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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
Signal acquisition via polarization modulation in single photon sources
Mark D McDonnell1, Adrian P Flitney
1Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia, South Australia 5095, Australia. mark.mcdonnell@unisa.edu.au
Summary
This study introduces a model for transducing analog information using single photons, converting it into digital data. Quantum noise is inherent but can be leveraged to improve information capacity, which scales with the number of photons.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Classical-Analog Information Transduction
- Optical Communication Systems
Background:
- Classical analog information requires robust transduction methods for digital processing.
- Single-photon sources offer a quantum-limited approach to information transfer.
- Quantum uncertainty in photon detection introduces noise, posing challenges for accurate data conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model for transducing classical analog information using single photons.
- To analyze the impact of quantum noise on information transduction accuracy.
- To investigate methods for enhancing information capacity in photon-based communication.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of a single-photon source for analog-to-digital conversion.
- Information-theoretic analysis of a noisy optical communication channel with binomial photon statistics.
- Numerical demonstration of information capacity scaling with photon number (N).
Main Results:
- Analog source samples are quantized and corrupted by quantum-induced noise.
- Suprathreshold stochastic resonance principles are adapted to exploit noise for improved transduction.
- Classical information capacity increases logarithmically with the square root of the number of photons (√N).
Conclusions:
- A single-photon system can transduce classical analog information, with capacity limited by quantum noise.
- Information capacity demonstrates a favorable logarithmic scaling with the number of photons.
- The proposed model provides insights into designing efficient quantum communication and sensing systems.
