Photons can carry information and are therefore suitable for a variety of information processing tasks - from sensing and imaging to communication and computing. Our research group focuses on the design and development of novel photonic hardware for quantum-based and neuromorphic information processing systems.

In the context of our research, we focus on the following areas:

• Optical neural networks
• Nonlinear nanophotonics
• Hybrid quantum optical systems

Neuromorphic photonics

Analysing optical neural networks that use light directly for energy-efficient and fast computations

In the field of neuromorphic photonics, we are focussing on the development of diffractive neural networks (DNNs). These are optical systems that perform neuronal calculations analogue and directly with light signals. DNNs typically consist of several successive diffractive optical layers, such as metasurfaces, which specifically control the propagation and diffraction of light. By combining nanophotonic design methods and machine learning approaches, we develop and realise DNNs for specific neuromorphic computational tasks. A typical application example is image classification, where a large part of the information processing takes place directly in the optical system - even before the light is detected and digitally processed. Optical neuromorphic computing systems have the potential to perform calculations with lower energy consumption, lower latency and higher throughput than conventional digital electronics.

Quantum photonics

Investigating photonic hardware that utilises quantum effects such as superposition and entanglement for scalable quantum systems

In the field of quantum photonics, we are working on the development of new hardware concepts for photonic quantum technologies. These technologies utilise quantum mechanical properties of photons, such as superposition and entanglement, to enable a new generation of systems for computing, communication and sensor technology with improved performance and fundamentally new functionalities. Our activities focus on quantum light sources generated in nonlinear photonic systems, which are a central component of all photonic quantum technologies. In particular, we investigate nanophotonic systems, such as nonlinear metasurfaces, for the selective generation of entangled photon pairs. In addition, we investigate hybrid systems that combine nonlinear quantum light sources with atom-like systems to realise novel hardware functionalities for photonic quantum technologies. Our central goal is to develop hardware solutions that enable the scalable implementation of photonic quantum systems and thus represent an important step towards application-ready quantum technologies. We are also developing new theoretical models and innovative design and simulation approaches to analyse these systems.