Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

07:56
A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
Strongly correlated two-photon transport in a one-dimensional waveguide coupled to a two-level system
1Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|May 16, 2007
Summary
Two-photon transport in waveguides shows strong correlations. A novel two-photon bound state emerges, enabling photons to traverse a two-level system as a single entity, demonstrating tunable interactions.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Condensed matter physics
- Many-body physics
Background:
- Investigating quantum transport in low-dimensional systems is crucial for understanding light-matter interactions.
- Coupling waveguides to quantum systems reveals unique scattering phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the correlated transport of two photons in a one-dimensional waveguide coupled to a two-level system.
- To explore the emergence of bound states and tunable photon-photon interactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a generalized Bethe-ansatz technique to construct the exact S matrix.
- Analyzing scattering eigenstates within the coupled waveguide-two-level system.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated strong correlations in two-photon transport.
- Identified a two-photon bound state that propagates as a single composite particle.
- Showcased the two-level system's ability to induce attractive or repulsive photon-photon interactions.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a novel mechanism for controlling photon transport and interactions via quantum systems.
- The developed methodology is applicable to other quantum models, such as the Anderson model.
Related Concept Videos
The de Broglie Wavelength
In the macroscopic world, objects that are large enough to be seen by the naked eye follow the rules of classical physics. A billiard ball moving on a table will behave like a particle; it will continue traveling in a straight line unless it collides with another ball, or it is acted on by some other force, such as friction. The ball has a well-defined position and velocity or well-defined momentum, p = mv, which is defined by mass m and velocity v at any given moment. This is the typical...
Electromagnetic Wave Equation
Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic fields are related to source charges, either static or moving. These fields act on a test charge, whose trajectory can thus be determined using suitable boundary conditions. The objective of electromagnetism is thus theoretically complete.
However, although electric and magnetic fields were first introduced as mathematical constructs to simplify the description of mutual forces between charges, a natural question emerges from Maxwell's equations: What...
However, although electric and magnetic fields were first introduced as mathematical constructs to simplify the description of mutual forces between charges, a natural question emerges from Maxwell's equations: What...
Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves are consistent with Ampere's law. Assuming there is no conduction current Ampere's law is given as:
Propagation of Waves
When a wave propagates from one medium to another, part of it may get reflected in the first medium, and part of it may get transmitted to the second medium. In such a case, the interface of the two mediums can be considered as a boundary that is neither fixed nor free.
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
Spin systems where the difference in chemical shifts of the coupled nuclei is greater than ten times J are called first-order spin systems. These nuclei are weakly coupled, and their chemical shifts and coupling constant can generally be estimated from the well-separated signals in the spectrum.
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
Electromagnetic Waves in Matter
Electromagnetic waves can travel in the vacuum as well as in matter. For example light, which is an electromagnetic wave, can travel through air, water, or glass.
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore, the...
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore, the...

