Scaling Photonic Systems for Quantum Information Processing

Résumé

Photonic systems represent a promising physical platform for realizing quantum computing, offering low-noise operation, room-temperature compatibility, and access to inherently high-dimensional optical modes. A key challenge for scaling these systems into practical quantum processors is the realization of engineered quantum light sources, efficient multiplexing schemes, and reconfigurable photonic circuits within compact architectures.

In this talk, I will present recent advances in photonic quantum information processing with a focus on scalable photonic quantum computing. Central to this approach are nonlinear integrated devices—particularly thin-film lithium niobate circuits—that enable bright, tailored photon-pair generation and fast electro-optic control for complex quantum operations on compact, monolithic platforms. Complementary to this, I will discuss how pulsed time-frequency modes provide natural high-dimensional encodings. Harnessing quantum pulse gates enables access to superposition states and allows the realization of high-dimensional multimode interferometers directly in the time–frequency domain.

Building on these capabilities, I will present our Gaussian boson sampling platform as a testbed for multi-photon interference in large mode spaces and as a stepping stone toward fully integrated photonic quantum processors.

Christine Silberhorn

Christine Silberhorn is professor at Paderborn University and spokesperson of the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS). She is best known for her work on the development of integrated-optical quantum devices and photonic systems that lay the foundations for future quantum technologies, including quantum communication and quantum metrology. In the area of photonic quantum computing, she has been pioneering Gaussian Boson Sampling for scaling photonic quantum computing. She is Fellow of Optica and of the Max Planck School of Photonics.