Let there be light and sound – How light-sound interactions can propel neuromorphic computing and quantum technologies 

Optical and acoustic waves are very different, but their interplay enables fascinating applications in optical fibers and integrated photonic chips. At the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, we study optoacoustic interactions at classical and quantum levels. We have done pioneering work in optoacoustic neuromorphic photonics. We have also built a photonic memory in which information is stored in traveling sound waves. In terms of quantum technology, we are researching optoacoustic quantum memories for secure quantum communication.