Plasmonic waveguides based on Er3+ doped nanoglasses for quantum telecommunications applications

• Grant number: 23/08401-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Euclydes Marega Junior
• Grantee: José Yitzhak Aarón Chacaliaza Ricaldi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center, AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/20714-5 - Rare-earth doped waveguides using pulsed laser deposition for integrated quantum photonics, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

The study of the interaction between rare earth ions in glasses and thin films with surface plasmon polaritons in a strong coupling regime has extensive applications in telecommunications. This can be enabled through ordered arrays of plasmonic nanostructures on gold surfaces. These structures not only amplify the local electric field at the metal/substrate interface but also refine specific modes and induce extraordinary optical transmission. Furthermore, with the expansion of telecommunications, there's a growing demand for increased speed and security in data transmission. Optical networks are advancing, incorporating reconfigurable circuits to adapt to network conditions. Quantum internet offers the capability to transmit data using protocols based on quantum mechanics, propelled by quantum repeaters still under development through different approaches. Our proposal involves developing quantum repeaters on plasmonic nanostructures using active optical materials. This project will be grounded in three main pillars: 1. Development of new active hybrid photonic materials: creating and manufacturing hybrid thin films from tellurite-oxide nanoglasses doped with Er3+ ions immersed in PMMA, with optical gain properties, to be deposited onto plasmonic nanostructures. 2. Advancing techniques for manufacturing hybrid waveguides based on PMMA through optical lithography, aiming to maximize this process via the interaction of surface plasmon polaritons - Er3+, and achieving quantum repeaters. 3. Experimental characterizations: Assessing the performance of the produced materials and the quantum repeater, focusing on spontaneous and stimulated emission, optical gain and amplification, as well as evaluating the proposed quantum information protocols in the project.