Ming C. Wu (Advisor)

We present a silicon photonic optical circuit switch (OCS) based on surface-micromachined MEMS actuators integrated with silicon photonic waveguides. The multilayer architecture separates the MEMS actuator layer from the optical layer, allowing mechanical structures and electrical interconnects to cross over optical waveguides without interference. This architecture enables more compact and fully addressable switching, while providing greater design flexibility and improved mechanical robustness through high-aspect-ratio springs and electrostatic actuators.

Project currently...

Scaling trapped-ion quantum computers to solve practical problems requires dense, broadband, and fabrication-compatible optical interfaces. Current photonic integrated circuit (PIC) approaches are limited by per-device optical bandwidth, restricting achievable ion densities. We present a monolithically integrated quantum photonic platform for trapped-ion control that leverages additive manufacturing to enable scalable three-dimensional optical routing. Our device integrates waveguides and microscale printed focusing elements directly with a surface-electrode ion trap. We experimentally...

Quantum computing promises exponential speed-up for problems that are intractable for classical machines. Ion traps are a leading platform for realizing a useful quantum device, where arrays of electrically confined, laser-addressed charged particles form the fundamental quantum bits (‘qubits’) used in information processing. Current state-of-the-art machines operate with around 100 qubits, but it is estimated that leading algorithms will need thousands of qubits (or more) to hold a practical advantage. Their control methods rely on bulk benchtop optics which limits component density due...