Quantopticon
Illuminating the Quantum Frontier

Quantum photonics, and the ability to manipulate superposition and entanglement of quantum systems using light, is evolving from its research phase, paving the way for practical applications of quantum computing. However, developing quantum photonics hardware rapidly and cost-effectively remains a challenge. Meeting the required performance standards during development takes numerous prototype iterations without purposebuilt simulation tools to guide the process. Semiconductor integrated circuits and the subsequent integration of classical photonics both relied on similar advances provided by simulation tools in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software.

In a similar manner, Quantopticon aims to guide and streamline the process of developing quantum-photonic components and integrated circuits by offering Quantillion. The software suite is devised to help manufacturers accelerate the design cycle of these devices by replacing time-consuming trial-and-error experiments with accurate simulations. Within the design stack it operates at the fundamental physical layer, optimising individual components – from the quantum light sources, through the quantum information processing logic, to the single-photon detectors – whilst also facilitating hybrid integration on chip and minimising photon loss throughout the system. Quantillion strives to maximise product performance and unlock considerable value for its clients.

“Quantillion provides a complete physical picture of quantumoptical devices, both classically and quantumly, empowering engineers to build high-quality, optimised devices faster and cheaper than ever before,” says Dr. Mirella Koleva, CEO and cofounder of Quantopticon.

The software is derived from 20 years of hard work and dedication by a team of skilled physicists, programmers, and engineers. While the user interface is basic, they are in the process of raising funds to make the user interface sleeker and more intuitive. The software is efficient, comes with a helpful and detailed video tutorial, and is packed with features that make it a sophisticated and valuable tool for users. Tackling the numerous challenges throughout the development of quantum-photonic devices, Quantillion pushes the boundaries of possibility with its patent-pending simulation technology.

The first-of-its-kind quantum-mechanical and electromagnetic computer-aided design tool for quantum photonics, Quantillion specialises in modelling solid-state quantum systems optionally embedded in optical cavity structures for greater quantumstate control and light emission enhancement. The software can simulate quantum phenomena and predict device quantum performance based on the device’s geometry, input pulses, and interaction with its surroundings. It does this through computing complex light-matter dynamics occurring throughout the device’s spatial extent, and is capable of rendering macroscopic, extended devices so hardware developers can generate a realistic model of the device. This is in stark contrast to the conventional quantum optics and classical modelling tools in common use today.

“Quantillion’s USP is its ability to render the component structure geometry and light-pulse profile precisely and realistically, without assumptions or approximations. A set of parameters—including dimensions, materials, pulse parameters—can be used to predict how a component will function in reality,” says Dr. Gaby Slavcheva, CSO and co-founder of Quantopticon.

The mastermind behind Quantopticon is the ambitious and driven mother-and-daughter duo Dr. Slavcheva and Dr. Koleva. Dr. Slavcheva conceived and developed the idea from first principles over the past two decades. She put all of her multidisciplinary expertise into unifying the electromagnetic and quantum theories to make them work coherently and to get a rigorous view of how light interacts with matter – and vice versa – on the nanoscale. Dr. Koleva made a significant contribution by extending Dr. Slavcheva’s theoretical framework to apply to quantum systems with an arbitrary number of energy levels. This approach allowed them to model any quantum system of choice.

Quantopticon is backed by a team of top-of-the-class advisors, namely Prof. Peter Littlewood from the University of Chicago, Prof. Maurice Skolnick of the University of Sheffield, and Prof. Richard Ziolkowski from the University of Arizona.

Due to this powerful vision and backing, Quantopticon has received funding of over $1,000,000 to date. The business idea has enjoyed a strong endorsement and is making waves among its peers. Moving ahead, Quantopticon is working on upgrading the software and extending its capabilities for a wider audience.