Quantum simulation and entanglement engineering in quantum cascade laser frequency combs

The Qombs project aims to create a quantum simulator platform made of ultracold atoms in optical lattices. The quantum platform will allow to design and engineer a new generation of quantum cascade laser frequency combs. This unprecedented quantum simulation of semiconductor structures will endow the devices with brand new features, like non-classical emission modes, entanglement among the modes of the comb and parametric generation of comb patterns far from the central emission frequency. In parallel, the quantum simulation will allow to improve present-day performances of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and quantum well structures for photon detection. Full quantum simulation will be followed by real manufacturing and state-of-the-art characterization. 

The consortium gathers Research Institutions that have a leading expertise in the physics of ultracold atoms, quantum optics and have first introduced and developed frequency comb synthesizers and quantum well structures during the last 20 years. Moreover, half of the ten partners of the Project are companies of different size that are already leading the QCL and frequency comb market. This unique combination will allow to rapidly move from the fundamental quantum simulation protocols to prototypes and eventually to the industrial production and commercialization of the new devices.
The long term vision of the Qombs consortium is to create a strong and world-wide leading European quantum industry on quantum cascade laser frequency combs tightly and strategically connected to the academic world.

In this project, Alpes will study the manufacturability of dispersion-compensated QCL waveguides based on coupled modes, with the objective of identifying and realizing designs and fabrication processes that optimize the process window. An enhanced control of coupled waveguide fabrication for dispersion compensation will be lead to the successful implementation of novel squeezed-state QCL-comb designs.