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

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference

Sub-shot-noise-limited nonlinear optical detection of infrared light modulation

Yong-qing Li, Dorel Guzun, Greg J. Salamo, Min Xiao

Published May 7, 2000• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Summary form only given. We report a new quantum detection scheme based on nonlinear optical frequency doubling, which converts the incident fundamental IR photons to the secondharmonic blue photons before entering photoelectric detectors. Our scheme is shown in which second-harmonic generation (SHG) is considered as a part of detector (or meter) in order to detect the modulation signals carried in the input IR beam.

Related papers

Infrared detection scheme with the photon avalanche effect

Delena Bell Gatch, William M. Dennis, William M. Yen

We present a new infrared (IR) detection scheme based on the infrared quantum counter (IRQC) detector and utilizing the photon avalanche process. At the time of its discovery, the phenomenon of photon avalanche was considered a limitation rather than an advantage for the development of IRQC. Both the experimental results and the numerical modeling presented demonstrate that the process responsible for photon avalanche can be used to enhance the detection of an IR signal. A new room-temperature IR detection scheme is proposed on the basis of the results of this research. The novel detection scheme presented demonstrates an increase in detectivity and a decrease in the noise-equivalent power when compared with the IRQC schemes previously discussed in the literature.

Applied Optics•Feb 1, 2003•3 citations

Observation of sub-Poissonian light in traveling-wave second-harmonic generation

Sun-Hyun Youn, Sang-Kyung Choi, Prem Kumar +1 more

We report the generation of sub-Poissonian pulses of light by means of traveling-wave second-harmonic generation (SHG) in a type II phase-matched nonlinear crystal. On direct detection, the quantum noise on the output light, which is polarized orthogonally to the input fundamental field, is measured to be below the shotnoise limit by as much as 0.3 +/- 0.2 dB (6 +/- 4%). We show that the input fundamental-power dependence of the measured Fano factor, direct-detection noise as a fraction of the shot-noise limit, is in qualitative agreement with the quantum theory of SHG.

Optics Letters•Oct 1, 1996•22 citations

Spectral resolution of quantum Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using pulsed laser excitation

Jasleen Kaur, Yu Mukai, Ryo Okamoto +1 more

In recent years, nonlinear quantum interferometry has been widely explored for applications like spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, and imaging [1]. Quantum infrared spectroscopy (QIRS) uses quantum interference of generation processes of frequency-entangled visible-IR photon pairs to perform infrared spectroscopy using visible light sources and silicon-based detectors [2]. This technique utilizes a nonlinear quantum interferometer configuration where the generated IR photons pass through the sample, and the correlated visible photons are detected. The change in the detected visible photon flux with and without the sample helps extract the complex transmittance of the sample in the IR region.

JSAP-OSA Joint Symposia•Jan 1, 2024•0 citations

High-efficiency single photon detection via frequency up-conversion

Aaron P. VanDevender, Paul G. Kwiat

We propose a method of single photon detection of infrared (IR) photons at potentially higher efficiencies and lower noise than allowed by traditional IR band Avalanche Photodiodes (APD). By up-converting the photon from IR, e.g., 1550 nm, to a visible wavelength in a nonlinear crystal, we can utilize the much higher efficiency of visible wavelength APDs. We have used a nonlinear crystal -- Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) -- and a pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser to perform the up-conversion to a 631-nm photon. When properly quasi-phase-matched, PPLN provides a large enough second order nonlinear susceptibility that near unit conversion efficiency of the IR photon into the visible should be possible. We have been able to observe peak conversion efficiencies as high as 80%, and have demonstrated scaling down to the single photon level while maintaining a background of 3 x 10-4 dark counts/count. Since the PPLN only acts on one polarization of the single photon, we also propose a 2-crystal extension of this scheme whereby orthogonal polarizations may be up-converted coherently, thereby enabling complete quantum state transduction.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Aug 5, 2003•8 citations

Second-harmonic generation with femtosecond pulses and its applications in sub-shot-noise detection

Dorel Guzun, Yong-qing Li, Min Xiao

We present a new heterodyne technique for detecting weak signals beyond the standard shot-noise limited by employing amplitude-squeezed light as the local oscillator (LO) field. The amplitude-squeezed LO field at 428.8 nm is generated from a highly efficient (up to 60% conversion efficiency) single-pass second-harmonic generation in a nonlinear crystal (KNbO3) pumped by femtosecond (130 fs) pulses at 857.7 nm. The weak signal field is introduced from the entrance port of the crystal to combine with the generated squeezed LO field. An enhancement of 0.7 dB (1.4 dB inferred) in signal-to-noise ratio beyond the shot-noise limit is directly observed for this new heterodyne detection scheme. Practical applications of proposed technique in laser radar systems are discussed.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Mar 28, 2000•0 citations

Sub-Shot-Noise-Limited Optical Heterodyne Detection Using an Amplitude-Squeezed Local Oscillator

Yongqing Li, Dorel Guzun, Min Xiao

We experimentally demonstrate a novel sub-shot-noise-limited heterodyne detection scheme to measure a weak optical signal field by employing amplitude-squeezed light as the local oscillator (LO) field. The amplitude-squeezed LO field at 428.8 nm is generated from a high efficiency single-pass second-harmonic generation in a ${\mathrm{KNbO}}_{3}$ crystal pumped by femtosecond (130 fs) pulses at 857.6 nm, and the signal field is combined with the generated squeezed LO field through the crystal. An enhancement of 0.7 dB (1.4 dB inferred) in signal-to-noise ratio beyond the shot-noise limit is directly observed.

Physical Review Letters•Jun 28, 1999•50 citations
Summary form only given. We report a new quantum detection scheme based on nonlinear optical frequency doubling, which converts the incident fundamental IR photons to the secondharmonic blue photons before entering photoelectric detectors. Our scheme is shown in which second-harmonic generation (SHG) is considered as a part of detector (or meter) in order to detect the modulation signals carried in the input IR beam.
We present a new infrared (IR) detection scheme based on the infrared quantum counter (IRQC) detector and utilizing the photon avalanche process. At the time of its discovery, the phenomenon of photon avalanche was considered a limitation rather than an advantage for the development of IRQC. Both the experimental results and the numerical modeling presented demonstrate that the process responsible for photon avalanche can be used to enhance the detection of an IR signal. A new room-temperature IR detection scheme is proposed on the basis of the results of this research. The novel detection scheme presented demonstrates an increase in detectivity and a decrease in the noise-equivalent power when compared with the IRQC schemes previously discussed in the literature.
We report the generation of sub-Poissonian pulses of light by means of traveling-wave second-harmonic generation (SHG) in a type II phase-matched nonlinear crystal. On direct detection, the quantum noise on the output light, which is polarized orthogonally to the input fundamental field, is measured to be below the shotnoise limit by as much as 0.3 +/- 0.2 dB (6 +/- 4%). We show that the input fundamental-power dependence of the measured Fano factor, direct-detection noise as a fraction of the shot-noise limit, is in qualitative agreement with the quantum theory of SHG.
In recent years, nonlinear quantum interferometry has been widely explored for applications like spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, and imaging [1]. Quantum infrared spectroscopy (QIRS) uses quantum interference of generation processes of frequency-entangled visible-IR photon pairs to perform infrared spectroscopy using visible light sources and silicon-based detectors [2]. This technique utilizes a nonlinear quantum interferometer configuration where the generated IR photons pass through the sample, and the correlated visible photons are detected. The change in the detected visible photon flux with and without the sample helps extract the complex transmittance of the sample in the IR region.
We propose a method of single photon detection of infrared (IR) photons at potentially higher efficiencies and lower noise than allowed by traditional IR band Avalanche Photodiodes (APD). By up-converting the photon from IR, e.g., 1550 nm, to a visible wavelength in a nonlinear crystal, we can utilize the much higher efficiency of visible wavelength APDs. We have used a nonlinear crystal -- Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) -- and a pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser to perform the up-conversion to a 631-nm photon. When properly quasi-phase-matched, PPLN provides a large enough second order nonlinear susceptibility that near unit conversion efficiency of the IR photon into the visible should be possible. We have been able to observe peak conversion efficiencies as high as 80%, and have demonstrated scaling down to the single photon level while maintaining a background of 3 x 10-4 dark counts/count. Since the PPLN only acts on one polarization of the single photon, we also propose a 2-crystal extension of this scheme whereby orthogonal polarizations may be up-converted coherently, thereby enabling complete quantum state transduction.
We present a new heterodyne technique for detecting weak signals beyond the standard shot-noise limited by employing amplitude-squeezed light as the local oscillator (LO) field. The amplitude-squeezed LO field at 428.8 nm is generated from a highly efficient (up to 60% conversion efficiency) single-pass second-harmonic generation in a nonlinear crystal (KNbO3) pumped by femtosecond (130 fs) pulses at 857.7 nm. The weak signal field is introduced from the entrance port of the crystal to combine with the generated squeezed LO field. An enhancement of 0.7 dB (1.4 dB inferred) in signal-to-noise ratio beyond the shot-noise limit is directly observed for this new heterodyne detection scheme. Practical applications of proposed technique in laser radar systems are discussed.
We experimentally demonstrate a novel sub-shot-noise-limited heterodyne detection scheme to measure a weak optical signal field by employing amplitude-squeezed light as the local oscillator (LO) field. The amplitude-squeezed LO field at 428.8 nm is generated from a high efficiency single-pass second-harmonic generation in a KNbO3{\mathrm{KNbO}}_{3}KNbO3​ crystal pumped by femtosecond (130 fs) pulses at 857.6 nm, and the signal field is combined with the generated squeezed LO field through the crystal. An enhancement of 0.7 dB (1.4 dB inferred) in signal-to-noise ratio beyond the shot-noise limit is directly observed.