Investigation of Photon Interactions with Semiconductor Quantum Dot Devices for Quantum Communication Applications

Abstract

A major goal in the field of quantum communication is to achieve long-distance (>100 km) transmission of quantum information, which would allow for the formation of a global quantum network. Devices called 'quantum repeaters' will enable delicate quantum states to be transmitted over long distances without succumbing to the signal losses inherent in the use of optical fibres. This thesis presents my work on a new type of hybrid quantum repeater design, which will combine both the photonic and spin qubit platforms to achieve more robust and efficient quantum communication. The focus of this work is on the optical aspects of this 'photon-to-spin' system, specifically the development of a method for delivering fibre-coupled single photons through an optical fibre to a lateral quantum dot device in a dilution refrigerator while preserving their polarisation states.