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

Optically tunable entangled photon state generation in a nonlinear directional coupler

Frank Setzpfandt, Alexander S. Solntsev, James Titchener, Che Wen Wu, Chunle Xiong, Thomas Pertsch, Roland Schiek, Dragomir N. Neshev, Andrey A. Sukhorukov

Published Jan 1, 2015• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an all-optically tunable biphoton quantum light source using a nonlinear directional coupler. The source can generate high-fidelity N00N states, completely split states, and states with variable degrees of entanglement.
DOI
10.1364/cleo_qels.2015.fth4d.3

Related papers

Optically Tunable Entangled Photon State Generation in a Nonlinear Directional Coupler

Frank Setzpfandt, Alexander S. Solntsev, James Titchener +6 more

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an all-optically tunable biphoton quantum light source using a nonlinear directional coupler. The source can generate high-fidelity N00N states, completely split states, and states with variable degrees of entanglement.

Nonlinear Optics•Jan 1, 2015•1 citation

Tunable generation of entangled photons in a nonlinear directional coupler

Frank Setzpfandt, Alexander S. Solntsev, James Titchener +6 more

© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. The on-chip integration of quantum light sources has enabled the realization of complex quantum photonic circuits. However, for the practical implementation of such circuits in quantum information applications, it is crucial to develop sources delivering entangled quantum photon states with on-demand tunability. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate the concept of a widely tunable quantum light source based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a simple nonlinear directional coupler. We show that spatial photon-pair correlations and entanglement can be reconfigured on-demand by tuning the phase difference between the pump beams and the phase mismatch inside the structure. We experimentally demonstrate the generation of split states, robust N00N states, various intermediate regimes and biphoton steering on a single chip. Furthermore we theoretically investigate other regimes allowing all-optically tunable generation of all Bell states and flexible control of path-energy entanglement. Such wide-range capabilities of a structure comprised of just two coupled nonlinear waveguides are attributed to the intricate interplay between linear coupling and nonlinear phase matching. This scheme provides an important advance towards the realization of reconfigurable quantum circuitry. An integrated all-optically tunable source of two-photon quantum states based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion is experimentally demonstrated in a directional coupler consisting of two lithium niobate waveguides. The degree of entanglement and shape of two-photon spatial correlations is widely tunable by varying the phase mismatch and relative phases of the two pump beams. The operating principle is suitable for practical implementation of reconfigurable photon sources in on-chip quantum circuits.

•Jan 1, 2015•44 citations

Tunable generation of entangled photons in a nonlinear directional coupler

Frank Setzpfandt, Alexander S. Solntsev, James Titchener +6 more

Abstract The on‐chip integration of quantum light sources has enabled the realization of complex quantum photonic circuits. However, for the practical implementation of such circuits in quantum information applications, it is crucial to develop sources delivering entangled quantum photon states with on‐demand tunability. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate the concept of a widely tunable quantum light source based on spontaneous parametric down‐conversion in a simple nonlinear directional coupler. We show that spatial photon‐pair correlations and entanglement can be reconfigured on‐demand by tuning the phase difference between the pump beams and the phase mismatch inside the structure. We experimentally demonstrate the generation of split states, robust N00N states, various intermediate regimes and biphoton steering on a single chip. Furthermore we theoretically investigate other regimes allowing all‐optically tunable generation of all Bell states and flexible control of path‐energy entanglement. Such wide‐range capabilities of a structure comprised of just two coupled nonlinear waveguides are attributed to the intricate interplay between linear coupling and nonlinear phase matching. This scheme provides an important advance towards the realization of reconfigurable quantum circuitry. image

arXiv:1507.03321•Laser & Photonics Review•Nov 26, 2015•50 citations

Tunable Entangled Photon States from a Nonlinear Directional Coupler

Frank Setzpfandt, Alexander S. Solntsev, James Titchener +6 more

Integrated optical platforms enable the realization of complex quantum photonic circuits for a variety of applications including quantum simulations, computations, and communications. The development of on-chip integrated photon sources, providing photon quantum states with on-demand tunability, is currently an important \nresearch area. A flexible approach for on-chip generation of entangled photons is based on spontaneous nonlinear \nfrequency conversion, with possibilities to integrate several photon-pair sources [1] and realize subsequent post \nprocessing using thermo-optically or electro-optically controlled interference [2, 3]. However, deterministic postprocessing can only provide a limited set of output states, whereas quantum gates with probabilistic operation are \nneeded to generate arbitrary two-photon states [4].

European Quantum Electronics Conference (EQEC)•Jan 1, 2015•0 citations

Nonlinear nanoresonators for Bell state generation

Maximilian A. Weissflog, Romain Dézert, Vincent Vinel +6 more

Entangled photon states are a fundamental resource for optical quantum technologies and investigating the fundamental predictions of quantum mechanics. Up to now such states are mainly generated in macroscopic nonlinear optical systems with elaborately tailored optical properties. In this theoretical work, we extend the understanding on the generation of entangled photonic states toward the nanoscale regime by investigating the fundamental properties of photon-pair generation in sub-wavelength nonlinear nanoresonators. Taking materials with Zinc-Blende structure as an example, we reveal that such systems can naturally generate various polarization-entangled Bell states over a very broad range of wavelengths and emission directions, with little to no engineering needed. Interestingly, we uncover different regimes of operation, where polarization-entangled photons can be generated with dependence on or complete independence from the pumping wavelength and polarization, and the modal content of the nanoresonator. Our work also shows the potential of nonlinear nanoresonators as miniaturized sources of biphoton states with highly complex and tunable properties.

arXiv:2305.19362•Applied Physics Reviews•Jan 16, 2024•28 citations

Tunable Generation of Spatial Entanglement in Nonlinear Waveguide Arrays

Arnault Raymond, Alessandro Zecchetto, José M. Palomo +6 more

Harnessing high-dimensional entangled states of light presents a frontier for advancing quantum information technologies, from fundamental tests of quantum mechanics to enhanced computation and communication protocols. In this context, the spatial degree of freedom stands out as particularly suited for on-chip integration. But while traditional demonstrations produce and manipulate path-entangled states sequentially with discrete optical elements, continuously-coupled nonlinear waveguide systems offer a promising alternative where photons can be generated and interfere along the entire propagation length, unveiling novel capabilities within a reduced footprint. Here we exploit this concept to implement a compact and reconfigurable source of path-entangled photon pairs based on parametric down-conversion in semiconductor AlGaAs nonlinear waveguides arrays.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•Jun 23, 2025•0 citations
© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. The on-chip integration of quantum light sources has enabled the realization of complex quantum photonic circuits. However, for the practical implementation of such circuits in quantum information applications, it is crucial to develop sources delivering entangled quantum photon states with on-demand tunability. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate the concept of a widely tunable quantum light source based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a simple nonlinear directional coupler. We show that spatial photon-pair correlations and entanglement can be reconfigured on-demand by tuning the phase difference between the pump beams and the phase mismatch inside the structure. We experimentally demonstrate the generation of split states, robust N00N states, various intermediate regimes and biphoton steering on a single chip. Furthermore we theoretically investigate other regimes allowing all-optically tunable generation of all Bell states and flexible control of path-energy entanglement. Such wide-range capabilities of a structure comprised of just two coupled nonlinear waveguides are attributed to the intricate interplay between linear coupling and nonlinear phase matching. This scheme provides an important advance towards the realization of reconfigurable quantum circuitry. An integrated all-optically tunable source of two-photon quantum states based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion is experimentally demonstrated in a directional coupler consisting of two lithium niobate waveguides. The degree of entanglement and shape of two-photon spatial correlations is widely tunable by varying the phase mismatch and relative phases of the two pump beams. The operating principle is suitable for practical implementation of reconfigurable photon sources in on-chip quantum circuits.
Abstract The on‐chip integration of quantum light sources has enabled the realization of complex quantum photonic circuits. However, for the practical implementation of such circuits in quantum information applications, it is crucial to develop sources delivering entangled quantum photon states with on‐demand tunability. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate the concept of a widely tunable quantum light source based on spontaneous parametric down‐conversion in a simple nonlinear directional coupler. We show that spatial photon‐pair correlations and entanglement can be reconfigured on‐demand by tuning the phase difference between the pump beams and the phase mismatch inside the structure. We experimentally demonstrate the generation of split states, robust N00N states, various intermediate regimes and biphoton steering on a single chip. Furthermore we theoretically investigate other regimes allowing all‐optically tunable generation of all Bell states and flexible control of path‐energy entanglement. Such wide‐range capabilities of a structure comprised of just two coupled nonlinear waveguides are attributed to the intricate interplay between linear coupling and nonlinear phase matching. This scheme provides an important advance towards the realization of reconfigurable quantum circuitry. image
Integrated optical platforms enable the realization of complex quantum photonic circuits for a variety of applications including quantum simulations, computations, and communications. The development of on-chip integrated photon sources, providing photon quantum states with on-demand tunability, is currently an important \nresearch area. A flexible approach for on-chip generation of entangled photons is based on spontaneous nonlinear \nfrequency conversion, with possibilities to integrate several photon-pair sources [1] and realize subsequent post \nprocessing using thermo-optically or electro-optically controlled interference [2, 3]. However, deterministic postprocessing can only provide a limited set of output states, whereas quantum gates with probabilistic operation are \nneeded to generate arbitrary two-photon states [4].
Entangled photon states are a fundamental resource for optical quantum technologies and investigating the fundamental predictions of quantum mechanics. Up to now such states are mainly generated in macroscopic nonlinear optical systems with elaborately tailored optical properties. In this theoretical work, we extend the understanding on the generation of entangled photonic states toward the nanoscale regime by investigating the fundamental properties of photon-pair generation in sub-wavelength nonlinear nanoresonators. Taking materials with Zinc-Blende structure as an example, we reveal that such systems can naturally generate various polarization-entangled Bell states over a very broad range of wavelengths and emission directions, with little to no engineering needed. Interestingly, we uncover different regimes of operation, where polarization-entangled photons can be generated with dependence on or complete independence from the pumping wavelength and polarization, and the modal content of the nanoresonator. Our work also shows the potential of nonlinear nanoresonators as miniaturized sources of biphoton states with highly complex and tunable properties.
Harnessing high-dimensional entangled states of light presents a frontier for advancing quantum information technologies, from fundamental tests of quantum mechanics to enhanced computation and communication protocols. In this context, the spatial degree of freedom stands out as particularly suited for on-chip integration. But while traditional demonstrations produce and manipulate path-entangled states sequentially with discrete optical elements, continuously-coupled nonlinear waveguide systems offer a promising alternative where photons can be generated and interfere along the entire propagation length, unveiling novel capabilities within a reduced footprint. Here we exploit this concept to implement a compact and reconfigurable source of path-entangled photon pairs based on parametric down-conversion in semiconductor AlGaAs nonlinear waveguides arrays.