Quantum-enhanced imaging with realistic entangled photons: leveraging quantum dots in a nanophotonic platform

Quantum imaging is a microscopy technique that uses special properties of light to observe smaller features and have higher sensitivity than classical methods, especially in low-light or noisy environments like deep tissue imaging. It uses special quantum properties, such as entanglement, which is often called “spooky action at a distance” and photon-number squeezing, which is where the fluctuations in the number of photons are smaller than what is normally possible with classical light sources. The challenge lies in creating the quantum light source – current methods either rely on inefficient random processes such as parametric downconversion or struggle to collect enough photons from single molecules or atoms. Our solution uses chip-based quantum dots (that is, artificial atoms grown in the lab) integrated into nanophotonic structures to produce triggerable entangled photons. This method is both more efficient and scalable. This research will demonstrate the on-demand creation of entangled two-photon source while developing theoretical models to study how losses affect imaging performance with larger photon states, potentially revolutionizing biomedical diagnostics like early cancer detection. This project will strengthen Queen’s quantum innovation capacity by developing cutting-edge hardware for quantum imaging while advancing quantum microscopy techniques through knowledge transfer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nir Rotenberg

Student:

Partner:

Nanyang Technological University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Queen's University

Program: