Development of Chip-Based Optical Parametric Oscillators for Coherent Computing and Quantum Random Number Generation

Abstract

We propose to investigate and develop chip-based photonic devices for random number generation and computing applications. The devices will be based on the nonlinear optical process of degenerate four-wave mixing that will be implemented in microresonators using the integrated silicon-nitride (Si3N4) platform. By pumping the microresonator with two laser fields, an optical parametric oscillator is realized in which the generated signal is produced with a phase that randomly switches by pi every time the pump fields are turned on and off. This forms the basis for a random number generator that can operate at gigahertz rates and offers a potential solution for a wide range of problems that require the use of perfectly random numbers. By coupling such microresonators photonically the chip, the system forms a special network that can be used to solve non-deterministic polynomial (NP) time-hard problems. We will explore the dynamics of such a system and explore whether such a system has the potential to realize a scalable CMOS-compatible platform that utilizes the unique properties of light to solve challenging computational problems.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Oct 25, 2018
Source ID
W911NF1710016

Entities

People

  • Alexander L. Gaeta

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Columbia University
  • United States Army

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Statistical inference.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Quantum Computing