Aditya Vignesh Venkatramani L&S Sciences
Imaging Quantum states of light using Field Programmable Gate Arrays
Squeezed light is a quantum mechanical state of light with smaller uncertainty in a component of interest (i.e., amplitude or phase) than what is observed in classical light. This reduced uncertainty is equivalent to reducing noise in the component of interest, which thereby allows ultraprecision measurements. Parametric Amplifiers are devices that can generate squeezed light. Experiments have shown that these devices have some non-ideal behaviour, but there is insufficient data to rigorously characterize these non-idealities. This project aims at developing efficient and fast methods to quantitatively measure the squeezed microwaves produced by these parametric amplifiers. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) will be used to calculate the components required to image squeezed state of light and will facilitate fast acquisition of data. This data will allow further analysis into the behaviour and improvement of the parametric amplifiers, potentially guiding the design of more effective amplifiers.
Message To Sponsor
The SURF fellowship is a great opportunity for me to carry out independent research in a field that excites me. This will allow me to explore the subject in greater detail and at the same time develop as a physicist and make my contribution to this field. Moreover, working on an independent project over the summer and into the semester as a part of my honor's thesis will prepare me for graduate studies. A huge thank you to the Pergo Foundation for their support!