Mildren group

Mildren group

Diamond Optics, Lasers and Quantum Systems

The tightly-bound, highly symmetric and dense lattice that is diamond provides an excellent substrate for investigating a range of extreme optical phenomena. The group focuses on the nonlinear optical properties of the bulk and surface with a firm view towards research translation to applications. Recently, we have a new thrust to exploit diamond’s particular Raman-tensor symmetry to form the basis for a novel source of quantum randomness.

The project uses a novel approach that simultaneously exploits the symmetry and Raman laser characteristics of Group IV crystals (in this case diamond) to produce low-noise quantum random numbers, with single-shot byte readout and potentially on-chip and with exceptionally high rates. By aligning the polarisation of a pump to the [011] lattice direction, two degenerate Raman modes are addressed to yield a random output polarisation. The scattered photon sets off a cavity-enhanced “avalanche” of near-identical photons that can be detected with conventional optics and light detectors.

Members

  • Ondrej Kitzler
  • Chris Baldwin
  • Mojtaba Moshkani
  • Zhenxu Bai
  • Doug Little

Collaborators

  • Alexei Gilchrist
  • David Spence
  • James Downes

Alumni

  • Aaron McKay (now at Finisar Pty Ltd)
  • Alex Sabella (DST Group)
  • Ondrej Kitzler
  • Hadiya Jasbeer
  • Soumya Sarang
  • Matthew Clarke
  • Robert Williams
  • Sergei Antipov

Publications

Please refer here.
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