University of Ottawa

Purpose

Higher Rydberg states of atoms are an important quantum technology platform due to their giant absorption cross-sections and long lifetimes: they are exceptional in terms of their sensitivity to broadband electromagnetic fields. Rydberg quantum sensor implementations to date are based on gas phase alkali atoms, presenting a challenge for integration. A solid-state Rydberg quantum sensor would facilitate integration, compactness and low power consumption. Rydberg states in solids are termed excitons. Recently discovered high Rydberg excitons in semiconductors such as Copper (I) Oxide Cu2O offer a powerful route to all-solid-state quantum sensing technologies. Challenges which must be addressed include impurities, defects and temperature effects. Through an advisory collaboration with the Helmholtz Joint Laboratory in Ottawa and the Canadian industrial partner Quantum Valley Ideas Labs (QVIL) in Waterloo, the Project will develop a globally unique platform, based on time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy, to directly characterize high Rydberg excitons in semiconductors, paving the way to a new generation of solid-state quantum sensor devices.