Quantum Optoacoustics

In the Quantum Optoacoustics  group, we study the interplay of light waves with sound waves. Both types of waves are very different: light is much faster and can travel through outer space – sound is 100,000 times slower and needs a material such as a solid, gas or liquid to move. Our research leads to new types of data processing with sound waves, applications for secure quantum communications and storage of light information.

We are experimentalists and our main topics evolve around quantum signal processing and optical computing. Our focus is on light-sound interactions. We use our knowledge spanning from nonlinear optics to quantum communications and from fiber optics to integrated photonics.

The physics of optical waves interacting with acoustic or mechanical vibrations is fascinating because it links two very different domains in terms of frequency, velocity, dissipation and other properties. We explore the interaction experimentally at the classical and quantum level with suitably engineered microstructured fibers and nanowaveguides to manipulate, in this way, light states. Finally, we aim to use the interaction of optical and mechanical waves for applications in quantum technologies and optical neural networks.