Arbitrary signal generator for photonic quantum signal processing

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 496062341

With this equipment proposal the “Photonic quantum technologies” group at Leibniz University Hannover applies for a photonic signal processing unit for quantum and classical signals, comprising a fast 50 GHz arbitrary waveform generator (AWG), two fast RF amplifiers and an IQ modulator (in-phase and quadrature modulation). The instrument will be used to explore and develop novel ultra-fast manipulation schemes for frequency-time encoded quantum states as well as classical signals, with the focus on providing novel processing methods for the implementation of quantum information processing algorithms such a machine learning tasks. In particular, this unit will be used in combination with so-called quantum frequency combs, photons comprised of many frequency components, to enable a fast control and modification of the provided high-dimensional quantum states, i.e. generating scalable transformation systems for the realization and processing of complex quantum states. The time-frequency encoding of quantum states requires here sophisticated methods for manipulation, which can be reached with a fast IQ modulation (allowing phase and amplitude access) as a novel approach to photonic quantum state control. Moreover, the system will be beneficial for classical ultra-fast signal processing, where feedback-loop approaches in combination with the targeted IQ modulation can lead to the implementation and demonstration of novel classical optimization and pattern recognition tasks.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Arbiträrsignalgenerator für photonische Quantensignalverarbeitung
• Instrumentation Group: 6340 Funktionsgeneratoren
• Applicant Institution: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
• Leader: Professor Dr. Michael Kues