Microwave Photonic Crystals for Electro-Optic Quantum Transduction

With the potential exhibited by microwave photons in the field of quantum information coupled with the ease of transporting optical photons at room temperature, coherent quantum transduction – the process by which one can convert between the two energy profiles – has become a coveted goal. We are developing a centimeter scale polymeric dielectric microwave photonic crystal for electro-optic quantum transduction operating in the 5-20 GHz range. Using finite element simulations, we developed various iterations of high-Q microwave cavities, evolving from a basic circular unit-cell structure to a "bowtie" unit-cell structure with a highly confined mode, on a scale much smaller than the microwave wavelength. Based on these simulations, we manufacture our photonic crystals using machining and 3D printing processes. We are currently testing the microwave resonators. In the near future, we will incorporate an electro-optic material such as lithium niobate or an electro-optic polymer into the structure to form a high efficiency microwave – optical transducer, suitable for transduction at the level of individual quanta.