Our current internet is a highway of light, classical light composed of billions of photons that carry information coded on an optical beam over fiber optic and wireless networks. In the second quantum revolution currently underway, new quantum phenomena become discernible at the single or few-photon level in so-called quantum light. Striking among these is entanglement between two photons that appear to communicate "instantly" across vast distances—what Einstein called "spooky action at a distance." They can enable a new era of secure internet and new imaging and sensing modalities. Quantum photonic circuits are also rapidly maturing, enabling chip-based optical computing, optical interconnects that power data centers, and electro-optic communication between quantum computers. This talk will present a vision for Penn State to become a leading innovator in materials underlying quantum optical technologies, where tremendous challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
Venkat Gopalan | Materials Science & Engineering