ABOUT

The Project

The realisation of efficient interfaces between photons and atoms is the basis for a wide range of applications such as quantum memories for light and nonlinear optics at the single-photon level. Despite many spectacular demonstrations of atom-light interactions, current interfaces still face major limitations.

Bringing together theoretical and experimental expertise in atomic physics, quantum optics and photonics, we aim to overcome these challenges. In particular, we will develop new physical platforms such as nano-photonic systems that offer unprecedented atom-photon coupling strengths, and develop novel paradigms, such as based on atomic arrays in order to harness the power of wave interference.

Objectives

Develop state-of-the-art interfaces between atomic media and nano/micro-photonic systems.
Such systems offer excellent potential for scalability and large atom-photon coupling strengths. Moreover, the flexibility to engineer their spatial modes and dispersion enables new, powerful paradigms that have no obvious analogue in macroscopic interfaces.
Demonstrate novel protocols for quantum memories and photon-photon gates
These protocols will take advantage of novel mechanisms such as those found in nanophotonic interfaces, “selective radiance,” and strong atom-atom interactions. These novel effects can even enable error rates that scale exponentially better as a function of physical resources than previously known bounds.
Bring together partners with theoretical and experimental expertise in atomic physics, quantum optics, and photonics,
Working together to solve the multi-disciplinary challenges needed to design and construct real systems that can maximally utilize and exploit these disparate concepts. Our results have the potential to completely re-define the technological possibilities of light-matter interfaces.

The Consortium

The DAALI Consortium includes internationally recognized leaders in the areas of quantum optics and light-matter interfaces. We have pioneered numerous key ideas and setups, and have achieved multiple records in key figures of merit. Together, we share a vision that although technical advances in current free-space approaches to light-matter interfaces are still possible, the field stands to gain tremendously by developing novel platforms and pursuing powerful theoretical concepts that so far lack experimental realization.

Our project proposes to combine expertise and create a highly focused, coordinated effort to build up these ambitious new paradigms and platforms. Due to the non-traditional and inter-disciplinary nature of these approaches, we also have expertise in important “outside” fields to ensure success; three universities, a national research centre and one industrial partner.

Find more about our members

ABOUT

The Project

Objectives

The Consortium

Pages