We present several novel sources of polarization-entangled states based on beam displacer interferometers. These sources generate a large number of high-quality entangled photon pairs in a compact alignment-free layout and can work with both cw and pulsed pumps.
We present two experiments geared toward the realization of a robust and intense source of polarization-entangled photons. First, we describe a novel source of polarization-entangled pairs that uses periodically-poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PPKTP) and an interferometer based on polarization beam displacers. The source emits an intense flux of high-quality single-mode entangled photons and is stable, robust, and easy to align. Second, we report on sources of correlated photons generated in PPKTP waveguides. Waveguide sources of correlated pairs have been shown to generate high fluxes of pairs: we theoretically and experimentally investigate spontaneous parametric down-conversion generation of photon pairs in waveguides at different wavelengths.
We report on the design and characterization of polarization-entangled photon sources at NIR and telecom wavelengths, based on spontaneous parametric downconversion in a linear interferometric arrangement with beam displacers. The sources demonstrate state-of-the-art performance with respect to detected brightness, heralding efficiency, and entanglement visibility. Featuring a stable and compact profile with simple alignment, they hold great promise for future development of field- and space-ready prototypes, alongside serving as a practical guide for researchers interested in designing efficient entangled photon sources.