Quantum-based integrated sensors for chemical detection – PARADIS

Quantum metrology is one of the most promising applications of quantum technologies, enabling the measurement of physical quantities with unprecedented accuracy and precision compared to techniques based on classical resources. For applications in biology and chemistry, the major interest in quantum metrology is focused on photonic systems. Indeed, photons can penetrate aqueous media, they do not damage fragile biological specimens and disturb them little while ensuring an efficient interaction with the environment. The exploitation of quantum photonics to develop a new generation of chemical sensors is particularly interesting as it would allow ultra-sensitive detection schemes and non-destructive measurements.

Harnessing this technology for developing novel quantum sensor scenarios is an appealing opportunity that would enable ultra-sensitive detection schemes and non-destructive measurement. This is further facilitated by the progress in the fabrication, miniaturization, and integration of quantum photonics blocks using quantum integrated photonics platforms. These platforms enable high stability and accuracy, extended dynamic range, compact footprint, and low cost. Hence, the development of technological platforms and techniques for the generation and manipulation of quantum photonic states on-chip, and their interaction with the biological or chemical analyte is of significant importance, enabling in-situ, fast, selective, remote, real-time, and non-destructive sensing. However, the implementation of such physical systems still stands as an ambitious task with several technological roadblocks that hinder the full potential of the quantum metrology. In this context, PARADIS aims at demonstrating a disruptive hybrid technology platform that fulfils the promise of quantum metrology to deploy biosensors with sensitivity beyond the standard quantum limit in a compact and reliable system.

The ambition is to develop a new generation of high-sensitivity quantum sensors integrated in a functionalized photonic chip. The envisaged technology is based on a hybrid photonic platform, composed of two complementary materials, lithium niobate and laser-written glass, respectively well known for their exceptional non-linear properties and their flexibility.

The scientific objective is to develop an integrated quantum sensor to detect chemical species. In this project, we will focus on detecting a gas, CO2, in order to provide a proof of principle. We pay attention to the general view of this project because we will focus on demonstrating the basic principles that can be adapted to the target species (chemical or biological). The principle of the experiment is based on two-photon interferometry by exploiting the properties of entanglement. On the other hand, PARADIS takes up technological challenges in order to develop high quality integrated components, with the vision of gathering a myriad of functions in a single photonic chip allowing both the generation and the manipulation of quantum resources.

PARADIS will enable new innovations in interferometry, making it possible to realize quantum devices at the chip scale, enabling the deployment of laboratory techniques for practical use. This project will contribute to the long-term development of new technological capabilities by bridging quantum technologies to use cases.