Using temperature to reduce noise in quantum frequency conversion

Quantum frequency conversion is important in quantum networks to interface nodes operating at different wavelengths and to enable long-distance quantum communication using telecommunications wavelengths. Unfortunately, frequency conversion in actual devices is not a noise-free process. One main source of noise is spontaneous Raman scattering, which can be reduced by lowering the device operating temperature. We explore frequency conversion of 1554 nm photons to 837 nm using a 1813 nm pump in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide device. By reducing the temperature from 85°C to 40°C, we show a three-fold reduction in dark count rates, which is in good agreement with theory.