Experimental techniques of quantum communication and quantum information
Principal investigator
In the last twenty years, there has been significant progress in experimental quantum physics, which is enabled not only the realization of many historical imagined experiments. Such a situation led to development of a whole new field, the so-called quantum information where quantum communication and quantum computing are just some of the most fascinating topics. The first experimental realizations of quantum cryptography, coupling photons, quantum teleportation, components of quantum computers and precise tests of fundamental laws quantum physics are among the most important experimental results of recent quantum physics. However weak efficiency of methods and devices for quantum coupling, limited range and low bandwidth of quantum communications and inefficient components for quantum computing are the main obstacle to further research and possible applications. The main research topics of this project are better understanding and improvement experimental methods for achieving efficient coupling of photons, quantum cryptography, semiconductor of single photon detectors (SPAD), non-deterministic random number generators and quant calculations. Laser light interaction processes in nonlinear crystals will also be investigated. Special attention will be devoted to the development of new experimental methods and the research of new theoretical results from quantum communication and information. The experimental techniques that we will use primarily relate to manipulating photons, quantum optics, laser techniques, new light sources and detectors. The problem which the project deals with has, in addition to the value of fundamental knowledge, multifaceted technological applicability in digital communication, computer security and cryptography, future super computers, etc. Furthermore, SPAD detectors are used in spectrophotometers, confocal microscopes and at high speed DNA sequencing. These are all very recent technologies that are still being perfected, and we plan to get involved and in the process of generating innovations, as we have already done in the case of the award-winning quantum generator random numbers. The project relies on four researchers with experience in the field of quantum information theory and experimental techniques necessary for the effective realization of this project. In this project it is necessary the participation of at least one scientific novice. We plan to enter projects within the framework of FP7, NATO and ESA program, and participate in national technological programs such as HITRA.