Squeezed-light generation with a mode-locked Q-switched laser and detection by using a matched local oscillator

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Squeezed light generation is crucial for advancing quantum technologies.
• Previous methods often faced limitations due to mode mismatch between the squeezed light and the local oscillator.
• Pulsed squeezed light generation requires precise control over laser and nonlinear optical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the generation of pulsed squeezed light using an optical parametric downconverter.
• To investigate the use of a matched local oscillator for improved squeezing measurements.
• To identify limitations in current experimental setups for squeezed light generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mode-locked, Q-switched laser's second harmonic to pump an optical parametric downconverter.
• Employed the laser's fundamental beam as an initial, non-optimal local oscillator.
• Developed a matched local oscillator using an optical parametric amplifier pumped by the same laser.

Main Results:

• Achieved 2-dB squeezing with a parametric gain of 2.0 using a non-optimal local oscillator.
• Observed 2-dB squeezing with a parametric gain of 1.5 when using a matched local oscillator.
• Identified uncontrollable phase fluctuations as a limiting factor for higher parametric gains.

Conclusions:

• A matched local oscillator significantly improves pulsed squeezed light generation efficiency.
• The developed experimental setup demonstrates a viable method for producing pulsed squeezed light.
• Further advancements require addressing phase fluctuations for enhanced quantum measurements.