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arXiv:2112.01150

The role of photon-number pulses in the operation of a simple light diode

Zakarya Lasmar, Shuaijie Li, Valerio Scarani

Published Dec 2, 2021• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

One of the challenges faced by optical platforms for quantum technologies is the implementation of (ultimately) a transistor. The functionality that is hard to achieve is rectification: having the beam propagating in one direction transmitted, the other reflected. Here we take up a simple model of such a rectifying device, a.k.a.~optical diode, consisting of two atoms with different detuning interacting with light in a one-dimensional waveguide. In previous studies, it was found that high rectifying efficiencies can be achieved with coherent states, while it was claimed that the device cannot rectify single-photon Fock states. In this paper, we clarify the functioning of this diode. Notably, we show that coherences across the Fock bases in the input state do not play any role, and thence the rectifying properties of the device depend only on its behavior on the Fock states. In the process, we show that some single-photon rectification is predicted when the limit of infinitely-long pulses is not taken.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2112.01150

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One of the challenges faced by optical platforms for quantum technologies is the implementation of (ultimately) a transistor. The functionality that is hard to achieve is rectification: having the beam propagating in one direction transmitted, the other reflected. Here we take up a simple model of such a rectifying device, a.k.a.~optical diode, consisting of two atoms with different detuning interacting with light in a one-dimensional waveguide. In previous studies, it was found that high rectifying efficiencies can be achieved with coherent states, while it was claimed that the device cannot rectify single-photon Fock states. In this paper, we clarify the functioning of this diode. Notably, we show that coherences across the Fock bases in the input state do not play any role, and thence the rectifying properties of the device depend only on its behavior on the Fock states. In the process, we show that some single-photon rectification is predicted when the limit of infinitely-long pulses is not taken.
One of the missing elements for realising an integrated optical circuit is a rectifying device playing the role of an optical diode. A proposal based on a pair of two-level atoms strongly coupled to a one-dimensional waveguide showed a promising behavior based on a semiclassical study [Fratini et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 243601 (2014)]. Our study in the full quantum regime shows that, in such a device, rectification is a purely multiphoton effect. For an input field in a coherent state, rectification reaches up to 7070%70 for the range of power in which one of the two atoms is excited, but not both.
Electronic diodes, which enable the rectification of an electrical energy flux, have played a crucial role in the development of current microelectronics after the invention of semiconductor p-n junctions. Analogously, creating complete optical rectification at specific target wavelengths has recently become a key goal in optical communication and signal processing on-chip. Here we propose a genuinely quantum optical diode, designed as a universal quantum nonlinear device working as a valve for photonic transport at the single or few photons level. The essential rectifying features are demonstrated in a general model of a nonlinear-linear junction of coupled resonators. It is shown that such a surprisingly simple structure behaves as a single- or two-photon rectifier, depending on the input frequency. Given the relevance of non-reciprocal operations in integrated circuits, the quantum optical diode realizes a crucial building component in prospective quantum photonic applications.
We study the dynamics of the single-photon pulse (SPP) propagating through a pair of V-type three-level atoms coupled to a one-dimensional (1D) waveguide. The time evolutions of the two atoms can be influenced by the phase difference of the two external fields driving the atoms. We show that the SPP unidirectional propagation in the 1D waveguide can be controlled by the phase difference of the two external fields, and the rectifying efficiency increases as the bandwidth of the SPP decreases. The system can serve as the basis of all-optical devices, such as optical diode, optical isolator and optical rectifier.
Electronic diodes, which enable the rectification of an electrical energy flux, have played a crucial role in the development of current microelectronics after the invention of semiconductor p-n junctions. Analogously, signal rectification at specific target wavelengths has recently become a key goal in optical communication and signal processing. Here we propose a genuinely quantum device with the essential rectifying features being demonstrated in a general model of a nonlinear-linear junction of coupled resonators. It is shown that such a surprisingly simple structure is a versatile valve and may be alternatively tuned to behave as: a photonic diode, a single- or two-photon rectified source turning a classical input into a quantum output depending on the input frequency, or a quantum photonic splitter. Given the relevance of non-reciprocal operations in integrated circuits, the nonlinear-linear junction realizes a crucial building component in prospective quantum photonic applications.
The semiconductor diode, which acts as an electrical rectifier and allows unidirectional electronic transports, is the key to information processing in integrated circuits. Analogously, an optical rectifier (or diode) working at specific target wavelengths has recently become a highly sought-after device in optical communication and signal processing. In this paper, we propose a scheme to realize an optical diode for photonic transport at the level of few photons. The system consists of two spatially overlapping single-mode semiconductor microcavities coupled via ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(2)}$ nonlinearities. The photon blockade is predicted to take place in this system. These photon blockade effects can be achieved by tuning the frequency of the input laser field (driving field). Based on those blockades, we analytically derive the one- and two-photon current in terms of a zero and a finite time-delayed two-order correlation function. The results suggest that the system can serve as a one- and two-photon quantum optical diode which allows transmission of photons in one direction much more efficiently than in the other.
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