Single-photon Input Research Articles

Finite-dimensional quantum states generated by conditional measurements on beam splitters

In this work, the basic idea of the quantum scissors (QS) device is slightly modified to generate finite-dimensional quantum states by means of conditional measurements on beam splitters (BSs). It turns out that a QS device with two single-photon inputs and two single-photon detections is just a projection operator composed of the vacuum state, one-photon state, and two-photon state, depending upon the transmission coefficients of BSs. As the most general example, we consider the squeezed coherent state as the input state and derive the analytical expression of the output state. Its nonclassical characteristics are analyzed in detail by means of the average photon number, intensity gain, and Wigner function. In addition, we extend this technique to the two-mode squeezed vacuum state (TMSVS). The resulting state is just the generalized Bell state, containing only the twin vacuum, twin one-photon, and twin two-photon components, whose entanglement properties are quantified by the von Neumann entropy and Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen correlation. The results show that the entanglement of the truncated TMSVS is stronger than that of TMSVS within a certain range of squeezing parameter and transmissivity.

Multipartite quantum entanglement creation for distant stationary systems.

We present efficient protocols for creating multipartite Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) and W states of distant stationary qubits. The system nonuniformity and/or the non-ideal single-photon scattering usually limit the performance of entanglement creation, and result in the decrease of the fidelity and the efficiency in practical quantum information processing. By using linear optical elements, errors caused by the system nonuniformity and non-ideal photon scattering can be converted into heralded loss in our protocols. Thus, the fidelity of generated multipartite entangled states keeps unchanged and only the efficiency decreases. The GHZ state of distant stationary qubits is created in a parallel way that its generation efficiency considerably increases. In the protocol for creating the W state of N distant stationary qubits, an input single photon is prepared in a superposition state and sent into N paths parallelly. We use the two-spatial-mode interferences to eliminate the "which path" single-photon scattering "knowledge". As a result, the efficiency of creating the N-qubit W state is independent of the number of stationary qubits rather than exponentially decreases.

Quantum path computing: computing architecture with propagation paths in multiple plane diffraction of classical sources of fermion and boson particles

Quantum computing (QC) architectures utilizing classical or coherent resources with Gaussian transformations are classically simulable as an indicator of the lack of QC power. Simple optical set-ups utilizing wave-particle duality and interferometers achieve QC speed-up with the cost of exponential complexity of resources in time, space or energy. However, linear optical networks composed of single photon inputs and photon number measurements such as boson sampling achieve solving problems which are not efficiently solvable by classical computers while emphasizing the power of linear optics. In this article, quantum path computing (QPC) set-up is introduced as the simplest optical QC satisfying five fundamental properties all-in-one: exploiting only the coherent sources being either fermion or boson, i.e., Gaussian wave packet of standard laser, simple set-up of multiple plane diffraction (MPD) with multiple slits by creating distinct propagation paths, standard intensity measurement on the detector, energy efficient design and practical problem solving capability. MPD is unique with non-Gaussian transformations by realizing an exponentially increasing number of highly interfering propagation paths while making classical simulation significantly hard. It does not require single photon resources or number resolving detection mechanisms making the experimental implementation of QC significantly low complexity. QPC set-up is utilized for the solutions of specific instances of two practical and hard number theoretical problems: partial sum of Riemann theta function and period finding to solve Diophantine approximation. Quantumness of MPD with negative volume of Wigner function is numerically analyzed and open issues for the best utilization of QPC are discussed.

Efficient Quantum Photonic Phase Shift in a Low Q-Factor Regime

Solid-state quantum emitters have long been recognised as the ideal platform to realize integrated quantum photonic technologies. We use a self-assembled negatively charged QD in a low Q-factor photonic micropillar to demonstrate for the first time a key figure of merit for deterministic switching and spin-photon entanglement: a shift in phase of an input single photon of $>90^{o}$ with values of up to $2\pi/3$ ($120^{o}$) demonstrated. This $>\pi/2$ ($90^{o}$) measured value represents an important threshold: above this value input photons interact with the emitter deterministically. A deterministic photon-emitter interaction is the only viable scalable means to achieve several vital functionalities not possible in linear optics such as quantum switches and entanglement gates. Our experimentally determined value is limited by mode mismatch between the input laser and the cavity, QD spectral fluctuations and spin relaxation. We determine that up to $80\%$ of the collected photons have interacted with the QD and undergone a phase shift of $\pi$.

Preparation and non-classicality of non-Gaussian quantum states based on catalytic quantum scissors

Based on the quantum scissor device proposed by Pegg et al, this paper implements a non-Gaussian quantum state preparation scheme. When considering the quantum photocatalysis of single-photon input and single-photon detection, the equivalent operator of catalytic quantum scissors is given in order to understand the physical nature of quantum scissors. When the coherent state is taken as the input state, for an asymmetric beam splitter, the output state can be truncated to zero photon, single photon and two photon components; for a symmetric beam splitter, the output state is only truncated to zero photon and two photon components. The non-classicality of the prepared non-Gaussian quantum states is discussed by the average photon number, signal-to-noise ratio, squeezing effcet and Wigner function. These results show that the output states can present strong non-classicality when modulating the amplitude of the coherent state and transmissivity of beam splitter.

Quantum information processing in a decoherence-free subspace for the $$\hat{\sigma }_{x}$$ σ ^ x -type collective noise

Based on a cavity-assisted single-photon input–output process, we first construct the hybrid controlled-phase-flip gate between photon and the single-logic qubit in decoherence-free subspaces. And we also achieve the universal single-qubit logic operations. We realize the distributed quantum information processing with the hybrid controlled-phase-flip gate and single-qubit logic operations. Finally, we discuss the experimental feasibility of our scheme, which is satisfied with currently available technology.

Observation of photonic states dynamics in 3-D integrated Fourier circuits

Entanglement is a fundamental resource at the basis of quantum-enhanced performances in several applications, such as quantum algorithms and quantum metrology. In these contexts, Fourier interferometers implement a relevant class of unitary evolutions which can be embedded in a large variety of protocols. For instance, in the single-particle regime it can be adopted to implement the quantum Fourier transform, while in the multi-particle scenario it can be employed to generate quantum states possessing useful entanglement for quantum phase estimation purposes, or as a tool to verify genuine multi-photon interference. In this article, we study experimentally the dynamics of single-photon and two-photon input states during the evolution provided by a 8-mode Fourier transformation, implemented by exploiting a three-dimensional architecture enabled by the femtosecond laser micromachining technology. In such a way, we fabricated three devices to study the evolution after each step of the decomposition. We observe that the probability distributions obey a step-by-step majorization relationship, where the quantum state occupies a progressively larger portion of the Hilbert space. Such behaviour can be related to the majorization principle, which has been conjectured as a necessary condition for quantum speedup.

What Is a Photon

The concept of the photon is introduced by discussion of the process of electromagnetic field quantization within a closed cavity or in an open optical system. The nature of a single-photon state is clarified by consideration of its behaviour at an optical beam splitter. The importance of linear superposition or entangled states in the distinctions between quantum-mechanical photon states and classical excitations of the electromagnetic field is emphasized. These concepts and the ideas of wave-particle duality are illustrated by discussions of the effects of single-photon inputs to Brown-Twiss and Mach-Zehnder interferometers. Both the theoretical predictions and the-confirming experimental observations are covered. The defining property of the single photon in terms of its ability to trigger one. and only one, photodetection event is discussed.

Which role does multiphoton interference play in small phase estimation in quantum Fourier transform interferometers?

Recently, quantum Fourier transform interferometers have been demonstrated to allow a quantum metrological enhancement in phase sensitivity for a small number [Formula: see text] of identical input single photons [J. P. Olson, K. R. Motes, P. M. Birchall, N. M. Studer, M. LaBorde, T. Moulder, P. P. Rohde and J. P. Dowling, Phys. Rev. A 96 (2017) 013810; K. R. Motes, J. P. Olson, E. J. Rabeaux, J. P. Dowling, S. J. Olson and P. P. Rohde, Phys. Rev. Lett. 114 (2015) 170802; O. Zimmermann, Bachelor Thesis (Ulm University, 2015) arXiv: 1710.03805.]. However, multiphoton distinguishability at the detectors can play an important role from an experimental point of view [V. Tamma and S. Laibacher, Phys. Rev. Lett. 114 (2015) 243601.]. This raises a fundamental question: How is the phase sensitivity affected when the photons are completely distinguishable at the detectors and therefore do not interfere? In other words, which role does multiphoton interference play in these schemes? Here, we show that for small phase values, the phase sensitivity achievable in the proposed schemes with indistinguishable photons is enhanced only by a constant factor with respect to the case of completely distinguishable photons at the detectors. Interestingly, this enhancement arises from the interference of only a polynomial number (in [Formula: see text]) of the total [Formula: see text] multiphoton path amplitudes in the [Formula: see text]-port interferometer. These results are independent of the number [Formula: see text] of single photons and of the phase weight factors employed at each interferometer channel.

Off-resonant Raman quantum memory in impurity crystals: signal-to-noise ratio analysis

The possibility of implementing an off-resonant Raman scheme of optical quantum memory on the basis of an ensemble of three-level atoms is investigated under the condition of equal polarisations of resonant transitions forming the Λ-scheme. The developed model is used to analyse the signal-to-noise ratio at the output of an optical quantum memory device in 143Nd3+ : Y 7LiF4. It is shown that this ratio can significantly exceed unity for single-photon input pulses. The required values of the parameters can be obtained by using an impurity crystal in the form of a whispering-gallery mode ring resonator.

Boson Sampling with Single-Photon Fock States from a Bright Solid-State Source.

A boson-sampling device is a quantum machine expected to perform tasks intractable for a classical computer, yet requiring minimal nonclassical resources as compared to full-scale quantum computers. Photonic implementations to date employed sources based on inefficient processes that only simulate heralded single-photon statistics when strongly reducing emission probabilities. Boson sampling with only single-photon input has thus never been realized. Here, we report on a boson-sampling device operated with a bright solid-state source of single-photon Fock states with high photon-number purity: the emission from an efficient and deterministic quantum dot-micropillar system is demultiplexed into three partially indistinguishable single photons, with a single-photon purity 1-g^{(2)}(0) of 0.990±0.001, interfering in a linear optics network. Our demultiplexed source is between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude more efficient than current heralded multiphoton sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion, allowing us to complete the boson-sampling experiment faster than previous equivalent implementations.

Solid-state Raman quantum memory in whispering gallery mode resonators: signal-to-noise ratio

The possibility of implementation of optical quantum memory via off-resonant Raman absorption and emission of single-photon pulses in rare-earth-ion-doped crystals is theoretically analysed taking into account signal-to-noise ratio at the output of the memory device. The crystal 143 Nd 3+ :Y 7 LiF 4 is considered as an example. It is shown that the signal-to-noise ratio can exceed unity for single-photon input pulses provided that storage and retrieval of them is performed in the doped crystals forming a microcavity such as whispering gallery mode resonator.

Simulating single photons with realistic photon sources

Quantum information processing provides remarkable advantages over its classical counterpart. Quantum optical systems are proved to be sufficient for realizing general quantum tasks, which however often rely on single photon sources. In practice, imperfect single photon sources, such as weak coherent state source, are used instead, which will inevitably limit the power in demonstrating quantum effects. For instance, with imperfect photon sources, the key rate of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol will be very low, which fortunately can be resolved by utilizing the decoy state method. As a generalization, we investigate an efficient way to simulate single photons with imperfect ones to an arbitrary desired accuracy when the number of photonic inputs is small. Based on this simulator, we can thus replace the tasks that involve only a few single photon inputs with the ones that only make use of imperfect photon sources. In addition, our method also provides a quantum simulator to quantum computation based on quantum optics. In the main context, we take phase randomized coherent state as an example for analysis. A general photon source applies similarly and may provide some further advantages for certain tasks.

Extended phase-matching properties of periodically poled potassium niobate crystals for mid-infrared polarization-entangled photon-pair generation.

We report the extended phase-matching (EPM) properties of two kinds of periodically poled potassium niobate (KNbO3 or KN) crystals (i.e., periodic 180°- and 90°-domain structures) that are highly useful for the generation of polarization-entangled photon pairs in the mid-infrared (IR) spectral region. Under the degenerate Type II spontaneous parametric downconversion process satisfying the EPM condition, an input single photon with a frequency of 2ω generates a pair of synchronized photons with identical frequencies of ω that are orthogonally polarized with respect to each other (i.e., the frequency-coincident, polarization-entangled biphoton states). Our simulation results illustrate that the EPM is achievable in the mid-IR spectral region: at the wavelengths of 3.80 μm and 4.03 μm for periodic 90°- and 180°-domain structures, respectively. We will describe in detail the EPM properties of both cases in terms of interaction types and the corresponding nonlinear optic coefficients, phase-matching bandwidths, and domain poling periods. The calculated EPM bandwidths are much broader than 200 nm in the mid-IR for both cases, exhibiting a great potential for nonlinear-optic signal processing in quantum communication systems operating in the mid-IR bands.

Arbitrary multi-qubit generation

We propose and analyse a scheme for single-rail-encoded arbitrary multi-qubit quantum-state generation to provide a versatile tool for quantum optics and quantum information applications. Our scheme can be realised, for small numbers of qubits, with current technologies using single photon inputs, passive linear optics, and heralding measurements. The particular examples of two- and three-qubit cluster states are studied in detail. We show that such states can be prepared with a high probability of success. Our analysis quantifies the effects of experimentally relevant imperfections and inefficiencies. The general case of arbitrary N-qubit preparation is discussed and some interesting connections to the boson sampling problem are given.

Dynamics of single photon transport in a one-dimensional waveguide two-point coupled with a Jaynes-Cummings system.

We study the dynamics of an ultrafast single photon pulse in a one-dimensional waveguide two-point coupled with a Jaynes-Cummings system. We find that for any single photon input the transmissivity depends periodically on the separation between the two coupling points. For a pulse containing many plane wave components it is almost impossible to suppress transmission, especially when the width of the pulse is less than 20 times the period. In contrast to plane wave input, the waveform of the pulse can be modified by controlling the coupling between the waveguide and Jaynes-Cummings system. Tailoring of the waveform is important for single photon manipulation in quantum informatics.

Quantum frequency conversion and strong coupling of photonic modes using four-wave mixing in integrated microresonators

Single photon-level quantum frequency conversion has recently been demonstrated using silicon nitride microring resonators. The resonance enhancement offered by such systems enables high-efficiency translation of quantum states of light across wide frequency ranges at sub-watt pump powers. Using a quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian formalism, we present a detailed theoretical analysis of the conversion dynamics in these systems, and show that they are capable of converting single- and multi-photon quantum states. Analytic formulas for the conversion efficiency, spectral conversion probability density, and pump power requirements are derived which are in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results. We show that with only modest improvement to the state of the art, efficiencies exceeding 95% are achievable using less than 100 mW of pump power. At the critical driving strength that yields maximum conversion efficiency, the spectral conversion probability density is shown to exhibit a flat-topped peak, indicating a range of insensitivity to the spectrum of a single photon input. Two alternate theoretical approaches are presented to study the conversion dynamics: a dressed mode approach that yields a better intuitive picture of the conversion process, and a study of the temporal dynamics of the participating modes in the resonator, which uncovers a regime of Rabi-like coherent oscillations of single photons between two different frequency modes. This oscillatory regime arises from the strong coupling of distinct frequency modes mediated by coherent pumps.

Charged quantum dot micropillar system for deterministic light-matter interactions

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanostructures in which a three dimensional potential trap produces an electronic quantum confinement, thus mimicking the behaviour of single atomic dipole-like transitions. However unlike atoms, QDs can be incorporated into solid state photonic devices such as cavities or waveguides that enhance the light-matter interaction. A near unit efficiency light-matter interaction is essential for deterministic, scalable quantum information (QI) devices. In this limit, a single photon input into the device will undergo a large rotation of the polarization of the light field due to the strong interaction with the QD. In this paper we measure a macroscopic ($\sim6^o$) phase shift of light as a result of the interaction with a negatively charged QD coupled to a low quality-factor (Q$\sim290$) pillar microcavity. This unexpectedly large rotation angle demonstrates this simple low Q-factor design would enable near deterministic light-matter interactions.

Quantum rectifier in a one-dimensional photonic channel

By using a fully quantum approach based on an input-output formulation of the stochastic Schr\"{o}dinger equation, we show rectification of radiation fields in a one-dimensional waveguide doped with a pair of ideal two-level systems for three topical cases: classical driving, under the action of noise, and single photon pulsed excitation. We show that even under the constant action of unwanted noise the device still operates effectively as an optical isolator, which is of critical importance for noise resistance. Finally, harnessing stimulated emission allows for non-reciprocal behavior for single photon inputs, thus showing purely quantum rectification at the single-photon level. The latter is a considerable step towards the ultimate goal of devising an unconditional quantum rectifier for arbitrary quantum states.

Analysis and control of quantum finite-level systems driven by single-photon input states

Single-photon states, which carry quantum information and coherently interact with quantum systems, are vital to the realization of all-optical engineered quantum networks. In this paper we derive the analytical form of the output field state for a large class of quantum finite-level systems driven by single-photon input field states using a transfer function approach. Single-photon pulse shaping via coherent feedback is also studied.