Low-Loss, All-Optical, Quantum Switching For Interferometric Processing of Weak Signals

Quantum signals such as entangled photons are typically at the sub-photon level and, thus, require near noise-less and low-loss components for their manipulation and processing. A common signal-manipulation tool is a 2 × 2 switch, and many applications of quantum switches also require fast switching rates and input signals in the fiber-friendly 1550-nm band. Traditional optical switching technology does not simultaneously meet all the desired metrics for a quantum switch. We demonstrate a low-noise fiber-optic photonic switch based on cross phase modulation that is fast (sub-ns), low loss (<;1 dB), and operates in the 1550-nm wavelength band.Quantum signals such as entangled photons are typically at the sub-photon level and, thus, require near noise-less and low-loss components for their manipulation and processing. A common signal-manipulation tool is a 2 × 2 switch, and many applications of quantum switches also require fast switching rates and input signals in the fiber-friendly 1550-nm band. Traditional optical switching technology does not simultaneously meet all the desired metrics for a quantum switch. We demonstrate a low-noise fiber-optic photonic switch based on cross phase modulation that is fast (sub-ns), low loss (<;1 dB), and operates in the 1550-nm wavelength band.

IEEE Photonics Technology LettersMar 18, 201912 citations

All-optical quantum switching

Kumar Kumar

Conference on Lasers and Electro-OpticsJan 1, 20120 citations

All-optical microdisk switch using EIT

B. D. Clader, S. M. Hendrickson, Ryan M. Camacho +1 more

We present theoretical results of a low-loss all-optical switch based on electromagnetically induced transparency and the quantum Zeno effect in a microdisk resonator. We show that a control beam can modify the atomic absorption of the evanescent field which suppresses the cavity field buildup and alters the path of a weak signal beam. We predict more than 35 dB of switching contrast with less than 0.1 dB loss using just 2 μW of control-beam power for signal beams with less than single photon intensities inside the cavity.We present theoretical results of a low-loss all-optical switch based on electromagnetically induced transparency and the quantum Zeno effect in a microdisk resonator. We show that a control beam can modify the atomic absorption of the evanescent field which suppresses the cavity field buildup and alters the path of a weak signal beam. We predict more than 35 dB of switching contrast with less than 0.1 dB loss using just 2 μW of control-beam power for signal beams with less than single photon intensities inside the cavity.

arXiv:1208.4813Optics ExpressMar 4, 201323 citations

Optical Switches for Quantum Information Processing

B. C. Jacobs, T. B. Pittman, J. D. Franson

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMar 16, 20060 citations

Progress towards interaction-free all-optical devices

Dmitry Strekalov, Abijith S. Kowligy, Yu-Ping Huang +1 more

We present an all-optical control device in which coupling a weak control optical field into a high- $Q$ lithium niobate whispering-gallery-mode microcavity decouples it from a signal field due to nonlinear optical interactions. This results in switching and modulation of the signal with low-power control pulses. In the quantum limit, the underlying nonlinear-optical process corresponds to the quantum Zeno blockade. Its ``interaction-free'' nature effectively alleviates loss and decoherence for the signal waves. This work therefore presents experimental progress towards acquiring large phase shifts with few photons or even at the single-photon level.We present an all-optical control device in which coupling a weak control optical field into a high-$Q$ lithium niobate whispering-gallery-mode microcavity decouples it from a signal field due to nonlinear optical interactions. This results in switching and modulation of the signal with low-power control pulses. In the quantum limit, the underlying nonlinear-optical process corresponds to the quantum Zeno blockade. Its ``interaction-free'' nature effectively alleviates loss and decoherence for the signal waves. This work therefore presents experimental progress towards acquiring large phase shifts with few photons or even at the single-photon level.

Physical Review AJun 23, 201411 citations

QUANTUM OPTICAL EFFECTS FOR SWITCHING AND SLOW LIGHT APPLICATIONS

Gianluca Manzacca, Gabriella Cincotti

Jan 1, 20080 citations

We present an all-optical control device in which coupling a weak control optical field into a high-

Q

lithium niobate whispering-gallery-mode microcavity decouples it from a signal field due to nonlinear optical interactions. This results in switching and modulation of the signal with low-power control pulses. In the quantum limit, the underlying nonlinear-optical process corresponds to the quantum Zeno blockade. Its ``interaction-free'' nature effectively alleviates loss and decoherence for the signal waves. This work therefore presents experimental progress towards acquiring large phase shifts with few photons or even at the single-photon level.