As the number of photons in quantum optical systems increases, suitable detectors need to be built and characterised to measure these systems. We develop integrated detector solutions based on in-line arrays of superconducting detectors, as well as other detector multiplexing strategies, to measure bright photonic states. Furthermore, we develop tools to characterise the outputs of such detectors in a way that reveals the quantum optical characteristics of the detected light. 

When combining integrated nonlinear optics with superconducting components, these devices must be run at very low temperatures. We investigate how the nonlinear optical properties of lithium niobate behave at a temperature approaching absolute zero, and develop functional components that function reliably under these challenging operating conditions. This includes the necessary packaging of such devices, which is the efficiect, low-temperature compatible interfacing of the integrated device and optical fibre.

We combine our knowlege of detector development and low-temperature nonlinear optics to build function integrated optical components. These can be readily applied for tasks in quantum communication, such as photon generation, manipulation and measurement.

The generation, modulation and detection of single photons require different types of equipment. A laser lithography system is used to make patterns for the samples, which are put in one of the two crystats once they are fabricated.