ZEro-indeX Enhanced Single-photon emission (ZEXES)
Abstract
ZEXES moves its steps from a new class of single photon emitters that by using an uncommon approach of low-Q plasmonic coupling can bring substantial benefits in terms of emission rate, energy efficiency, bandwidth, and manufacturability. Here we propose to integrate these new quantum sources with near-zero-index (NZI) thin films whose unique optical properties will further boost photon emission, improve directionality, strengthen resilience against environmental perturbation, and enable ultra-fast all-optical routing of single-photons. The present proposal brings the promise of very impactful results towards a new class of quantum technologies for the effective generation and manipulation of non-classical states of light. This will come together with the investigation of active conductive oxides whose extremely small effective index will open up new frontiers in our capability to manipulate the optical wave front (i.e. light experience extreme effects when propagating in ultralow index material – n less than 0.01). ZEXES will produce fundamental results which will strongly affect both the scientific world and the development of practical quantum technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Source ID
- FA86552317254
Entities
People
- Marcello Ferrera
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Heriot-Watt University
- United States Air Force