John Rarity's group works on quantum-enhanced measurements and free-space quantum key distribution. Research: (1) quantum imaging with undetected photons — mid-infrared gas sensing (CO2, CH4) exploiting entangled photon pairs, with only near-IR photons detected (startup QLM); (2) sub-shot-noise imaging using quantum-identical photon beams; (3) spin-photon interfaces (1D cavity with near-unit scattering efficiency); (4) compact satellite QKD transmitters (EPSRC Quantum Comms Hub). Highly relevant to quantum-enhanced sensing.
Pascale Senellart's group at C2N develops the world's most efficient and bright quantum dot single-photon sources. Research: (1) high-efficiency single-photon emitters based on semiconductor quantum dots in micropillar cavities — up to 99% efficiency, >98% photon purity; (2) entangled photon pair sources; (3) photonic integrated circuits for quantum information and sensing. Coordinator of Quantum-Saclay ecosystem; co-founder of Quandela (quantum photonics spinoff). Key for quantum sensing with non-classical light.
Ying Wang (assistant professor in Quantum Optoelectronic Devices group) researches GaAs-based integrated photonics for quantum applications: electro-optical quantum dot devices, GaAs-on-insulator waveguide integration, and chip-scale quantum photonics for sensing and QKD.
Andrew Young's group develops solid-state quantum photonic systems, focusing on deterministic single photon emitters and spin-photon interfaces. Research: (1) quantum dot and colour-centre emitters coupled to cavities and waveguides for near-unity efficiency; (2) spin-photon interfaces for quantum repeaters; (3) cavity quantum electrodynamics for quantum networking. Part of Quantum Communications Hub.
Iman Esmaeil Zadeh develops superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) and reconfigurable nano-photonic circuits. Research: (1) integrated SNSPDs with on-chip photonic waveguides and circuits for quantum optics experiments; (2) high-efficiency, low-timing-jitter SNSPDs for quantum communication and quantum sensing; (3) reconfigurable nano-photonic quantum circuits. Key enabler for quantum photonic sensing and quantum network experiments.
Develops rare-earth-ion-doped crystal platforms for quantum internet hardware. Directions: (1) Er3+-doped crystal quantum memories with >1 ms coherence time in nanophotonic waveguides; (2) microwave-to-optical quantum transduction using Er spins coupled to superconducting resonators; (3) photon-number-resolving detectors for quantum communication; (4) integrated rare-earth nanophotonic circuits on thin-film LiNbO3. Key goal: scalable room-temperature-compatible quantum repeater nodes.