Solid-State Quantum Optics & Quantum Electronics

Andy received his PhD from the Australian National University in 2001 on the topic of subharmonic resonances in NV diamond. He has performed post-doctoral work at the Open University, UK, studying electromagnetically induced transparency in laser-cooled rubidium from both experimental and theoretical view points. He returned to Australia in 2002 to take up a Senior Research Associate position at the UNSW node of the Centre for Quantum Computer Technology. Here he began concentrating exclusively on theory, and sought to combine his knowledge of quantum optics with the new potential of solid-state quantum computing. During this time he developed new techniques for electronic transport (CTAP - coherent tunneling adiabatic passage), which now forms the basis for a scalable architecture for a phosphorus in silicon quantum computer, and extended the field of single-electronic devices. He came to the University of Melbourne in 2004 to work directly with A/Prof Lloyd Hollenberg. In addition to his phosphorus in silicon work, since arriving in Melbourne he has returned to diamond studies, and was involved in the original single photon source development, and more recently (with Hollenberg) developed a new condensed matter analogue system ideally suited for NV diamond, dubbed 'Solid Light'. In 2008 he was awarded an Australian Research Council Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship. He was appointed Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne in 2007 and was a JSPS invitation fellow in 2006.

A list of Andy's latest arXiv.org postings can be found here.

A full list of the groups publications can be found here.

Recent Research Highlights

CTAP in quantum electronic systems

In exploring the interface between quantum optics and quantum electronics, one of the most significant themes has been in designing practical phosphorus in silicon quantum computers. One of the deepest connections that has been identified is the CTAP protocol for quantum information transport [ “Coherent electronic transfer in quantum dot systems using adiabatic passage” Greentree et al., Physical Review B 70, 235317 (2004)]. This protocol is a direct translation of quantum optical protocols (STIRAP), and turns out to be a natural method for moving quantum information around a phosphorus in silicon quantum computer.

Solid Light

Solid-light describes a new state of matter, where particles of light can interact in a way similar to more conventional matter, undergoing a quantum phase transition. The physics of the solid-light system is extremely rich, and ties together quantum optics and condensed matter in an entirely new and novel way. It promises a new class of devices for exploring and exploiting quantum coherence, in a fashion different from, but allied with, quantum computing.

See also the popular summaries of Solid Light:

News and Views in Nature Physics, F. Illuminati, Quantum Optics: Light Does Matter, Nature Physics, 2, 803-804, (2006).

Mark Buchanan, Solid Light, New Scientist p. 43 (13 Jan 2007).

Diamond-based solid-state quantum optics

Diamond containing optically active colour centres (especially the Nitrogen-Vacancy centre) is emerging as an exciting platform for building solid-state integrated quantum optical devices. In particular the unique properties of the NV centre give rise to the potential for room-temperature spin readout and initialisation. This can be used for a raft of applications including quantum computing magnetometry and decoherence sensing. For quantum computing applications, integrated photonic chips must also be designed to permit strong atom-photon coupling at the single photon level.

Collaborations and Support

Our research partners are listed below.

Centre for Quantum Computer Technology (CQCT)
	Quantum Communications Victoria (QCV)