Guha, Saikat
The Photonic Quantum Systems group investigates applications of quantum information theory to quantum optics, to design systems that strive to attain the fundamental precision limits of photonic information processing, governed by quantum mechanics. We are interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum information and estimation theories, evaluating fundamental performance limits governed by the laws of physics by treating information-bearing light as a quantum mechanical object, and in designing, evaluating and building proof-of-concept systems in our laboratory that aim to approach such quantum-limited performance, with applications ranging quantum-enhaced classical optical communications, quantum networking, photonic sensing using squeezed light, and quantum-limited resolution in passive imaging. Our research often involves innovations cross-cutting multiple disciplines such as information theory, quantum optics, physics of atomic systems, error correction theory, and network theory.
I will be teaching a new course at UMD for the Spring 2025 semester, called Information in a Photon. This course will be open to both graduate (ENEE 739G) and undergraduate students (ENEE 439G), and will be ideal for ECE students who would like to get a feel for why quantum treatment of light in the contexts of information processing (digital communications, sensing, imaging, etc.) offers fundamentally more powerful insights, and the design of systems with better performance than what is possible otherwise. No prior background in quantum mechanics, optics or information theory is necessary, but students who have a strong background in probability and linear algebra will find it the easiest to navigate the material.