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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
12:19
Measurement of Quantum Interference in a Silicon Ring Resonator Photon Source
Published on: April 4, 2017
Continuous wave photon pair generation in silicon-on-insulator waveguides and ring resonators
S Clemmen1, K Phan Huy, W Bogaerts
1Laboratoire d'Information Quantique, CP 225, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgium. sclemmen@ulb.ac.be
Optics Express
|September 23, 2009
Summary
This study explores continuous-wave photon pair generation in silicon waveguides, revealing unexpected noise but demonstrating improved sources via micro-ring cavities for enhanced spectral brightness.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Quantum Optics
- Integrated Optics
Background:
- Silicon waveguides are key for chi(3)-based photon pair sources.
- Previous research utilized picosecond pulsed lasers for photon pair generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate continuous-wave (CW) photon pair generation in silicon waveguides.
- Explore integration of these sources with on-chip components.
- Enhance spectral brightness of the photon pair source.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of CW photon pair generation using coincidence measurements.
- Demonstration of photon pair generation in Sagnac loop interferometers and micro-ring cavities.
- Comparison of different waveguide configurations for source optimization.
Main Results:
- First demonstration of CW photon pair generation in silicon waveguides.
- Identification of previously unobserved noise in the continuous regime.
- Photon pair generation in micro-ring cavities shows a spectral width of ~150 pm.
- Spectral brightness increased by over two orders of magnitude in micro-ring cavities.
Conclusions:
- Continuous-wave operation is feasible for silicon waveguide photon pair sources.
- Micro-ring cavities offer a promising route to significantly enhance spectral brightness.
- Further integration of photon pair sources on-chip is achievable.
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