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Nonclassical 2-photon interference with separate intrinsically narrowband fibre sources
M Halder1, J Fulconis, B Cemlyn
1Centre for Communications Research, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bristol, Queen's Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK. matthaeus.halder@bristol.ac.uk
Optics Express
|March 19, 2009
Summary
This study presents a novel source for generating photon pairs using photonic crystal fibers, enabling heralded photons in a pure state without spectral correlations. This breakthrough simplifies quantum experiments by eliminating the need for narrow band filtering.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Photonics
- Materials science
Background:
- Photon pair generation is crucial for quantum information processing.
- Existing sources often suffer from spectral correlations, complicating heralded photon applications.
- Photonic crystal fibers offer unique properties for nonlinear optical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a new source of photon pairs using four-wave mixing in photonic crystal fibers.
- To achieve intrinsically factorable photon pairs with no spectral correlations.
- To enable heralded photons in a pure state, eliminating the need for narrow band filtering.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing four-wave mixing in engineered photonic crystal fibers.
- Precisely controlling phase matching conditions within the fibers.
- Characterizing the spectral properties and correlations of generated photon pairs.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a source of photon pairs at 597 nm and 860 nm.
- Achieved intrinsically factorable photon pairs with no spectral correlations.
- Obtained a narrow band, bright source with up to 21% detection efficiency per photon.
- Presented the first Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with unfiltered photons from separate fiber sources.
Conclusions:
- The developed photonic crystal fiber source provides heralded photons in a pure state, simplifying quantum setups.
- This source offers a bright, narrow band, and efficient solution for quantum applications.
- The demonstrated Hong-Ou-Mandel interference highlights the source's potential for advanced quantum experiments.
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