Nanolithographic waveguides with optically nonlinear crystals for components of photonic and quantum technologies

In Information Technology (IT), higher data rates and larger data volumes are demanded in almost all areas of our daily lives. Some examples include the development of 6G for autonomous mobility and consumer applications or the transformations in smart Industry 4.0. This growth of data volumes and rates also promotes access to education, creates jobs, and fosters innovation in industry and infrastructure, thereby reducing poverty risks and promoting economic growth. At the same time, the increasing energy demand for information technologies is diametrically opposed to human aspirations for resource efficiency and sustainable consumption. The rising power consumption with increasing data volumes and rates can only be addressed through disruptive technological innovation. This can be implemented by replacing electrical IT with optical and quantum-based IT.

Optical and quantum IT at the wafer and chip level is based on thin-film waveguides and optically nonlinear crystals. The project team in the "Nanowelle" initiative integrates nanolithographically structured, optically nonlinear aluminum nitride (AlN) into a wafer-level technology platform and develops fundamental components such as waveguides, optical couplers, and ring resonators for optical and quantum IT. Fundamental physical insights are to be rapidly transferred to application readiness through industrially relevant materials and technologies.

This project is co-financed with tax funds based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.