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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
On-demand single-photon generation using a modular array of parametric downconverters with electro-optic polarization
Jeffrey H Shapiro1, Franco N Wong
1Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Optics Letters
|September 18, 2007
Summary
We developed a modular system for on-demand single-photon generation using spontaneous parametric downconversion. This method enhances performance and reduces multi-photon events for quantum technologies.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Photonics
Background:
- Single-photon sources are crucial for quantum information processing.
- Existing sources often suffer from low generation probability or high multi-photon rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for on-demand single-photon generation.
- To improve the performance and reduce multi-photon events in single-photon sources.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a modular array of spontaneous parametric down-converters (SPDC).
- Employing electro-optic polarization controls for mediation.
- Enabling easy addition of SPDC modules to scale performance.
Main Results:
- Achieving over 60% single-photon generation probability per pulse.
- Attaining a multi-photon probability as low as 1%.
- Demonstrating feasibility with current technology.
Conclusions:
- The developed on-demand single-photon source offers significant improvements.
- This technology can enhance quantum key distribution, quantum communication, and quantum computation.
- The modular design allows for future scalability and performance optimization.
