Speaker: Dr. Mian Zhang, Harvard University
Time & Date: 16:00-17:00, 2018 Jan. 15
Venue: Room 104 in the School of Physics Building
Titel: Integrated coherent electro-optics
Abstract:Controlling light with microwave electrical signals plays a paramount role in a wide range of applications from telecommunication to emerging quantum technologies. Despite the existence of bulk electro-optic modulators for many decades and recent advances in integrate photonics with Si and III-V materials, the direct interaction strength between light and microwave is still extremely weak which severely limits applications. In this talk, I will show you that strong and direct interaction between microwave and light can be achieved on an integrated photonic platform that is robust and scalable. I will introduce our very recent breakthrough on the development of an ultralow loss electro-optics platform using monolithically integrated lithium niobite nanowaveguides. This novel platform possesses three key ingredients that have not coexisted before: 1) Large and linear electro-optic susptability Efficient co-localization of microwave and light. 3) Extremely low optical loss. I will highlight through experimental progresses in low-Vp modulator and quantum coherent microwave-to-photon interface that this unique combination of properties completely shifts the existing paradigm of microwave-optical interfaces and is producing a burst of opportunities for novel electro-optic devices.
