Nondegenerate Spontaneous Parametric Down-conversion Research Articles

Quantum ghost imaging based on a "looking back" 2D SPAD array.

Quantum ghost imaging (QGI) is an intriguing imaging protocol that exploits photon-pair correlations stemming from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). QGI retrieves images from two-path joint measurements, where single-path detection does not allow us to reconstruct the target image. Here we report on a QGI implementation exploiting a two-dimensional (2D) single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array detector for the spatially resolving path. Moreover, the employment of non-degenerate SPDC allows us to investigate samples at infrared wavelengths without the need for short-wave infrared (SWIR) cameras, while the spatial detection can be still performed in the visible region, where the more advanced silicon-based technology can be exploited. Our findings advance QGI schemes towards practical applications.

Cavity-enhanced two-photon source emitting narrow linewidth telecommunication wavelength photons for improved quantum memory-coupling efficiency enabling long-distance quantum communications

In long-distance quantum communication using quantum repeaters with quantum memories, entangled photons at telecommunication wavelengths that can be coupled to quantum memory with high efficiency are required. Typically, entangled photons are generated via spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC). However, the phase-matching bandwidth of SPDC is more than 100 GHz, which is much broader than the bandwidth of a Pr3+:Y2SiO5 quantum memory (with overall bandwidth of ∼10 GHz while the bandwidth of each frequency channel is ∼10 MHz) suitable for frequency-multiplexed quantum repeaters. In this study, nondegenerate SPDC (1550 nm and 995 nm) inside an optical cavity is used to obtain a narrow linewidth and cluster width of SPDC to match the Pr3+:Y2SiO5 bandwidth. We also developed a cavity control mechanism that can fulfill the doubly resonant condition. The developed two-photon source can maximize the coupling efficiency with Pr3+:Y2SiO5 by introducing wavelength conversion and is promising for use in a quantum repeater.

Broadband diffraction of correlated photons from crystal superlattices

Sources of broadband quantum correlated photons present a valuable resource for quantum metrology, sensing, and communication. Here, we report the generation of spectrally broadband correlated photons from frequency nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a custom-designed lithium niobate superlattice. The superlattice induces a nonlinear interference between the pump, signal and idler, resulting in an experimentally observed comb-like emission spanning 0.060 μm and 1.4 μm of spectral bandwidth at 0.647 μm and 3.0 μm wavelengths, respectively. While this broad mid-infrared bandwidth is attractive to quantum metrology and sensing due to the enablement of fast spectral multiplexing for data acquisition, the comb-like structure, achieved without an input frequency comb, offers targeted frequencies for quantum communication applications. In addition to useful technological applications, our concept offers an interesting analogy between optical diffraction in quantum and classical optics.

All-optical Bell states through a multi-poled, integrated waveguide device

In this paper, we propose the generation of all four polarization-entangled Bell states in a potassium titanyl phosphate waveguide device. This is achieved through non-degenerate spontaneous parametric downconversion and quasi-phase-matching with special non-uniform poling in different lengths. These biphoton states consist of the signal being emitted in a telecommunication wavelength. Through their joint spectral amplitude, we study the frequency correlation properties of the photon pairs. Polarization-entangled photon pairs are used as a resource of entanglement in various quantum optics experiments and there is a demand for generating all four photonic Bell states in a single waveguide-based device in quantum information applications.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with visible light.

Nonlinear interferometers allow spectroscopy in the mid-infrared range by detecting correlated visible light, for which non-cooled detectors with higher specific detectivity and lower dark count rates are available. We present a new approach for the registration of spectral information, which combines a nonlinear interferometer using non-degenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) with a Fourier-transform spectroscopy concept. In order to increase the spectral coverage, we use broadband non-collinear SPDC in periodically poled LiNbO3. Without the need for spectrally selective detection, continuous spectra with a spectral bandwidth of more than 100 cm-1 are achieved. We demonstrate transmission spectra of a polypropylene sample measured with 6 cm-1 resolution in the spectral range between 3.2 µm to 3.9 µm.

Heralded single-photon source utilizing highly nondegenerate, spectrally factorable spontaneous parametric downconversion.

We report on the generation of an indistinguishable heralded single-photon state, using highly nondegenerate spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC). Spectrally factorable photon pairs can be generated by incorporating a broadband pump pulse and a group-velocity matching (GVM) condition in a periodically-poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PPKTP) crystal. The heralding photon is in the near IR, close to the peak detection efficiency of off-the-shelf Si single-photon detectors; meanwhile, the heralded photon is in the telecom L-band where fiber losses are at a minimum. We observe spectral factorability of the SPDC source and consequently high purity (90%) of the produced heralded single photons by several different techniques. Because this source can also realize a high heralding efficiency (> 90%), it would be suitable for time-multiplexing techniques, enabling a pseudo-deterministic single-photon source, a critical resource for optical quantum information and communication technology.

Enhancing Heralding Efficiency and Biphoton Rate in Type-I Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion

The nonlinear optical process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) is widely studied for applications in quantum information science due to its ability to produce two photons that can be entangled in many degrees of freedom. For applications in quantum communication, two metrics of this process are particularly important: heralding efficiency and total joint rate. Here, we derive expressions for both quantities for a variety of different beam geometries and frequencies. We pay specific attention to the spectrum of both biphotons and individual photons. We reveal the underlying mechanisms responsible for the spectral shape and show they differ for different geometries and frequencies. We then use these spectra to calculate heralding efficiency and joint count rate and examine how each of these metrics changes with different geometries, frequencies, spectral filtering, and beam parameters. Interestingly, we find very high heralding efficiencies are achievable for collinear geometries without spectral filtering, while noncollinear geometries require spectral filtering to achieve the same values. We also find that the spectrum is narrower for nondegenerate SPDC than for degenerate SPDC, leading to lower joint count rates and higher heralding efficiency in the former. In addition to the theory, we verify selected predictions with experimental results.

Study of the effect of pump focusing on the performance of ghost imaging and ghost diffraction, based on spontaneous parametric downconversion

We study the effects of ghost imaging (GI) and ghost diffraction (GD), based on spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) photon-pair sources. In particular, we focus on the effect of pump focusing in the SPDC process, on GI and GD. Our theory presented in this paper includes the cases of frequency-degenerate and frequency non-degenerate SPDC. We show analytically, and confirm through numerical simulations, that pump focusing degrades the performance of GI and GD, and for a sufficient focusing strength can altogether suppress these effects.

Entanglement of biphoton states: qutrits and ququarts

We investigate, in a general form, entanglement of biphoton qutrits and ququarts, i.e. states formed in the processes of, correspondingly, degenerate and non-degenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion. Indistinguishability of photons and, for ququarts, joint presence of the frequency and polarization entanglement are fully taken into account. In the case of qutrits, the most general three-parametric families of maximally entangled and non-entangled states are found, and anticorrelation of the degree of entanglement and polarization is shown to occur and to be characterized by a rather simple formula. Biphoton ququarts are shown to be two-qudits with the single-photon Hilbert space dimensionality d=4, which differentiates them significantly from the often used two-qubit model (d=2). New expressions for entanglement quantifiers of biphoton ququarts are derived and discussed. Rather simple procedures for a direct measurement of the degree of entanglement are described for both qutrits and ququarts.

Modal, spectral, and polarization entanglement in guided-wave parametric down-conversion

We examine the modal, spectral, and polarization entanglement properties of photon pairs generated in a nonlinear, periodically poled, two-mode waveguide (1-D planar or 2-D circular) via nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion. Any of the possible degrees of freedom -- mode number, frequency, or polarization -- can be used to distinguish the down-converted photons while the others serve as attributes of entanglement. Distinguishing the down-converted photons based on their mode numbers enables us to efficiently generate spectral or polarization entanglement that is either narrowband or broadband. On the other hand, when the generated photons are distinguished by their frequencies in a Type-0 process, modal entanglement turns out to be an efficient alternative to polarization entanglement. Moreover, modal entanglement in Type-II down-conversion may be used to generate a doubly entangled state in frequency and polarization.

Parametric down-conversion from a wave-equation approach: Geometry and absolute brightness

Using the approach of coupled wave equations, we consider spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in the narrow-band regime and its relationship to classical nonlinear processes such as sum-frequency generation. We find simple expressions in terms of mode overlap integrals for the absolute pair production rate into single spatial modes, and simple relationships between the efficiencies of the classical and quantum processes. The results, obtained with Green function techniques, are not specific to any geometry or nonlinear crystal. The theory is applied to both degenerate and non-degenerate SPDC. We also find a time-domain expression for the correlation function between filtered signal and idler fields.

Generating entangled photons via enhanced spontaneous parametric downconversion in AlGaAs microring resonators

Spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) can be enhanced in double-channel side-coupled microring resonator structures, generating entangled photons spatially separated in different channels. The enhancement is even more drastic in single-channel side-coupled microring resonator structures, although the generated entangled photons are not spatially separated, and it might be most interesting to use a ring tuned for nondegenerate SPDC.

Heralded single photon source at 1550 nm from pulsed parametric down conversion

Heralding of single photon at 1550 nm from pump pulsed nondegenerate spontaneous parametric downconversion is demonstrated. P(1) and P(2) of the source are 0.1871 and 2.4 × 10−3 respectively, with source triggering at 2.16 × 105 triggers per second. This source may be used in quantum key distribution systems.

Highly efficient polarization-entangled photon source using periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides

In our experiment, two channels of a 3cm long periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide are used to generate the nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down conversion (NSPDC) photon pairs. We experimentally obtained the highly efficient polarization-entangled photon pairs by coherently combining two NSPDC processes, and keeping the phase stable over 30min. We can also prepare two entangled photon pairs with different central wavelengths with the help of wavelength division multiplex.

Quantum Zeno effect in two coupled nonlinear optical processes

Consecutive nonlinear optical interactions consisting of two coupled parametric processes, namely, the nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion and up-conversion, are analyzed. The vacuum state of the input light is considered to be an unstable state decaying into a reservoir of down-converted modes, with one of the modes generated being continuously measured using the up-conversion process. Mean photon numbers at interacting frequencies are studied. Special attention is paid to the case where the nonlinear coupling coefficient for the up-conversion process is much larger than that for the nondegenerate spontaneous parametric down-conversion. It is shown that in this case the result of such consecutive interactions can be interpreted from the viewpoint of the quantum Zeno effect.