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Nano-Photonic Platform for Atom-Light Interaction

Citation

Yu, Su-Peng (2017) Nano-Photonic Platform for Atom-Light Interaction. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z9668B7F. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06022017-134307910

Abstract

Development of technology can allow access to new regimes in science and creation of new fields of research. The development of ultra-high finesse mirror technology enabled the development of the field of cavity quantum electrodynamics, and an abundance of wonderful physics experiments soon followed. The sophistication of the field of nano-fabrication and nano-photonics would allow unprecedented capability to mold the shape and flow of light, and provide a novel platform for efficient and hopefully integrable quantum systems. In this project, we hope to interface cold atoms, perhaps the most quintessential of quantum systems, to the engineering power of nano-photonics. We believe this field of study will not only lead to the demonstration of new physics in the quantum regime, but work toward building a network with quantum capabilities mediated by optical channels.

In this project, we develop a nano-fabricated platform capable of interfacing nano-photonic devices with cold Cesium atoms in free-space. Nano-photonic waveguide devices are fabricated in a Silicon Nitride device layer on Silicon substrate. The fabrication is compatible with conventional semiconductor fabrication processes, and the chip design has been adapted to allow incorporation with free-space optics to support cold Cesium atom cloud around the waveguides. An ultra-high vacuum system that is compatible to the chip and its supporting structures was constructed to perform experiments.

With our system, we were able to fabricate and characterize nano-photonic structures, including 1D photonic crystal waveguides, cavities, and 2D photonic crystal slabs. For the 1D photonic crystal waveguide devices, enhanced atom-light coupling between localized Cesium atoms in the vicinity of the devices, and also atom-atom interaction between Cesium atoms mediated by the guided mode of the photonic crystal waveguide, has been observed. The 2D photonic devices allow us many capabilities beyond that of the 1D waveguide. Demonstration of exotic optical properties including natural decay rate suppression and circular polarization engineering, should be within reach in the near future.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:quantum optics; light-matter interaction; nanofabrication; nanophotonics; photonic crystal
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Kimble, H. Jeff
Group:Institute for Quantum Information and Matter, Kavli Nanoscience Institute
Thesis Committee:
  • Kimble, H. Jeff (chair)
  • Painter, Oskar J.
  • Chen, Xie
  • Faraon, Andrei
Defense Date:26 May 2017
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:06022017-134307910
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06022017-134307910
DOI:10.7907/Z9668B7F
Related URLs:
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https://caltechdata.tind.io/records/241Related ItemSoftware package (COMSOL, Lumerical FDTD, CAD generator)
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Yu, Su-Peng0000-0003-1348-7447
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:10255
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Su Peng Yu
Deposited On:05 Jun 2017 21:55
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 18:42

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