We review the current status of integrating optical quantum interference effects such as electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), slow light, and highly efficient nonlinear processes on a semiconductor chip. A necessary prerequisite for combining effects such as slow light and related phenomena with the convenience of integrated optics is the development of integrated alkali vapor cells. Here, we describe the development of integrated rubidium cells based on hollow-core antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs). Hollow-core waveguides were fabricated on a silicon platform using conventional microfabrication and filled with rubidium vapor using different methods. Rubidium absorption through the waveguides was successfully observed which opens the way to integrated atomic and molecular on a chip. The realization of quantum coherence effects requires additional surface treatment of the waveguide walls, and the effects of the surface coating on the waveguide properties are presented.

Date Published: 8 February 2007
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 6482, Advanced Optical and Quantum Memories and Computing IV, 64820P (8 February 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.716466

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6482:
Advanced Optical and Quantum Memories and Computing IV
Zameer U. Hasan; Alan E. Craig; Selim M. Shahriar; Hans J. Coufal, Editor(s)