The miniaturization of quantum optical systems is the basis for bringing quantum technologies into application. This requires the development of a wide variety of enabling technologies. The IPQOS project brings together aspects of materials science, vacuum technology, photonics and microsystems technology. The interplay of these individual disciplines will be used in this project to develop the basis for a "technology toolbox" in order to realize the miniaturization of quantum optical systems. The aim is to find novel solutions for future requirements of quantum technologies. To realize the project, processes of assembly and connection technology as well as methods for lithography, coating and structuring are carried out in the clean room.
The demonstrators built at the end of the project will serve as the basis for the construction of miniaturized precision instruments for research into fundamental physical questions (measurement of the gravitational constant, testing of the equivalence principle, etc.). The demonstrators also form the basis for the construction of various high-precision sensors (gravity, magnetic fields, etc.) that can be used for applications in navigation, communication and earth observation in space. In addition, the technologies developed are also used directly in the realization of the ESA project "MiniMOT for quantum registers".
Project goals
We want to achieve the following goals during the project:
We are developing a vacuum cell with dimensions of a few centimeters that has the lowest possible leakage rate in the ultra-high vacuum range. To achieve this, established and new manufacturing processes must be combined with vacuum technology and suitable material selection.
A getter pump is being developed to maintain the vacuum in the cell for a certain period of time. This is intended to bind gas molecules that are released by outgassing of the materials used through chemical reactions on the pump surface.
Another main aspect of the project is the development, production and characterization of waveguide structures in the micro- and submicrometer range. In addition to the waveguides themselves, optical elements such as ring resonators are also produced. A further focus is on the coupling and decoupling of laser light into the waveguides and integration with an on-chip laser source.
Contact
Dr. Jakob Buchheim
Head of Department Integration of Micro- and Nanosystems
