Circuit Modularization of Quantum Optical Systems

Abstract

Quantum optics and nanophotonics are the basis of future communications and computation technologies. Thus, there is an ever-increasing need for analysis and design tools that are suitable for large, complex, and multielement systems. However, full quantum analysis of systems requires writing the full quantum Hamiltonian, which is usually possible only in simple cases that are easy to analyze analytically, and especially difficult when the system contains dispersive and dissipative elements. Here we use circuit theory to modularize the modeling of the quantum Hamiltonian, and therefore the entire quantum system. We use the notion of optical metatronics---circuit analog for nanophotonic structures---to model our photonic system as an electronic circuit, and show how each coupling term in the Hamiltonian can be written using classical equivalent circuits. Thus, the quantum-interaction term between any two elements can be analyzed, designed, and optimized using the vast library of circuit engineering tools, which by their very nature enable the design of complex, multielement realistic systems. Our work generalizes the current theoretical treatment of quantized nanophotonic systems, paving the way for a systemic, modularized modeling of large-scale systems.