Feb 21 (Fri) @11am: "Integrated Photonics and Frequency Combs: Advancing Classical and Quantum Technologies,” Xu Yi, Assoc. Prof., UVA

Location: Engineering Science Building (ESB), Room 2001

Abstract

Optical frequency combs serve as a coherent gearbox bridging the electrical and optical frequency domains, unifying the electromagnetic spectrum in a remarkable way. A compact realization—the microcomb, based on integrated microresonators—has the potential to revolutionize classical instrumentation such as timekeeping and navigation, while also opening new avenues in quantum photonics. In the first part of this talk, I will present our recent demonstration of a record-low noise mmWave oscillator achieved with integrated photonic components, highlighting the transformative impact of bridging electronic and photonic frequencies. In the second part, I will discuss our efforts to push microcombs into the deterministic quantum regime, where a single photonic device generates a vast number of quantum modes. This new approach offers dual scalability benefits through both frequency multiplexing and integration, I will also touch on its implementation in quantum information processing.

Bio

Dr. Xu Yi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 and joined the University of Virginia faculty in 2018. His research interests focus on integrated photonics, optical microresonators, quantum optics, and optical frequency combs. Dr. Yi is the recipient of the 2017 NASA group achievement award, the 2021 Air Force Young Investigator Program award, and the 2023 NSF CAREER award.