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Nonlinear quantum light source with van der Waals ferroelectric NbOX2 (X = Br, I).
Yanru Wang1, Yunkun Wu2,3,4, Yong Liu5,6
1Hunan Key Laboratory of Two-Dimensional Materials State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University, Changsha, China.
Nature Communications
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Two-dimensional materials like NbOI2 are promising for generating entangled photons. This study shows NbOI2 is suitable for near-infrared polarization entangled photon generation, advancing quantum photonic devices.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics and photonics
- Materials science
- Solid-state physics
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) materials are explored for compact entangled photon sources.
- Ferroelectric van der Waals materials offer ultrathin entangled photon generation via nonlinear optics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) in NbOBr2 and NbOI2.
- Demonstrate near-infrared polarization entangled photon generation.
- Link material performance to crystal structure and optical properties.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC).
- Characterization of NbOBr2 and NbOI2 materials.
- Analysis of generated entangled photon states and their properties.
Main Results:
- NbOBr2 and NbOI2 demonstrate near-infrared polarization entangled photon generation.
- NbOI2 is particularly suitable for near-infrared SPDC applications.
- A high-fidelity polarization entangled state (concurrence of 0.90 ± 0.05) was directly generated from NbOI2.
Conclusions:
- NbOX2 materials extend the wavelength range for SPDC sources.
- NbOI2 emerges as a key material for integrated quantum photonics.
- The study provides insights for developing future integrated quantum materials.
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