Dr. Hugo Zbinden
http://www.gap-optique.unige.ch/Projects/Quantum/LookUp.asp?Group=2
The commitment of the GAP to work on
fundamental issues as well as on applications is reflected in the variety
of the experiments performed by the quantum optics group: On the one
hand, we are exploring the foundations of quantum mechanics. In
particular we study "entanglement", one of quantum mechanics
most defining features, from a range of perspectives. We have proven the
non-locality of quantum mechanics and the robustness of entanglement by
performing Bell-experiments over long
distances. We are examining the limits of quantum mechanics by
testing it in relativistic configurations with
moving observers. We are studying
non-maximally-entangled systems as
well as entanglement in higher
dimensions. Finally, we are performing experiments involving
more than one photon-pair, like entanglement swapping and teleportation;
On the other hand, we are exploring applications of quantum optics. The
inherent randomness of quantum physics can be used to generate perfectly
random keys (random number
generator), and "Quantum Key
Distribution (QKD)" guarantees a perfectly secure
transmission of a secret key between users. We have been working on QKD
since 1993 and recently the efforts led to a fibre-based
prototype, developed within the
European ESPRIT-project EQCSPOT.
id-Quantique, a GAP spin-off company
founded in autumn 2001 commercialises a random number generator and a QKD
system; Finally, we are continuously developing tools for our
experiments, e.g. photon counters and
efficient photon-pair sources , which
find applications in metrology and other fields.
