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Spectral compression of single-photon wave packets by sum-frequency conversion in slow-light waveguides
Optics Express
|September 23, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel slow-light technique for frequency conversion and spectral compression of weak optical pulses, crucial for quantum networks. The method achieves significant spectral compression and high efficiency, suppressing unwanted oscillations for stable pulse generation.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Nonlinear optics
- Optical engineering
Background:
- Quantum networks require precise control over optical pulses.
- Simultaneous frequency conversion and spectral compression are vital for manipulating quantum states.
- Existing methods face challenges with efficiency and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a slow-light scheme for simultaneous frequency conversion and spectral compression of weak optical pulses.
- To enable the manipulation of optical pulses in any quantum state, including single-photon states.
- To enhance the feasibility of quantum network construction.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of a slow-light waveguide.
- Utilizing sum-frequency generation (SFG) for pulse conversion.
- Analyzing suppression of spatial-temporal oscillations via delayed SFG field.
Main Results:
- A 3-ps signal pulse can be converted to the ns regime with a spectral compression factor of ~1000.
- Achieved intrinsic efficiency up to 83%.
- Suppressed deleterious spatial-temporal oscillations, preventing back-conversion.
Conclusions:
- The proposed slow-light scheme offers efficient and stable spectral compression and frequency conversion.
- The generated near-exponential rising pulse shape is suitable for temporal-mode matching into optical cavities.
- This method advances the development of robust quantum networks.
