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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
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Polarisation-preserving photon frequency conversion from a trapped-ion-compatible wavelength to the telecom C-band
V Krutyanskiy1, M Meraner1, J Schupp1,2
11Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Technikerstrasse 21a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Applied Physics. B, Lasers and Optics
|February 4, 2020
Summary
We developed a method to convert single photons from trapped ions to telecom wavelengths, achieving 30% efficiency. This breakthrough enables long-distance quantum communication using trapped-ion qubits.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Atomic Physics
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Trapped-ion systems are leading platforms for quantum computing and simulation.
- Efficiently interfacing trapped-ion qubits with photonic systems is crucial for quantum networking.
- Current methods for frequency conversion often suffer from low efficiency or polarization scrambling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate polarization-preserving frequency conversion of single-photon-level light from 854 nm to the 1550 nm telecom C band.
- To achieve high photon-in/photon-out efficiency for practical quantum communication applications.
- To enable entanglement distribution between trapped ions and photons over long distances.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel frequency conversion technique resonant with a specific trapped-ion transition.
- Employed optical fibers for efficient coupling and transmission of converted photons.
- Characterized the conversion efficiency and photon noise rate of the developed system.
Main Results:
- Achieved a total photon-in/fiber-coupled photon-out efficiency of 30%.
- Measured a low free-running photon noise rate of 60 Hz.
- Demonstrated the capability for polarization-preserving conversion of trapped-ion qubits.
Conclusions:
- The developed frequency converter is suitable for interfacing trapped-ion polarization qubits with telecom fiber networks.
- This technology can significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio for quantum communication protocols.
- Enables entanglement distribution over >100 km, a three-order-of-magnitude improvement over the state-of-the-art.
