level, leveraging cutting-edge silicon nitride PICs and high-efficiency on-chip detection.
According to the scientists, the ability to generate and detect squeezed light with this level of precision represents a quantum leap in photonics and quantum computing. INSIGHT seeks to dramatically reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements, paving the way for more scalable and efficient quantum technologies. This breakthrough could impact fields ranging from secure communications to advanced sensing and computational power, heralding a new era of quantum-enabled applications.
“DARPA's INSPIRED Program pushes the boundaries of quantum innovation, and we are proud to deliver our part of INSIGHT as a testament to what's possible through collaboration and cutting-edge engineering,” says Zachary Vernon, chief technology officer of hardware at Xanadu. “INSIGHT represents the culmination of years of research and innovation, blending DARPA's vision and BBN's expertise with Xanadu's cutting-edge capabilities in quantum photonics. We are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in integrated quantum devices, setting the stage for transformative advancements in quantum technology.”
At the heart of the INSIGHT device is a silicon nitride multi-resonator system known as a photonic molecule. The researchers say this architecture not only advances the state of the art in squeezed light generation but also makes the technology more compact. These enhancements are key for applications in secure quantum communication networks, high-precision sensing systems, and emerging quantum computing architectures.
The project also integrates high quantum efficiency balanced homodyne detectors directly onto the silicon nitride PIC. This integration is critical to measuring the 16 dB squeezing goal and represents a significant leap over existing systems. By combining squeezed light generation and detection within a single, compact package, INSIGHT dramatically reduces system complexity while ensuring unparalleled performance, the scientists say.
With a clear roadmap to address challenges like loss reduction and fault tolerance, BBN, Xanadu, and their collaborators say they are setting the stage for transformative advancements in quantum technology. Representing a pivotal step toward scalable quantum photonics and integrated quantum systems, INSIGHT aims to redefine secure communications, sensing, and computation, reshaping the future of quantum-enabled applications.
