2D materials enable quantum photonics
Review highlights tunable materials and integrated photonic components for future quantum systems.
Two-dimensional materials could provide a new route to programmable quantum photonic circuits, according to a review published in Nature Photonics.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems examined how photonic components could be integrated and dynamically controlled on chip. Photonics could enable quantum technologies including quantum neural networks and distributed quantum computing.
The review highlights the challenge of moving beyond fixed photonic devices towards multifunctional circuits in which multiple components can be reconfigured. The authors identify tunable quantum light sources and dynamic modulation as key elements of programmable quantum photonics.
In particular, van der Waals crystals could be tuned by changing how their constituent layers are assembled or twisted. The researchers suggest that these materials could support on-chip quantum light sources and other tunable photonic components, although they currently do not match established sources in areas including brightness, photon purity and coherence.
Dynamic modulation is another key challenge, with existing approaches to controlling phase and frequency described as bulky, lossy and slow to switch. The review suggests that 2D materials could eventually address requirements including efficient coupling, low-energy operation, fast switching and scalability.
The authors conclude that 2D materials could provide a versatile toolkit for future quantum photonic circuits, offering functions including bandgap engineering, optoelectronic and nonlinear capabilities, and quantum light generation.
