Single-photon circulator by spinning optical resonators

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Quantum information science
• Photonics

Background:

• Circulators are essential components in quantum networks and simulations.
• Controlling single-photon flow at multiple frequencies is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and analyze a novel four-port circulator for regulating single-photon flow.
• To investigate multi-frequency photon circulation using coupled resonators and waveguides.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical study of coherent single-photon transmission.
• Analysis of a coupled system of two resonators and two waveguides.
• Investigating the effect of static and differentially rotating resonators.

Main Results:

• Reciprocal single-photon transport observed when resonators are static or rotate at the same velocity.
• Four distinct frequency points for photon circulation emerge with differing resonator angular velocities.
• Complete routing of single photons demonstrated at specific frequencies with opposite resonator rotation.
• Rotation restores single-photon circulation suppressed by defect-induced backscattering.

Conclusions:

• The proposed four-port circulator offers precise control over single-photon flow at multiple frequencies.
• Differential rotation of resonators is a viable mechanism for achieving advanced photonic functionalities.
• This work advances the development of components for quantum networks and simulations.