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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference

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Integrated optic polarization splitter based on total internal reflection from a birefringent polymer.

Guanghao Huang, Tae-Hyun Park, Woo-Sung Chu

|September 9, 2016

Summary

This study presents a novel integrated optic polarization splitter using a birefringent polymer. The device offers high reliability and fabrication tolerance, crucial for quantum communication systems.

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Area of Science:

Optoelectronics
Materials Science

Background:

Integrated optic polarization splitters are essential for optical signal processing in quantum-encrypted communication.
Existing devices often lack fabrication tolerance and high reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose and demonstrate a novel integrated optic polarization splitter.
To achieve high reliability and large fabrication tolerance for quantum communication applications.

Main Methods:

Utilizing total internal reflection in a highly birefringent polymer-reactive mesogen.
Incorporating a mode expander to reduce wave vector distribution.
Designing an interface with large birefringence.

Main Results:

A polarization splitter with crosstalk below -30 dB was achieved.
The device demonstrated significant fabrication tolerance.
Several polymers with suitable refractive indexes were successfully employed.

Conclusions:

The proposed polarization splitter meets the requirements for quantum-encrypted communication systems.
The use of birefringent polymers offers a viable solution for reliable and tolerant optical devices.