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arXiv:1904.10652 · Optics Express

Quantum tomography of the photon-plasmon conversion process in a metal hole array

Lei Tang, Kaimin Zheng, Jiale Guo, Yi Ouyang, Yang Wu, Chuanqing Xia, Long Li, Fang Liu, Yong Zhang, Lijian Zhang, Min Xiao

Published Apr 29, 2019• 1 citation

Abstract

In the past decades, quantum plasmonics has become an active area due to its potential applications in on-chip plasmonic devices for quantum information processing. However, the fundamental physical process, i.e., how a quantum state of light evolves in the photon-plasmon conversion process, has not been described by a detailed microscopic quantum model. Here, we report a complete characterization of the plasmon-assisted extraordinary optical transmission process through quantum process tomography. By inputting various coherent states to interact with the plasmonic structure and detecting the output states with a homodyne detector, we reconstruct the process tensor of the photon-plasmon conversion process. Both the amplitude and phase information of the process are extracted, which explain the evolution of the quantum-optical state after the coupling with plasmons. Our experimental demonstration constitutes a fundamental block for future on-chip applications of quantum plasmonic circuits.

DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.013809

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