Entangled Photon States Research Articles

Photon entanglement through linear optics networks with birefringent crystals

We develop a linear optics network for the generation of photonic entangled states via designing a quantum circuit consisting of optical elements, i.e., beam splitters and birefringent crystals. To achieve the purpose, at first we introduce non-entangled single-photon states with their Gaussian spectral amplitude functions as the inputs of the circuit. Then, we show that the outcome of the circuit is an entangled Gaussian photonic state characterized with its covariance matrix. The quantum optical Gaussian states constitute an important class of robust quantum states which are manipulatable by the existing technologies. Meanwhile, we investigate the generation of biphoton entangled states, in detail. Also, we evaluate the concurrence (as a measure of entanglement) and also the probability density function (PDF) corresponding to biphoton states. In the continuation, we study other possible applications of such quantum circuits. We demonstrate that how one can estimate the position of outcome, i.e., the probability of finding entangled photons in a confidence ellipsoid. Our numerical results show that the entanglement of biphoton states strongly depends on their correlation matrix. As an outstanding feature, the PDF of the output state of the circuit provides an elegant criterion to identify the entangled photonic states from their separable counterparts. The designed quantum circuit and the obtained results may be implemented in the development of quantum information and communication protocols with continuous variables, besides their practical importance in realizing more complicated quantum networks.

Different Types of Photon Entanglement from a Constantly Driven Quantum Emitter Inside a Cavity

AbstractBell states are the most prominent maximally entangled photon states. In a typical four‐level emitter, like a semiconductor quantum dot, the photon states exhibit only one type of Bell state entanglement. By adding an external driving to the emitter system, also other types of Bell state entanglement are reachable without changing the polarization basis. In this work, it is shown under which conditions the different types of entanglement occur and analytical equations are given to explain these findings. Furthermore, special points are identified, where the concurrence, being a measure for the degree of entanglement, drops to zero, while the coherences between the two‐photon states stay strong. Results of this work pave the way to achieve a controlled manipulation of the entanglement type in practical devices.

Quantum-enhanced interferometry with large heralded photon-number states

Quantum phenomena such as entanglement can improve fundamental limits on the sensitivity of a measurement probe. In optical interferometry, a probe consisting of N entangled photons provides up to a sqrt{N} enhancement in phase sensitivity compared to a classical probe of the same energy. Here, we employ high-gain parametric down-conversion sources and photon-number-resolving detectors to perform interferometry with heralded quantum probes of sizes up to N = 8 (i.e. measuring up to 16-photon coincidences). Our probes are created by injecting heralded photon-number states into an interferometer, and in principle provide quantum-enhanced phase sensitivity even in the presence of significant optical loss. Our work paves the way toward quantum-enhanced interferometry using large entangled photonic states.

Electric Control of Spin‐Orbit Coupling in Graphene‐Based Nanostructures with Broken Rotational Symmetry

AbstractSpin and orbital angular momenta of light are important degrees of freedom in nanophotonics which control light propagation, optical forces, and information encoding. Here, it is shown that graphene‐supported plasmonic nanostructures with broken rotational symmetry provide a surprising spin to orbital angular momentum conversion, which can be continuously controlled by changing the electrochemical potential of graphene. Upon resonant illumination by a circularly polarized plane wave, a polygonal array of indium‐tin‐oxide nanoparticles on a graphene sheet generates the scattered field carrying electrically‐tunable orbital angular momentum. This unique photonic spin‐orbit interaction occurs due to the strong coupling between graphene plasmon polaritons and localized surface plasmons of the nanoparticles and leads to the controlled directional excitation of graphene plasmons. The tuneable spin‐orbit conversion paves the way for high‐rate information encoding in optical communications, electric steering functionalities in optical tweezers, and nanorouting of higher‐dimensional entangled photon states.

Two-Photon Spontaneous Emission in Atomically Thin Plasmonic Nanostructures.

The ability to harness light-matter interactions at the few-photon level plays a pivotal role in quantum technologies. Single photons-the most elementary states of light-can be generated on demand in atomic and solid state emitters. Two-photon states are also key quantum assets, but achieving them in individual emitters is challenging because their generation rate is much slower than competing one-photon processes. We demonstrate that atomically thin plasmonic nanostructures can harness two-photon spontaneous emission, resulting in giant far field two-photon production, a wealth of resonant modes enabling tailored photonic and plasmonic entangled states, and plasmon-assisted single-photon creation orders of magnitude more efficient than standard one-photon emission. We unravel the two-photon spontaneous emission channels and show that their spectral line shapes emerge from an intricate interplay between Fano and Lorentzian resonances. Enhanced two-photon spontaneous emission in two-dimensional nanostructures paves the way to an alternative efficient source of light-matter entanglement for on-chip quantum information processing and free-space quantum communications.

Nanophotonic quantum network node with neutral atoms and an integrated telecom interface

The realization of a long-distance, distributed quantum network based on quantum memory nodes that are linked by photonic channels remains an outstanding challenge. We propose a quantum network node based on neutral alkali atoms coupled to nanophotonic crystal cavities that combines a long-lived memory qubit with a photonic interface at the telecom range, thereby enabling the long-distance distribution of entanglement over low loss optical fibers. We present a novel protocol for the generation of an atom–photon entangled state which uses telecom transitions between excited states of the alkali atoms. We analyze the realistic implementation of this protocol using rubidium and cesium atoms taking into account the full atomic level structure and properties of the nanophotonic crystal cavity. We find that a high fidelity entangled state can be generated with current technologies.

Towards supersensitive optical phase measurement using a deterministic source of entangled multiphoton states

Precision measurements of optical phases have many applications in science and technology. Entangled multi-photon states have been suggested for performing such measurements with precision that significantly surpasses the shot-noise limit. Until recently, such states have been generated mainly using spontaneous parametric down-conversion -- a process which is intrinsically probabilistic, counteracting the advantages that the entangled photon states might have. Here, we use a semiconductor quantum dot to generate entangled multi-photon states in a deterministic manner, using periodic timed excitation of a confined spin. This way we entangle photons one-by-one at a rate which exceeds 300 MHz. We use the resulting multi-photon state to demonstrate super-resolved optical phase measurement. Our results open up a scalable way for realizing genuine quantum enhanced super-sensitive measurements in the near future.

Interferometric two-photon-absorption spectroscopy with three entangled photons

We propose an interferometric pump-probe technique that employs three entangled photons generated by cascaded spontaneous parametric downconversion. A Mach–Zehnder interferometer made of two three-port waveguide arrays is inserted in the optical path. Two independent phases introduced to manipulate the entangled photon state serve as control parameters and can selectively excite matter pathways. Compared to two-photon-absorption of an entangled photon-pair, the three-photon signals are significantly enhanced by frequency-dispersed photon-counting detection.

Equivalence of Classical and Quantum Electromagnetic Scattering in the Far-Field Regime

Quantum remote sensing, also known as quantum detection and ranging (QUDAR), is the use of entangled photon states to detect targets at a stand-off distance. It inherently relies on sending many single photons through free space, bouncing off of a target and returning to the sensor. It is therefore necessary to understand how single photons interact and scatter from targets of macroscopic size. This article relates quantum and classical scattering in the far-field regime. Specifically, we show that due to the photon's position uncertainty, the path over which the photon traverses is not well defined, and this causes quantum interference. The result of this interference exactly replicates classical scattering behavior of electromagnetic waves. We will show that one can exactly derive the classical electric field scattering integral using a purely quantum construction. Although this article focuses on the context of QUDAR, it is very general to any application involving far-field electromagnetic scattering. Finally, we delve into the QUDAR multiphoton quantum scattering advantage shown in previous literature and further develop the theory. Specifically, we provide explanations as to why this advantage has not been observed in the classical regime, as well as provide insight as to the experimental requirements necessary to achieve this cross-section enhancement.

Scalable spin\u2013photon entanglement by time-to-polarization conversion

The realization of quantum networks and quantum computers relies on the scalable generation of entanglement, for which spin-photon interfaces are strong candidates. Current proposals to produce entangled-photon states with such platforms place stringent requirements on the physical properties of the photon emitters, limiting the range and performance of suitable physical systems. We propose a scalable protocol, which significantly reduces the constraints on the emitter. We use only a single optical transition and an asymmetric polarizing interferometer. This device converts the entanglement from the experimentally robust time basis via a path degree of freedom into a polarization basis, where quantum logic operations can be performed. The fundamental unit of the proposed protocol is realized experimentally in this work, using a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. This classically assisted protocol greatly widens the set of physical systems suited for scalable entangled-photon generation and enables performance enhancement of existing platforms.

Relativistic corrections to photonic entangled states for the space-based quantum network

In recent years there has been a great deal of focus on a globe-spanning quantum network, including linked satellites for applications ranging from quantum key distribution to distributed sensors and clocks. In many of these schemes, relativistic transformations may have deleterious effects on the purity of the distributed entangled pairs. This becomes particularly important for the application of distributed clocks. In this paper, we have developed a Lorentz invariant entanglement distribution protocol that completely removes the effects due to the relative motions of the satellites.

Polymeric Integrated Optics for Measuring Quantum-Entangled Photon States

Quantum-entangled photons have drawn considerable attention for application in quantum cryptography and quantum computers. The optical systems used for measuring polarization-entangled states mostly consist of free-space optical components, which are bulky and sensitive to environmental changes and requires persistent optical alignment. In this study, we propose a solution for the stable measurement of the quantum entanglement of photons based on polymeric waveguide integrated optics. The proposed system consists of two quarter-wave plates inserted in a polymeric optical waveguide, an asymmetric X-junction optical waveguide, four birefringence modulators, and two polarizing beam splitters. The basic performance of the integrated optic device has been confirmed using a 1550-nm distributed feedback laser. High polarization conversion and splitting efficiencies are demonstrated, which are important for the measurement of entangled photon states.

Air-core fiber distribution of hybrid vector vortex-polarization entangled states

Entanglement distribution between distant parties is one of the most important and challenging tasks in quantum communication. Distribution of photonic entangled states using optical fiber links is a fundamental building block towards quantum networks. Among the different degrees of freedom, orbital angular momentum (OAM) is one of the most promising due to its natural capability to encode high dimensional quantum states. In this article, we experimentally demonstrate fiber distribution of hybrid polarization-vector vortex entangled photon pairs. To this end, we exploit a recently developed air-core fiber which supports OAM modes. High fidelity distribution of the entangled states is demonstrated by performing quantum state tomography in the polarization-OAM Hilbert space after fiber propagation, and by violations of Bell inequalities and multipartite entanglement tests. The present results open new scenarios for quantum applications where correlated complex states can be transmitted by exploiting the vectorial nature of light.

Entangled Two-Photon Absorption Spectroscopy.

The application of quantum states of light such as entangled photons, for example, created by parametric down conversion, has experienced tremendous progress in the almost 40 years since their first experimental realization. Initially, they were employed in the investigation of the foundations of quantum physics, such as the violation of Bell's inequalities and studies of quantum entanglement. They later emerged as basic platforms for quantum communication protocols and, in the recent experiments on single-photon interactions, in photonic quantum computation. These applications aim at the controlled manipulation of the photonic degrees of freedom, and therefore rely on simple models of matter, where the analysis is simpler. Furthermore, quantum imaging with entangled light can achieve enhanced resolution, and quantum metrology can overcome the shot noise limit for classical light. This Account focuses on an entirely different emerging class of applications using quantum light as a powerful spectroscopic tool to reveal novel information about complex molecules. These applications utilize two appealing properties of quantum light: its distinct intensity fluctuations and its nonclassical bandwidth properties. These give rise to new and surprising behavior of nonlinear optical signals. Nonclassical intensity fluctuations can enhance nonlinear optical signals relative to linear absorption. For instance, the two-photon absorption of entangled photon pairs scales linearly (rather than quadratically) in the photon flux, just like a single photon absorption. This enables nonlinear quantum spectroscopy of photosensitive, for example, biological, samples at low light intensities. We will discuss how the two-photon absorption cross section becomes a function of the photonic quantum state, which can be manipulated by properties of the entangled photon pairs. In addition, the quantum correlations in entangled photon states further influence the nonlinear signals in a variety of ways. Apart from affecting the signal's scaling with intensity, they also constitute an entirely new approach to shaping and controlling excitation pathways in molecular aggregates in a way that cannot be achieved with shaped classical pulses. This is because between the two absorption events in entangled two-photon absorption, the light and material system are entangled. Classical constraints for the simultaneous time and frequency resolution can thus be circumvented, since the two are not Fourier conjugates. Here we review the simplest manifestation of quantum light spectroscopy, two-photon absorption spectroscopy with entangled photons. This will allow us to discuss exemplarily the impact of quantum properties of light on a nonlinear optical signal and explore the opportunities for future applications.

Photonic graph state generation from quantum dots and color centers for quantum communications

Highly entangled graph states of photons have applications in universal quantum computing and in quantum communications. In the latter context, they have been proposed as the key ingredient in the establishment of long-distance entanglement across quantum repeater networks. Recently, a general deterministic approach to generate repeater graph states from quantum emitters was given. However, a detailed protocol for the generation of such states from realistic systems is still needed in order to guide experiments. Here, we provide such explicit protocols for the generation of repeater graph states from two types of quantum emitters: NV centers in diamond and self-assembled quantum dots. A crucial element of our designs is an efficient controlled-Z gate between the emitter and a nuclear spin, used as an ancilla qubit. Additionally, a fast protocol for using pairs of exchange-coupled quantum dots to produce repeater graph states is described. Our focus is on near-term experiments feasible with existing experimental capabilities.

On-chip frequency combs and telecommunications signal processing meet quantum optics

Entangled optical quantum states are essential towards solving questions in fundamental physics and are at the heart of applications in quantum information science. For advancing the research and development of quantum technologies, practical access to the generation and manipulation of photon states carrying significant quantum resources is required. Recently, integrated photonics has become a leading platform for the compact and cost-efficient generation and processing of optical quantum states. Despite significant advances, most on-chip nonclassical light sources are still limited to basic bi-photon systems formed by two-dimensional states (i.e., qubits). An interesting approach bearing large potential is the use of the time or frequency domain to enabled the scalable onchip generation of complex states. In this manuscript, we review recent efforts in using on-chip optical frequency combs for quantum state generation and telecommunications components for their coherent control. In particular, the generation of bi- and multi-photon entangled qubit states has been demonstrated, based on a discrete time domain approach. Moreover, the on-chip generation of high-dimensional entangled states (quDits) has recently been realized, wherein the photons are created in a coherent superposition of multiple pure frequency modes. The time- and frequency-domain states formed with on-chip frequency comb sources were coherently manipulated via off-the-shelf telecommunications components. Our results suggest that microcavity-based entangled photon states and their coherent control using accessible telecommunication infrastructures can open up new venues for scalable quantum information science.

Robust, high brightness, degenerate entangled photon source at room temperature

We report on a compact, simple and robust high brightness entangled photon source at room temperature. Based on a 30-mm-long periodically-poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal, the source produces non-collinear, type-0, phase-matched, degenerate photons at 810 nm with spectral brightness as high as ~0.41 ± 0.02 (~0.025 ± 0.02) MHz/mW/nm for multi (single) mode fiber coupling. So far, this is the highest number of degenerate photons generated using a continuous-wave laser pumped bulk crystal and detected using multimode fiber. We have studied the dependence of pump focusing on the brightness of the generated photons collected using both multimode, and single mode fibers. For a fixed pump power and crystal parameters, the SPDC source has an optimum pump waist radius producing maximum number of paired photons. Combining the crystal in a novel system architecture comprised with Sagnac interferometer and polarizing optical elements, the source produces polarization entangled photon states with high spectral brightness. Even in the absence of any phase compensation, the entangled photon states detected using single mode fiber have a Bell’s parameter, S = 2.63 ± 0.02, violating the Bell’s inequality by nearly 32 standard deviations and fidelity of 0.975. The compact footprint, robust design, and room temperature operation, make our source ideal for various quantum communication experiments.

A novel single-crystal & single-pass source for polarisation- and colour-entangled photon pairs

We demonstrate a new generation mechanism for polarisation- and colour-entangled photon pairs. In our approach we tailor the phase-matching of a periodically poled KTP crystal such that two downconversion processes take place simultaneously. Relying on this effect, our source emits entangled bipartite photon states, emerging intrinsically from a single, unidirectionally pumped crystal with uniform poling period. Its property of being maximally compact and luminous at the same time makes our source unique compared to existing photon-entanglement sources and is therefore of high practical significance in quantum information experiments.

Efficient Multiphoton Generation in Waveguide Quantum Electrodynamics.

Engineering quantum states of light is at the basis of many quantum technologies such as quantum cryptography, teleportation, or metrology among others. Though, single photons can be generated in many scenarios, the efficient and reliable generation of complex single-mode multiphoton states is still a long-standing goal in the field, as current methods either suffer from low fidelities or small probabilities. Here we discuss several protocols which harness the strong and long-range atomic interactions induced by waveguide QED to efficiently load excitations in a collection of atoms, which can then be triggered to produce the desired multiphoton state. In order to boost the success probability and fidelity of each excitation process, atoms are used to both generate the excitations in the rest, as well as to herald the successful generation. Furthermore, to overcome the exponential scaling of the probability of success with the number of excitations, we design a protocol to merge excitations that are present in different internal atomic levels with a polynomial scaling.

Entanglement concentration of microwave photons based on the Kerr effect in circuit QED

In recent years, superconducting qubits show great potential in quantum computation. Hence, microwave photons become very interesting qubits for quantum information processing assisted by superconducting quantum computation. Here, we present the first protocol for the entanglement concentration on microwave photons, resorting to the cross-Kerr effect in circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED). Two superconducting transmission line resonators (TLRs) coupled to superconducting molecule with the N-type level structure induce the effective cross-Kerr effect for realizing the quantum nondemolition (QND) measurement on microwave photons. With this device, we present a two-qubit polarization parity QND detector on the photon states of the superconducting TLRs, which can be used to concentrate efficiently the nonlocal non-maximally entangled states of microwave photons assisted by several linear microwave elements. This protocol has a high efficiency and it may be useful for solid-state quantum information processing assisted by microwave photons.