Classical optical frequency combs have revolutionized a myriad of fields, from optical spectroscopy and optical clocks to arbitrary microwave synthesis and lightwave communication. Capitalizing on the inherent robustness and high dimensionality of this mature optical platform, their nonclassical counterparts, so-called “quantum frequency combs,” have recently begun to display significant promise for fiber-compatible quantum information processing (QIP) and quantum networks. In this review, the basic theory and experiments of frequency-bin QIP, as well as perspectives on opportunities for continued advances, will be covered. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent demonstration of the quantum frequency processor (QFP), a photonic device based on electro-optic modulation and Fourier-transform pulse shaping that is capable of realizing high-fidelity quantum frequency gates in a parallel, low-noise fashion.
Classical optical frequency combs have revolutionized a myriad of fields, from optical spectroscopy and optical clocks to arbitrary microwave synthesis and lightwave communication. Capitalizing on the inherent robustness and high dimensionality of this mature optical platform, their nonclassical counterparts, so-called “quantum frequency combs,” have recently begun to display significant promise for fiber-compatible quantum information processing (QIP) and quantum networks. In this review, the basic theory and experiments of frequency-bin QIP, as well as perspectives on opportunities for continued advances, will be covered. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent demonstration of the quantum frequency processor (QFP), a photonic device based on electro-optic modulation and Fourier-transform pulse shaping that is capable of realizing high-fidelity quantum frequency gates in a parallel, low-noise fashion.
Frequency-bin qubits possess unique synergies with wavelength-multiplexed lightwave communications, suggesting valuable opportunities for quantum networking with the existing fiber-optic infrastructure. Although the coherent manipulation of frequency-bin states requires highly controllable multi-spectral-mode interference, the quantum frequency processor (QFP) provides a scalable path for gate synthesis leveraging standard telecom components. Here we summarize the state of the art in experimental QFP characterization. Distinguishing between physically motivated “open box” approaches that treat the QFP as a multiport interferometer, and “black box” approaches that view the QFP as a general quantum operation, we highlight the assumptions and results of multiple techniques, including quantum process tomography of a tunable beamsplitter—to our knowledge the first full process tomography of any frequency-bin operation. Our findings should inform future characterization efforts as the QFP increasingly moves beyond proof-of-principle tabletop demonstrations toward integrated devices and deployed quantum networking experiments.
Photons offer a myriad of bases for encoding quantum information, including such popular choices as polarization, spatial modes, and time bins. And due to frequency’s inherent stability and compatibility with optical fiber, spectral modes provide a particularly attractive Hilbert space for quantum computation. Yet control and processing of such modes can prove quite challenging, typically requiring complicated operations and strong classical pump fields. In this talk, I will describe our paradigm for universal quantum computation based on frequency-bin qubits and standard lightwave technology: electro-optic phase modulators and Fourier-transform pulse shapers. Our approach offers excellent resource scaling, parallelizability, and compatibility with fiber-optic technology. I will discuss experiments so far, including frequency-bin Hadamard and tritter gates, both with ultrahigh fidelity and broad bandwidth; quantum interference and independent spectral control of two photons in the same optical fiber; and a frequency-bin controlled-NOT, the first of its kind. Such experiments are augmented by Bayesian machine learning techniques, allowing for more detailed gate analysis than possible with conventional approaches. Finally, I will conclude with an outlook on future work, highlighting opportunities to address current challenges and summarizing the potential for our technique, not only in quantum computation proper, but also quantum interconnects, frequency-multiplexed networks, and on-chip integration.
The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is of fundamental interest in photonic quantum information, yet the ability to scale it to high dimensions depends heavily on the physical encoding, with practical recipes lacking in emerging platforms such as frequency bins. In this article, we show that d-point frequency-bin DFTs can be realized with a fixed three-component quantum frequency processor (QFP), simply by adding to the electro-optic modulation signals one radio-frequency harmonic per each incremental increase in d. We verify gate fidelity F W > 0.9997 and success probability P W > 0.965 up to d = 10 in numerical simulations, and experimentally implement the solution for d = 3, utilizing measurements with parallel DFTs to quantify entanglement and perform tomography of multiple two-photon frequency-bin states. Our results furnish new opportunities for high-dimensional frequency-bin protocols in quantum communications and networking.
Discrete frequency modes, or bins, present a blend of opportunities and challenges for photonic quantum information processing. Frequency-bin-encoded photons are readily generated by integrated quantum light sources, naturally high-dimensional, stable in optical fiber, and massively parallelizable in a single spatial mode. Yet quantum operations on frequency-bin states require coherent and controllable multifrequency interference, making them significantly more challenging to manipulate than more traditional spatial degrees of freedom. In this mini-review, we describe recent developments that have transformed these challenges and propelled frequency bins forward. Focusing on sources, manipulation schemes, and detection approaches, we introduce the basics of frequency-bin encoding, summarize the state of the art, and speculate on the field’s next phases. Given the combined progress in integrated photonics, high-fidelity quantum gates, and proof-of-principle demonstrations, frequency-bin quantum information is poised to emerge from the lab and leave its mark on practical quantum information processing—particularly in networking where frequency bins offer unique tools for multiplexing, interconnects, and high-dimensional communications.
High-dimensional entanglement in qudit states offers a promising pathway towards the realization of practical, large-scale quantum systems that are highly controllable. These systems can be leveraged for various applications, including advanced quantum information processing, secure communications, computation, and metrology. In this context, quantum frequency combs have a crucial role as they inherently support multiple modes in both temporal and frequency domains, while preserving a single spatial mode. The multiple temporal and frequency modes of quantum frequency combs facilitate the generation, characterization, and control of high-dimensional time-frequency entanglement in extensive quantum systems. In this review article, we provide an overview of recent technological advancements in high-dimensional energy-time entangled quantum frequency combs. We explore how these time-frequency qudits, achieved using scalable telecommunications-wavelength components, can empower the creation of large-scale quantum states. Advances in quantum frequency combs can unlock new capabilities and versatility for promising developments in quantum science and technology.