Pockels based single photon sources.

Introduction: Thin epitaxial films of Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃ or BTO) on Silicon (Si) substrates have garnered significant interest for their potential application as active layers in high-speed light modulators exploiting the Pockels effect. Based on this unique material property, novel and efficient devices can be researched.

Objective: The objective of this PhD is to investigate the potential of Pockels materials as a platform for single photon generation, by harnessing their second-order nonlinear susceptibility and electro-optic modulation. These single photons are the elementary quanta of electromagnetic radiation and are anticipated to play a crucial role in quantum information technologies.

Methodology: In this framework, the PhD research topic focuses on the generation of single photons using Pockels materials. The deterministic generation of single photons is a formidable challenge. To address this challenge, the PhD candidate will conduct theoretical and experimental studies on the design, fabrication, and characterization of pockels nanowaveguides and microresonators, and evaluate their single photon emission properties under various pumping and driving regimes.

The outcome of the research project is envisioned to unlock scalable heralded single photon sources that are key to many quantum devices and applications.