Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1301.7631 · Physical Review Letters

Experimental Demonstration of Interaction-Free All-Optical Switching via the Quantum Zeno Effect

Kevin T. McCusker, Yu-Ping Huang, Abijith S. Kowligy, Prem Kumar

Published Jun 14, 2013• 40 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate all-optical interaction-free switching using the quantum Zeno effect, achieving a high contrast of 35:1. The experimental data match a zero-parameter theoretical model for several different regimes of operation, indicating a good understanding of the switch's characteristics. We also discuss extensions of this work that will allow for significantly improved performance, and the integration of this technology onto chip-scale devices, which can lead to ultra-low-power all-optical switching, a long-standing goal with applications to both classical and quantum information processing.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.110.240403

Related papers

Experimental Demonstration of All-Optical Switching Using the Quantum Zeno Effect

Kevin T. McCusker, Yu-Ping Huang, Abijith S. Kowligy +1 more

We experimentally demonstrate interaction-free all-optical switching via the quantum Zeno effect. The switch contrast is 35:1, and the experimental data matches a parameter-free fit. We discuss possible applications and future extensions.

The Rochester Conferences on Coherence and Quantum Optics and the Quantum Information and Measurement meeting•Jan 1, 2013•0 citations

Quantum Zeno Blockade for Next Generation Optical Switching in Fiber Systems

Gregory S. Kanter, M. S. Shahriar

Abstract : All-optical switching is crucial for efficient optical communications. The quantum Zeno effect can be used to induce or inhibit optical switching through a variety of processes, all of which share the common characteristic that the evolution of one quantum state into another be inhibited or induced based on the presence or absence of a controllable and continuous quantum measurement. By utilizing this effect, it is the goal of this project to design and construct ultra-low power dissipation, ultra-low volume, fast all-optical switches. In particular, a fundamental limit in existing all-optical switching devices is due to the photon loss resulting from signal-pump coupling. When extended to the quantum domain, this photon loss additionally causes the quantum states of photonic signals to collapse (i.e., decohere). By using the quantum Zeno effect (QZE), it is possible to realize interaction-free switching that eliminates direct signal-pump coupling i.e., QZE for all-optical switching.

•Sep 1, 2013•0 citations

Interaction-free all-optical switching via the quantum Zeno effect

Y. P. Huang, Joseph B. Altepeter, Prem Kumar

We propose an interaction-free scheme for all-optical switching which does not rely on the physical coupling between signal and control waves. The interaction-free nature of the scheme allows it to overcome the fundamental photon-loss limit imposed by the signal-pump coupling. The same phenomenon protects photonic-signal states from decoherence, making devices based on this scheme suitable for quantum applications. Focusing on $\ensuremath{\chi}{}^{(2)}$ waveguides, we provide device designs for traveling-wave and Fabry-Perot switches. In both designs, the performance is optimal when the signal switching is induced by coherent dynamical evolution. In contrast, when the switching is induced by a rapid dissipation channel, it is less efficient.

arXiv:1008.2408•Physical Review A•Dec 22, 2010•29 citations

On-Chip Demonstration of Interaction-free Quantum Switching

Jia‐Yang Chen, Yong Meng Sua, Zitong Zhao +2 more

Quantum Zeno blockade allows all-optical switching in a counterintuitive “interaction-free” manner. Using a lithium-niobate microdisk cavity nanofabricated on chip, we have observed phase matched sum-frequency generation and interaction-free switching between optical pulses in two tightly confined whispering-gallery modes. We have also verified that our device is suitable for nonlinear operations in a single-photon regime. Our results point to a scalable, chip-integrated platform for nonlinear optics extendable to the quantum regime.

Nonlinear Optics•Jan 1, 2017•0 citations

All-optical switching using the quantum Zeno effect and two-photon absorption

B. C. Jacobs, J. D. Franson

We have previously shown that the quantum Zeno effect can be used to implement quantum logic gates for quantum computing applications, where the Zeno effect was produced using a strong two-photon absorbing medium. Here we show that the Zeno effect can also be used to implement classical logic gates whose inputs and outputs are high-intensity fields (coherent states). The operation of the devices can be understood using a quasistatic analysis, and their switching times are calculated using a dynamic approach. The two-photon absorption coefficient of rubidium vapor is shown to allow operation of these devices at relatively low power levels.

arXiv:0905.1261•Physical Review A•Jun 22, 2009•70 citations

All-optical-switching demonstration using two-photon absorption and the Zeno effect

S. M. Hendrickson, Chad N. Weiler, Ryan M. Camacho +6 more

Low-contrast all-optical Zeno switching has been demonstrated in a Si${}_{3}$N${}_{4}$ microdisk resonator coupled to warm atomic vapor. The device is based on the suppression of the resonant microcavity field buildup due to nondegenerate two-photon absorption. This experiment used one beam in a resonator and one in free space due to limitations related to device physics. These results suggest that a similar scheme with both beams resonant in the cavity would correspond to input power levels below 150 nW.

arXiv:1206.0930•Physical Review A•Feb 7, 2013•50 citations
We experimentally demonstrate all-optical interaction-free switching using the quantum Zeno effect, achieving a high contrast of 35:1. The experimental data match a zero-parameter theoretical model for several different regimes of operation, indicating a good understanding of the switch's characteristics. We also discuss extensions of this work that will allow for significantly improved performance, and the integration of this technology onto chip-scale devices, which can lead to ultra-low-power all-optical switching, a long-standing goal with applications to both classical and quantum information processing.
Abstract : All-optical switching is crucial for efficient optical communications. The quantum Zeno effect can be used to induce or inhibit optical switching through a variety of processes, all of which share the common characteristic that the evolution of one quantum state into another be inhibited or induced based on the presence or absence of a controllable and continuous quantum measurement. By utilizing this effect, it is the goal of this project to design and construct ultra-low power dissipation, ultra-low volume, fast all-optical switches. In particular, a fundamental limit in existing all-optical switching devices is due to the photon loss resulting from signal-pump coupling. When extended to the quantum domain, this photon loss additionally causes the quantum states of photonic signals to collapse (i.e., decohere). By using the quantum Zeno effect (QZE), it is possible to realize interaction-free switching that eliminates direct signal-pump coupling i.e., QZE for all-optical switching.
We propose an interaction-free scheme for all-optical switching which does not rely on the physical coupling between signal and control waves. The interaction-free nature of the scheme allows it to overcome the fundamental photon-loss limit imposed by the signal-pump coupling. The same phenomenon protects photonic-signal states from decoherence, making devices based on this scheme suitable for quantum applications. Focusing on $\ensuremath{\chi}{}^{(2)}$ waveguides, we provide device designs for traveling-wave and Fabry-Perot switches. In both designs, the performance is optimal when the signal switching is induced by coherent dynamical evolution. In contrast, when the switching is induced by a rapid dissipation channel, it is less efficient.
Quantum Zeno blockade allows all-optical switching in a counterintuitive “interaction-free” manner. Using a lithium-niobate microdisk cavity nanofabricated on chip, we have observed phase matched sum-frequency generation and interaction-free switching between optical pulses in two tightly confined whispering-gallery modes. We have also verified that our device is suitable for nonlinear operations in a single-photon regime. Our results point to a scalable, chip-integrated platform for nonlinear optics extendable to the quantum regime.
We have previously shown that the quantum Zeno effect can be used to implement quantum logic gates for quantum computing applications, where the Zeno effect was produced using a strong two-photon absorbing medium. Here we show that the Zeno effect can also be used to implement classical logic gates whose inputs and outputs are high-intensity fields (coherent states). The operation of the devices can be understood using a quasistatic analysis, and their switching times are calculated using a dynamic approach. The two-photon absorption coefficient of rubidium vapor is shown to allow operation of these devices at relatively low power levels.
Low-contrast all-optical Zeno switching has been demonstrated in a Si3{}_{3}3​N4{}_{4}4​ microdisk resonator coupled to warm atomic vapor. The device is based on the suppression of the resonant microcavity field buildup due to nondegenerate two-photon absorption. This experiment used one beam in a resonator and one in free space due to limitations related to device physics. These results suggest that a similar scheme with both beams resonant in the cavity would correspond to input power levels below 150 nW.