J. -R. Coudevylle | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Graphs on chip: a silicon photonics platform

We present a versatile photonic waveguide network platform implementing quantum (wave) graphs, proposed by Kottos \& Smilansky [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{79}, 4794 (1997)] to investigate ray-wave correspondence and quantum chaos. Realized on a silicon-on-insulator chip at telecom wavelengths, it enables a unique capability: the direct, non-invasive imaging of individual optical wave functions with unprecedented resolution via third-harmonic generation in silicon, which we use to study the localization of intensity distributions. Furthermore, by investigating two graphs with contrasting classical dynamics -- one strongly chaotic, the other one ergodic, but non-mixing -- we reveal strikingly different spectral statistics, in quantitative agreement with random matrix theory and a minimal unitary quantum-map model. This establishes silicon photonics networks as a versatile and scalable platform for investigating quantum chaos and non-linear graphs, and paves the way for optical quantum computing in complex networks.

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arXiv2025

Topological protection of photon-pair generation in nonlinear waveguide arrays

Harnessing topological effects offers a promising route to protect quantum states of light from imperfections, potentially enabling more robust platforms for quantum information processing. This capability is particularly relevant for active photonic circuits that generate quantum light directly on-chip. Here, we explore topological effects on photon-pair generation via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in nonlinear waveguide arrays, both theoretically and experimentally. A systematic comparison of homogeneous, trivial, and topological Su-Schrieffer-Heeger arrays reveals that only the topological configuration preserves a stable SPDC resonance spectrum under disorder in the tunnel couplings, with fluctuations in the resonance position reduced by more than one order of magnitude. An analytical model supports our experimental observations by linking this robustness to the band-structure properties of the interacting modes. These findings establish quadratic nonlinear waveguide arrays as a promising platform to explore the interplay of nonlinearity, topology, and disorder in quantum photonic circuits.

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