In this paper, we demonstrate integrated photonic chips for multichannel quantum frequency conversion (QFC) based on reverse-proton-exchange periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides. The integrated chip is fiber coupled with two 34-channel fiber arrays, showing an average fiber-to-fiber sum-frequency generation (SFG) conversion efficiency of about 60% for multichannels. Then the same integrated chip is used to perform multichannel differential-frequency generation (DFG), showing the potential application in long-distance multimode quantum memory. Moreover, the integrated chip is utilized to construct a multichannel up-conversion detector, which has extensive applications including deep-space laser communication, high-rate quantum-key distribution, and single-photon imaging.
In this paper, we demonstrate integrated photonic chips for multichannel quantum frequency conversion (QFC) based on reverse-proton-exchange periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides. The integrated chip is fiber coupled with two 34-channel fiber arrays, showing an average fiber-to-fiber sum-frequency generation (SFG) conversion efficiency of about 60% for multichannels. Then the same integrated chip is used to perform multichannel differential-frequency generation (DFG), showing the potential application in long-distance multimode quantum memory. Moreover, the integrated chip is utilized to construct a multichannel up-conversion detector, which has extensive applications including deep-space laser communication, high-rate quantum-key distribution, and single-photon imaging.
Signal photons emitted by quantum nodes typically fall outside the low-loss telecom window of optical fibers, leading to severe transmission losses. Quantum frequency conversion (QFC) offers an effective optical interface that bridges quantum nodes with telecom-band channels, enabling long-distance quantum communication. In this work, we demonstrate a compact, fiber-integrated QFC system with low noise and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide, input photons at 637.2 nm are down-converted to telecom photons at 1588.3 nm. Our system achieves a total conversion efficiency of approximately 9%, with pump-induced noise suppressed to 154 Hz. For input photon rates of 32.7, 118.0, and 327.7 kHz, the corresponding SNRs are 12.3, 43.9, and 117.8, respectively. We further develop a theoretical model to simulate the entanglement fidelity between nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center spins and the frequency-converted telecom photons. At the emission rate of an NV center, our QFC system maintains an expected fidelity exceeding 52% over a transmission distance of 100 km. These findings highlight the potential of our QFC system for scalable, long-distance quantum networking.
We study multiplexed quantum frequency conversion (m-QFC) on a single waveguide, where a single pump beam simultaneously converts multiple signal beams at distinct wavelengths. Using a three-peak periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide, we demonstrate the multiplexed upconversion in the telecom band with internal efficiencies up to 73.6%. Tested with a multichannel photon-pair source, the quantum correlation is preserved well after the conversion, with coincidence-to-accidental ratio reaching 767. These results highlight a viable device approach to multiplexed quantum key distribution, quantum sensing, and quantum computing.
Abstract The lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform has revolutionized lithium niobate materials, and a series of quantum photonic chips have exhibited unprecedented performances. Quantum frequency conversion (QFC) that enables quantum state preservation during frequency conversion is crucial in quantum technology. This work demonstrates a low-noise QFC process on the LNOI nanophotonic platform, connecting telecom and near-visible bands. An internal conversion efficiency of 73% and an on-chip noise count of 900 counts per second (cps) are achieved. Furthermore, the preservation of quantum statistical properties is verified, indicating the QFC chip’s promise for extensive applications of LNOI integrated circuits in quantum information. Based on this chip, we constructed an upconversion single-photon detector with a detection efficiency of 8.7% and a noise of 300 cps, paving the way to integrated on-chip single-photon detection. The realization of a low-noise QFC device also provide a pathway for practical chip-scale QFC-based quantum systems in heterogeneous configurations.
Quantum frequency conversion (QFC), which involves the exchange of frequency modes of photons, is a prerequisite for quantum interconnects among various quantum systems, primarily those based on telecom photonic network infrastructures. Compact and fiber-closed QFC modules are in high demand for such applications. In this paper, we report such a QFC module based on a fiber-coupled 4-port frequency converter with a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. The demonstrated QFC shifted the wavelength of a single photon from 780 to 1541 nm. The single photon was prepared via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) with heralding photon detection, for which the cross-correlation function was 40.45 ± 0.09. The observed cross-correlation function of the photon pairs had a nonclassical value of 13.7 ± 0.4 after QFC at the maximum device efficiency of 0.73, which preserved the quantum statistical property. Such an efficient QFC module is useful for interfacing atomic systems and fiber-optic communication.
Quantum frequency conversion (QFC) plays a critical role in practical quantum information technology as it provides a bridge among different quantum devices, which usually operate at different optimal wavelength. Photons with longer wavelength feature lower propagation loss and lower solar radiation noise in free space, hence hold promise for daylight long distance quantum communication. Besides, wavelength over 2 μ m also overlap with the absorption band of many important molecules, hence is of great importance for gases and molecules detection. Yet development of technology in this region has been hindered primarily by the spectral mismatch with other quantum devices, notably quantum detection and memories, which optimally operate in the visible band. Here, we demonstrate the first QFC of 2 μ m photons to the visible region on domain-engineered thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. Benefiting from the strong nonlinearity in such integrated platform, the highest internal quantum conversion efficiency of 42% is achieved at an exceptionally low pump saturation power of only 58 mW . This work provides an efficient interconnection between photons operating at the visible and 2 μ m bands in the integrated platform, pushing forward the development of practical quantum chips for application of quantum communication, sensing and metrology in the future. • Strong mode confinement and domain-engineered thin film lithium niobate (TFLN), combined with large χ ( 2 ) , enable efficient on-chip nonlinear conversion. • First demonstration of quantum frequency conversion (QFC) of 2 μ m band photon on thin film lithium niobate.
Quantum frequency conversion (QFC) plays a crucial role in constructing seamless interconnection between quantum systems operating at different wavelengths. To advance future quantum technology, chip-scale integrated QFC components, featuring high efficiency, small footprint, low power consumption, and high scalability, are indispensable. In this work, we demonstrate the first hybrid integrated QFC chip on a thin-film lithium niobate platform that connects the telecom and visible bands. Benefiting from the periodically poled microring resonator with ultra-high normalized conversion efficiency of 386,000%/W, an ultra-low pump power of 360 μW is achieved, which is more than two orders of magnitude lower than the traditional straight waveguide scheme. By injecting current into the chip, an on-chip quantum efficiency of 57% and a noise count of ∼7000 counts per second are achieved. Such an electrically pumped, integrated, and scalable QFC chip would significantly advance the integration of quantum networks and the development of chip-scale quantum optical systems.