Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Optical isolation and circulation using quantum frequency conversion on a chip
Jierui Hu1,2, Hao Yuan1,2, Joshua Akin1,2
1Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Science Advances
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a quantum-compatible integrated optical nonreciprocity device using parametric frequency conversion. This breakthrough offers low loss and broad bandwidth for quantum communication and photonic networks.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Quantum Optics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Electromagnetic reciprocity is crucial for controlling light in photonic systems.
- Achieving integrated optical nonreciprocity with low loss, broad bandwidth, and quantum compatibility is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate optical nonreciprocity using quantum frequency conversion in an integrated nonlinear waveguide.
- To preserve quantum coherence and entanglement at single-photon levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing parametric frequency conversion in a nonlinear waveguide.
- Operating the device from classical power levels down to the single-photon regime.
Main Results:
- Achieved 34 dB isolation with 0.8 dB on-chip insertion loss.
- Demonstrated broad isolation bandwidth and high operational fidelity (up to 0.97) for a four-port circulator.
- Preserved quantum coherence and entanglement of input photons.
Conclusions:
- Parametric frequency conversion is a viable route for scalable, quantum-compatible integrated nonreciprocal photonic devices.
- The developed device is suitable for quantum communication and noise-resilient photonic networks.
