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Physical Measurement Laboratory /Applied Physics Division

Quantum Nanophotonics Group

The Quantum Nanophotonics Group develops new metrological devices and tools for a wide range of applications, including single photonics for quantum networks, neuromorphic computing, and quantum transduction.

The Quantum Nanophotonics Group creates novel devices to enable state-of-the-art metrology for a wide variety of applications. We combine nanophotonic device design and modeling with complex micro-and nano-fabrication techniques to develop integrated photonic devices (semiconductor lasers, wavelength converters, polarization rotators), quantum transducers, and superconducting optoelectronic single-photon synapses for neuromorphic computers. Our work is tightly coupled to the work in the Faint Photonics Group.

News and Updates

Projects and Programs

Transmission Electron Micrograph

Hybrid Quantum Optomechanical Systems with Solid-State Artificial Atoms

Ongoing
Quantum Dot – Surface Acoustic Wave Microwave-to-Optical Transducers In this project, we focus on coupling nanoscale acoustic resonators with InAs quantum dot (QD) single photon sources (Fig. 1). At ultra-low temperatures, such as those in a dilution refrigerator, the acoustic resonators act as
epilayer

Integrated Photonics

Ongoing
The Integrated Photonics Project utilizes heterogeneous materials integration to demonstrate novel optoelectronic devices such as semiconductor lasers, wavelength converters, and polarization rotators with compact form. We use materials including silicon, silicon dioxide, tantalum pentoxide, and
He4 cryostat

Physics and Hardware for Intelligence

Ongoing
Our work in this area can be separated into two categories: conceptual and experimental. Please read our publications linked below for more information. Experimental: Our latest generation of synaptic circuits are described in a 2024 paper published in APL Machine Learning. These circuits are our

Publications

Software

hTron cell

SOEN Process Design Kits

This technology package, a.k.a process design kit (PDK), defines the NIST superconducting optoelectronics process: OLMAC. It is in the klayout format of

Awards

Press Coverage

Three male researchers pose smiling in front of a large, complex scientific device in a lab.

Get quantum-generated random number for free

EE News Europe
Researchers at ICFO in Barcelona, Spain, worked with spinout QuSide to developed a fast quantum random number generators that is being used the US National

TAKING MEASURE BLOG

Krister Shalm, wearing safety glasses, smiles over a lab table covered with electronics equipment.

Quantum and Dance: It Takes 2 to Entangle

Quantum physics and dancing may seem very different, but they both rely on creativity and precision. Both have shaped one NIST researcher’s outlook on life.

Patents

Perspective view of tweezer.

Chip Tweezers

This invention is a precision tool, specifically a type of specialized tweezer, for manipulating small samples of various materials, especially fragile microchips. These tweezers are specially designed to safely pick up and handle small, delicate items without touching their top or bottom surfaces
Chart illustrating the fiber channel structure.

A Better Way to Connect Fiber Optics to Computer Chips

NIST Inventors
Saeed Khan and Jeff Shainline
This invention provides a way to efficiently connect optical fibers to semiconductor chips. It improves the transfer of light signals between the fiber and the chip, reducing loss and increasing performance. The design allows for better alignment and integration, making it easier to manufacture and

Contacts

Group Leader

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