Description

Optics and Photonics can be used to propel key technologies such as quantum computing. Here is an exact, to-scale rendering of a quantum photonic integrated circuit chip. Illustrations like this can significantly help us understand the design and inner workings of such chip-scale technologies.

This image depicts a colorized view of a photonic chip designed by the Moody Lab and fabricated in the UCSB cleanroom. It showcases ring-like structures functioning as sources of quantum light and thin waveguides serving as pathways for guiding light, similar to wires on a computer chip. The visible red lines represent these waveguides, directing quantum light to specific locations for further processing. Additionally, gold metal squares visible on the chip are probe pads used to tune the quantum light source. These pads are essential for fine-tuning the chip's components, enabling the creation of arrays of quantum light sources. This capability is a crucial building block for practical quantum computers.