About the project
What if quantum chips could change how individual photons travel and interfere? This project explores reconfigurable photonic circuits using mechanically responsive architectures to precisely control quantum light. The aim is to develop adaptable, low-loss devices that could open new possibilities for quantum computing, quantum information processing and secure communication networks.
Quantum computers and future quantum networks depend on controlling individual photons with exceptional precision. However, achieving low optical losses, accurate tuning and independent control of multiple components within integrated photonic circuits remains a major challenge.
This project will investigate how to make quantum photonic chips dynamically reconfigurable, allowing their optical properties to be programmed for quantum operations. The research will explore electrostatically actuated mechanical metamaterial architectures to control nanoscale gaps between waveguides or between waveguides and nearby dielectric elements. Changing these gaps alters evanescent coupling or the effective refractive index, enabling switching, phase tuning and programmable single-photon interference.
A particular focus will be on developing mechanical architectures that independently control multiple photonic components while minimising unwanted interactions and maintaining quantum optical performance. Compared with thermo-optic phase shifters, electrostatic tuning could reduce standby power and thermal crosstalk, particularly for circuits requiring occasional reconfiguration rather than ultrafast modulation. Architected compliant mechanisms may improve displacement control and mechanical isolation, while bistable structures could retain selected switching states without sustained actuation.
The ultimate ambition is to establish new concepts for compact, low-loss and energy-efficient quantum photonic chips that could contribute to quantum computers, quantum communication networks and integrated quantum information processing. The project offers an opportunity at the intersection of quantum photonics, device engineering and mechanical metamaterials. You'll benefit from Southampton's interdisciplinary quantum research environment.
