Heterogeneously Integrated Lithium Niobate Devices for Quantum Frequency Conversion

Nonlinear χ⁽²⁾ optical materials like thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) have emerged as a key component of integrated quantum photonic devices, enabling efficient electro-optical and frequency conversion processes. However, at-scale adoption of these materials is presently limited, due to incompatibilities with mature CMOS processes. Heterogeneous bonding provides a compelling alternative path towards at-scale integration, where the nonlinear optical material is bonded to a CMOS integrated photonic device, and optical waveguides couple evanescently into the nonlinear optical material.

At present, discussion of heterogeneously-bonded TFLN devices has primarily focused on electro-optical effects, and the utility of these devices for frequency conversion, a key capability for interfacing different qubit modalities, has been relatively less explored. In this presentation, McDowell will discuss an outlook on heterogeneously-bonded TFLN devices for frequency conversion processes, as well as a review of technical challenges faced in the design of these devices.

About the presenter
Benjamin W. McDowell, Ph.D., currently leads a team focused on simulation and modeling of integrated photonic devices as part of the Quantum Technologies group at Leidos. His work focuses on the development of fieldable photonic devices for near-term quantum sensing and networking applications. He completed his doctorate at University of Oregon studying structural and electronic coupling in nanoscale materials.