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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
09:23
Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Intracavity-SHG telecom modelocked oscillator for compact quantum homodyne detection
Optics Express
|August 14, 2026
Summary
We developed a compact laser for spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) and single-photon detection. This novel laser source significantly boosts average power for advanced quantum optics applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) is crucial for generating entangled photon pairs.
- Compact, high-power laser sources are needed to efficiently pump SPDC processes.
- Previous femtosecond (fs)-level telecom oscillators had limited average power.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, high-power modelocked laser source for pumping SPDC.
- To enable efficient generation of single photons for quantum applications.
- To facilitate homodyne detection of SPDC-generated single photons.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an erbium-ytterbium co-doped phosphate glass laser.
- Incorporated intracavity second harmonic generation (SHG) to 773.5 nm.
- Employed a 0.4 mm thick beta-barium borate (BBO) crystal for SHG.
Main Results:
- Achieved a compact telecom-wavelength modelocked laser source.
- Generated nearly 35 mW of average power at 773.5 nm with 191 fs pulses.
- Demonstrated a 1000-fold increase in average power compared to prior work.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser architecture offers a significant advancement for SPDC pumping.
- This system paves the way for efficient single-photon generation and detection.
- Provides a phase-coherent local oscillator for homodyne detection of SPDC photons.
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