Multiparticle Quantum Control via Plasmonic Near-Fields on Integrated Photonic Chips
By Anusha
Introduction:
This research aims to learn how plasmonic near-fields, and those embedded in integrated photonic architectures can be used to control multiphoton quantum states. Traditional quantum photonics rely on probabilistic entanglement sources such as spontaneous parametric down-conversion and four-wave mixing, which suffer from scalability and loss limitations. In contrast, plasmonic nanostructures have the potential to support strong optical near-fields that can couple directly to photons with high spatial confinement, enabling deterministic entanglement. We hypothesize that by engineering metallic nanostructures and integrating them onto a photonic chip, it is possible to steer multiphoton interference, suppress decoherence, and enable deterministic quantum control of entangled photon states. Unlike conventional dielectric photonic platforms, plasmonic near-fields are dissipative, but this dissipation can be engineered to guide multiphoton scattering trajectories.
Intellectual Merit:
The intellectual merit of this project lies in combining nanoelectronics, plasmonics, and integrated photonics to achieve quantum control at the hardware level. While theoretical work in quantum optics often consider photons as weakly interacting and easily decohered, the introduction of plasmonic near-fields allows for photon/photon interactions with high precision. In particular, we aim to design/simulate chip-scale circuits in which waveguides route single photons into plasmonic nanostructures that allow for controlled interference and scattering. By tuning these near-fields, we will test whether multiphoton coherence can be protected, moving toward deterministic entangling operations that are currently missing in most photonic quantum architectures.
Broader Impact:
The potential impact of this research extends across quantum information science, secure communications, and sensing technologies. If we are successful, the integration of plasmonic nanostructures into photonic chips could enable compact and deterministic entangling devices, providing a foundation for scalable photonic architectures. The same principles could be applied to on-chip processors for quantum key distribution, making them especially relevant for free-space or satellite-based communication networks where size, weight, and integration are critical. The precise control of multiphoton interference could also significantly enhance the sensitivity of photonic interferometers, offering improvements for quantum-enhanced sensing platforms that may benefit navigation, Earth observation, and other aerospace applications.