TwinPhotonics x Chilas: supporting pioneers of fully integrated quantum light sources
Application Note / Customer Success Story
In the rapidly evolving field of quantum technologies, integration and scalability are key. TwinPhotonics, a Hannover-based start-up specializing in high-performance on-chip quantum light sources, is leading the way with the world’s first fully integrated entangled photon source. Their mission: to deliver compact, robust, and mass-producible quantum light sources that bring advanced research into practical applications. To achieve this, TwinPhotonics partnered with Chilas, whose narrow-linewidth tunable lasers provided the reliability and performance required for seamless integration into their quantum application.
The Challenge
Developing a fully integrated entangled photon source requires not just reliable photon-pair generation, but also a laser that can match the requirements of quantum applications. TwinPhotonics needed a laser that was:
➤ Tunable at around 1550 nm
➤ Delivering both high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and high power
➤ Compatible with their integrated photonic chip platform
Existing options, such as fiber-coupled Bragg or DFB lasers, couldn’t meet these out of the box specifications.
The Solution: Chilas’ Narrow-Linewidth Tunable Laser
TwinPhotonics selected Chilas’ C-band tunable laser technology to develop a turn-key entangled photon source. By upgrading a photonic integrated circuit and using Chilas’ full range of capabilities including assembly, laser driver electronics, and control software, they successfully delivered a complete and integrated solution.
Thanks to the high SNR combined with the large on-chip laser power and narrow linewidth, the system showed superior characteristics compared to other systems on the market. These technological properties are of key importance for efficient generation of entangled photons, giving the Twin Photonics entangled photon source unique characteristics.
“Working with Chilas has been smooth, their laser integrated effortlessly into our product, and it outperformed other solutions we tested.” – Jan Heine, TwinPhotonics
“The collaboration with TwinPhotonics gave us the opportunity to explore new features of the Hybrid integrated external cavity lasers. The excellent experimental and theoretical expertise of TwinPhotonics in the fields of laser technology combined with quantum applications gave Chilas unique feedback on the performance of the laser sources. The symbiosis of the expertise of the two companies made it possible to develop a completely new type of entangled photon source within just a few months.” – Dimitri Geskus, Chilas Lasers
More about TwinPhotonics
TwinPhotonics develops turnkey solutions for the generation of entangled photon pairs using photonic integration. This approach enables:
• Scalable and mass-producible manufacturing for telecom and security markets
• Compact and robust operation, suitable for deployment outside labs
• Flexible customization directly on the photonic chip to meet diverse quantum applications
Their sources are designed for quantum-secured communication, quantum sensing and academic research. By combining state-of-the-art technology with a turnkey mindset, TwinPhotonics is bridging the gap between the lab and the market.
Their entangled photon source demonstrator is now available for validation and testing. Interested parties can contact Twin Photonics to request a demo and share their input toward shaping the next generation of PIC-based entangled photon sources.
Custom Laser Development at Chilas
At Chilas, we know that not every challenge can be solved with a standard laser. That’s why we collaborate closely with our partners to develop custom laser solutions tailored to specific applications. Whether it’s creating tunable lasers at new wavelength ranges or integrating our technology into a broader system, we’re willing to get involved into relevant projects.
Subscribe to Chilas Newsletter!
Stay informed with the Chilas newsletter! Our bi-monthly updates bring you the latest in laser technology, including new product releases, technical insights, customer success stories, and exclusive company news.