Semiconductor light sources for quantum communication and hybrid quantum systems

In the past years, different communities made extraordinary efforts into developing the global quantum internet. Interestingly, this breakthrough will require on the one hand, a full understanding of the quantum physics involved; on the other hand, well-controlled and well-developed technologies ranging from nanophotonic fabrication to state-of-the-art optics and spectroscopy techniques. In this inaugural lecture, I will summarize the research work I conducted in the past years. I will start discussing various methods to realize efficient sources of quantum light: from deterministic fabrication to novel interface with cutting edge techniques as 3D printing (in collaboration with the 4th institute of Physics). Then, I will describe the studies conducted with the goal of realizing effective hybrid quantum systems: here complementary platforms are combined to perform specific tasks. Early experiments targeted the understanding of the interaction between quantum dot photons and warm atomic vapors (in collaboration with the 3rd and the 5th institutes of physics). Recently, we proven for the first time the storage and active retrieval of quantum dot photons at telecom wavelength into an atomic memory. I will conclude with a discussion on multi-source experiments conducted with quantum dots: from two-photon interference with distinct quantum dots, to a full-photonic quantum teleportation with remote sources. Additionally, an overview of the first out-of-the-lab deployed experiments will be shown. All the topics target important first demonstrations towards a realistic, deployed quantum internet.