Temperature-Dependent Spectral Properties of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Color Centers
About EKO
The EKO – Integrated Quantum Optics and Sensing Research Group at Hacettepe University conducts research at the intersection of quantum optics, integrated photonics, and quantum technologies. Our work focuses on the design and realization of photonic platforms that enable controlled light-matter interactions for applications in quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum information science.
We investigate micro- and nano-photonic structures such as integrated waveguides, microresonators, and nonlinear optical devices that can efficiently generate, manipulate, and detect nonclassical states of light. These systems allow us to study fundamental quantum optical processes while developing practical device architectures for emerging quantum technologies.
Our research combines theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, nanophotonic device design, and experimental characterization. Current topics include integrated quantum light sources based on nonlinear optical processes, cavity-enhanced photon generation, photonic quantum communication systems, quantum random number generation, and quantum-enhanced sensing platforms.
Research Highlights
Integrated Quantum Photonics
Integrated photonic devices and circuits for scalable quantum optical systems.
Quantum Light Sources
Nonlinear and solid-state platforms for single-photon and photon-pair generation.
Quantum Communication
Photonic approaches to QKD, QRNG, and secure quantum communication.
Quantum Sensing
Passive and active quantum sensing with photonic and solid-state platforms.
Selected Publications
News
Published 24 October 2026
Optical Quantum Random Number Generation Project Completed
Our project, New approaches in optical quantum random number generation (2024-2026), is now completed. Its details are available in the Completed Projects section of our Projects page. Research opportunities are no longer listed for this project.
Published 24 October 2026
QRDI Funding for AI-Driven Security in Entanglement-Based QKD
Our project, AI-Driven Real-Time Threat Assessment Framework for Entanglement-Based Quantum Key Distribution Systems, has received funding from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council under the Future Communications Call (FCC01). It combines experimental quantum communication with artificial intelligence for real-time threat detection, assessment, and mitigation. The collaboration includes Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari (Qatar Center for Quantum Computing) and Dr. Hasan Kurban (Hamad Bin Khalifa University), with Ooredoo Qatar involved as an industry stakeholder.
Published 24 October 2026
SPINPOLGATE: Spin-Polarization Dynamics for Quantum Magnetic Sensing
Supported by TÜBİTAK ARDEB 1001 (126F135), SPINPOLGATE investigates spin-polarization dynamics in solid-state defect centers in diamond and hexagonal boron nitride to enhance ODMR contrast and magnetic sensing. The ongoing project advances our research on solid-state spin centers and quantum sensing.
December 2025
Best Poster Award: Quantum Cryptography
Our team members Dilanur Atak, Tuna Özdür, Kaan Orhan, Kübra Erturan, and Emre Çağlar presented recent work on SiN-based photonic cavities, single-photon emitters in hBN, and random number generation with spontaneous parametric down-conversion at the 30th Ankara Condensed Matter Physics Meeting hosted by Ankara University. The poster on random number generation won the best poster award.
Team
Meet the members of the EKO research group and learn more about their research interests.
Open Positions
EKO welcomes motivated students and researchers interested in integrated quantum photonics, quantum communication, quantum light sources, and quantum sensing technologies.
Available opportunities are listed under relevant research projects.