Quantum Optics techniques allow quantum states of light and atoms to be controlled and studied using lasers and high quality optical resonators. Quantum states can also be efficiently transferred between atoms and light, setting the scene for quantum information processing, involving storage, retrieval, transmission and computation. Rare-earth atoms such as Lanthanum are essential for consumer electronics, but they also have excellent properties for quantum information processing. We specialise in the application of rare-earth-ion doped solids to quantum information, quantum computing and signal processing optics. Currently our areas of research focus are whispering gallery mode resonators, the optical detection of ultrasound, quantum memories and the generation of entangled light.

By utilizing continued total internal reflection, whispering gallery mode resonators can confine light tightly and provide access to strong non-linear interactions even at low input powers. 

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Our research focuses on using such resonators to achieve efficient non-linear interactions between far removed frequency ranges, mixing microwave radiation with optical light to generate light of different colour. Such conversion can in principle be perfect and therefore be used in schemes where quantum information of light in the microwave domain can be transferred into the optical domain - opening a route towards future quantum networks. Such high quality resonators can also be used in classical optics where they are used as sensors to detect the smallest changes in the environment.