Interaction-free all-optical switching in chi(2) microdisks for quantum applications

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Nanophotonics
• Integrated photonics

Background:

• Quantum switching is crucial for advanced quantum communication networks.
• Existing quantum switch designs face challenges in terms of loss, speed, and scalability.
• Telecom-band applications require efficient and low-loss quantum signal manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and theoretically analyze a novel quantum switch design for telecom-band applications.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of interaction-free switching using a microdisk resonator.
• To achieve high-speed, low-loss quantum signal routing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a nonlinear chi((2)) microdisk coupled to optical fibers or waveguides.
• Employing a pump pulse to dynamically shift the microdisk's resonance.
• Analyzing the switching mechanism between cross and bar states.

Main Results:

• The proposed quantum switch operates in an interaction-free manner.
• Achieved low-loss (< or approximately equal to 1%) switching for O-band quantum signals.
• Demonstrated gigahertz-rate switching capabilities with milliwatt-peak-power C-band pumps.
• The design is based on a GaAs microdisk with high intrinsic and coupling quality factors.

Conclusions:

• The proposed microdisk-based quantum switch offers a promising solution for telecom-band quantum applications.
• Interaction-free switching at gigahertz rates with low loss is achievable.
• This technology could significantly advance quantum communication and information processing.