1GHz clocked distribution of electrically generated entangled photon pairs

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Optoelectronics
• Quantum Communication

Background:

• Quantum networks require synchronized components operating at high clock rates for applications like quantum key distribution.
• Existing entangled photon sources often lack the necessary speed and compatibility with standard fiber optic infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate an electrically pulsed, sub-Poissonian entangled photon source.
• To achieve GHz clock rates for entangled photon generation compatible with existing fiber networks.
• To enable high-speed distribution of entangled qubits over long distances.

Main Methods:

• Utilized InAs/InP quantum dots as the active material for entangled photon emission.
• Engineered an electrically driven device enabling pulsed operation at high frequencies.
• Characterized the source for sub-Poissonian photon statistics and entanglement fidelity.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated an electrically pulsed entangled photon source operating at GHz clock rates.
• Achieved a multi-photon probability below 10% per emission cycle.
• Attained a maximum entanglement fidelity of 89% with distributed entangled qubits.
• Successfully distributed entangled qubits over a 4.6 km installed fiber network.

Conclusions:

• The developed entangled photon source is the first of its kind compatible with existing fiber networks and GHz clock rates.
• This technology advances the realization of high-speed quantum communication and distributed quantum computation.
• The device paves the way for practical quantum key distribution and other quantum network applications.