International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz)

Generation of spontaneous parametric down-converted photons in the sub-terahertz frequency range at 660 nm

Björn Haase, Mirco Kutas, Felix Reixinger, Patricia Bickert, Andreas Keil, Michael Bortz, Daniel Molter, Georg von Freymann

Published Sep 1, 2019• 0 citations

Publisher

Abstract

There are two crucial steps towards terahertz quantum sensing. First, there is the challenge to deliver a source of entangled photons in the terahertz range. Second, measuring terahertz radiation using photons in a different spectral range has to be possible. As we generated entangled photons in the terahertz range by spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC), we reached the first milestone. The detected signals match both for down- and for up-conversion for forward as well as for backward terahertz radiation the calculated frequency angular spectrum both qualitatively and quantitatively [1]. By observing difference frequency generation of external terahertz radiation with VIS pump photons, we achieved both steps towards terahertz quantum sensing.

DOI: 10.1109/irmmw-thz.2019.8873961

Related papers

Spontaneous parametric down-conversion of photons at 660 nm to the terahertz and sub-terahertz frequency range

Björn Haase, Mirco Kutas, Felix Riexinger +5 more

We report on spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) using 660 nm pump wavelength and the type 0 phase-matching condition to the terahertz and even sub-terahertz frequency range. Detection of the frequency-shifted signal photons is achieved by using highly efficient and narrowband volume Bragg gratings and an uncooled sCMOS camera. The acquired frequency-angular spectrum shows backward and forward generation of terahertz and sub-terahertz photons by SPDC, as well as up-conversion and higher order quasi phase-matching (QPM). The frequency-angular spectrum is theoretically calculated using a Monte-Carlo integration scheme showing a high agreement with the measurement. This work is one important step toward quantum sensing and imaging in the terahertz and sub-terahertz frequency range.

Optics ExpressFeb 27, 201943 citations

Generation and detection of optical-terahertz biphotons via spontaneous parametric downconversion

Kirill A. Kuznetsov, Vladimir V. Kornienko, Yu. B. Vakhtomin +3 more

We study spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) in the strongly non-degenerate regime when the idler wave hits the terahertz range. By using the hot-electron bolometer, for the first time the SPDC-generated idler-wave photons were directly detected in the terahertz frequency range. Spectrum of corresponding signal photons was measured using standard technique by the CCD camera. Possible applications of correlated optical-terahertz biphotons are discussed.

International Conference Laser Optics (ICLO)Jun 1, 20180 citations

Quantum Sensing In The Terahertz Frequency Range

Mirco Kutas, Björn Haase, Jens Klier +2 more

Although terahertz radiation has moved into the focus of technical applications, e.g. layer-thickness measurement, the generation and detection of radiation in this spectral range remains challenging as detectors are either cooled or expensive due to the laser systems they are based on. Thus, the generation and detection of terahertz radiation continues to be of great scientific interest. A novel quantum-optical concept offers the possibility to detect only visible light containing the measurement information gained in a different wavelength range [1]. This represents an extremely attractive alternative for the terahertz frequency range, since generation can be done with visible continuous-wave lasers while detection can be achieved with sophisticated and low-cost silicon-based detectors. We report on first demonstrations of this measurement technique in the terahertz frequency range.

International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz)Sep 17, 20230 citations

Direct detection of the idler THz radiation generated by spontaneous parametric down-conversion

G. Kh. Kitaeva, Vladimir V. Kornienko, Kirill A. Kuznetsov +3 more

We study parametric down-conversion (PDC) of optical laser radiation in the strongly frequency non-degenerate regime which is promising for the generation of quantum-correlated pairs of extremely different spectral ranges, the optical and the terahertz (THz) ones. The possibility to detect tenuous THz-frequency photon fluxes generated under low-gain spontaneous PDC is demonstrated using a hot electron bolometer. Then experimental dependences of the THz radiation power on the detection angle and on the pump intensity are analyzed.

Optics LettersFeb 21, 201921 citations

Terahertz quantum sensing

Mirco Kutas, Björn Haase, Patricia Bickert +3 more

Quantum sensing is highly attractive for accessing spectral regions in which the detection of photons is technically challenging: Sample information is gained in the spectral region of interest and transferred via biphoton correlations into another spectral range, for which highly sensitive detectors are available. This is especially beneficial for terahertz radiation, where no semiconductor detectors are available and coherent detection schemes or cryogenically cooled bolometers have to be used. Here, we report on the first demonstration of quantum sensing in the terahertz frequency range in which the terahertz photons interact with a sample in free space and information about the sample thickness is obtained by the detection of visible photons. As a first demonstration, we show layer thickness measurements with terahertz photons based on biphoton interference. As nondestructive layer thickness measurements are of high industrial relevance, our experiments might be seen as a first step toward industrial quantum sensing applications.

arXiv:1909.06855Science AdvancesMar 13, 2020152 citations

Terahertz Quantum Sensing

Kutas, M., Haase, B., Bickert, P. +3 more

Quantum sensing is highly attractive for accessing spectral regions in which the detection of photons is technically challenging: sample information is gained in the spectral region of interest and transferred via biphoton correlations into another spectral range, for which highly sensitive detectors are available. This is especially beneficial for terahertz radiation, where no semiconductor detectors are available and coherent detection schemes or cryogenically cooled bolometers have to be employed. Here, we report on the first demonstration of quantum sensing in the terahertz frequency range in which the terahertz photons interact with a sample in free space and information about the sample thickness is obtained by the detection of visible photons. As a first demonstration, we show layer thickness measurements with terahertz photons based on biphoton interference. As non-destructive layer thickness measurements are of high industrial relevance, our experiments might be seen as a first step towards industrial quantum-sensing applications.

Jan 1, 201951 citations