Two-photon quantum interference and entanglement at 2.1 μm

authored by
Shashi Prabhakar, Taylor Shields, Adetunmise C. Dada, Mehdi Ebrahim, Gregor G. Taylor, Dmitry Morozov, Kleanthis Erotokritou, Shigehito Miki, Masahiro Yabuno, Hirotaka Terai, Corin Gawith, Michael Kues, Lucia Caspani, Robert H. Hadfield, Matteo Clerici
Abstract

Quantum-enhanced optical systems operating within the 2- to 2.5-μm spectral region have the potential to revolutionize emerging applications in communications, sensing, and metrology. However, to date, sources of entangled photons have been realized mainly in the near-infrared 700- to 1550-nm spectral window. Here, using custom-designed lithium niobate crystals for spontaneous parametric down-conversion and tailored superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, we demonstrate two-photon interference and polarization-entangled photon pairs at 2090 nm. These results open the 2- to 2.5-μm mid-infrared window for the development of optical quantum technologies such as quantum key distribution in next-generation mid-infrared fiber communication systems and future Earth-to-satellite communications.

Organisation(s)
Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT)
PhoenixD: Photonics, Optics, and Engineering - Innovation Across Disciplines
External Organisation(s)
University of Glasgow
Japan National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Kobe University
Covesion Ltd.
University of Southampton
University of Strathclyde
Type
Article
Journal
Science advances
Volume
6
ISSN
2375-2548
Publication date
27.03.2020
Publication status
Published
Peer reviewed
Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
General
Electronic version(s)
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aay5195 (Access: Open)