The Photonics Lab introduces students to the physics of light, from optics to quantum photonics at the single-photon level. Through hands-on experiments, students gain practical experience in generating, manipulating, and detecting light using free-space and integrated photonic platforms.

Free-Space Quantum Optics:

• Photon statistics and correlation measurements (HBT and GRA)
• Polarization and Malus' law
• Wave–particle duality and single-photon interference
• Generation and characterization of entangled photon pairs
• Quantum eraser experiment
• Bell inequality tests using polarization-entangled photons
• Quantum state tomography
• Quantum key distribution (QKD) using the E91 protocol

Integrated Quantum Photonics:

• On-chip photon-pair generation through spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC)
• Second-harmonic generation (SHG) in nonlinear optical waveguides
• Characterization of photon-pair generation efficiency

Integrated Photonics:

• Fiber-to-chip coupling and optical characterization
• Integrated Mach–Zehnder interferometers
• Microring resonators and optical filtering
• Waveguide losses and coupling regimes
• Temperature tuning of integrated photonic devices

The Atomic Lab introduces students to the physics of atoms and ions, focusing on their interaction with laser light and electromagnetic fields. Through hands-on experiments, students explore fundamental concepts in atomic physics, laser cooling, and trapping techniques.

Magneto-Optical Trap (MOT):

• Atomic spectroscopy and hyperfine structure of rubidium
• Doppler-free saturated absorption spectroscopy
• Laser-frequency stabilization and optical modulation
• Laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms
• Optimization of cooling and repumping laser frequencies
• Magneto-optical trap loading and decay dynamics
• Temperature measurements using time-of-flight imaging

Ion Trap (Under Development):

• A new experimental platform for trapping and controlling individual ions using electromagnetic fields is currently under development.