University of Ottawa

Purpose

The Project will demonstrate the first-ever quantum spectrometer capable of simultaneously measuring the absorption spectrum and refractive index of a molecule. The goal is to demonstrate an instrument that 1) leverages a purely quantum mechanical effect to enable a unique sensing ability, 2) attains higher sensitivity than classical analogues, and 3) facilitates simple and rapid measurements for deployment in other experimental labs. The team will develop an optical setup that uses entangled photon pairs and Hong-Ou-Mandel interference to measure the optical properties of molecular samples, by using spectrally-resolved single-photon detection technologies. Analytical models for simulating and fitting experimental measurements will be developed, as well as machine learning algorithms for accelerating experimental throughput. Multiple quantum spectrometer prototypes will be explored and optimized to identify pathways towards quantum advantage. The Project will lay the groundwork for developing a quantum sensing instrument with application in numerous Canadian industrial and academic sectors.