We discuss methods of generation of quantum entangled pairs of photons and present results obtained by non-linear process of four way mixing (FWM) in alkali atoms. Two-mode squeezing, known also as relative amplitude squeezing, by a pair of photons generated by FWM has been thoroughly investigated because of important applications of such paired photons. We show strong intensity squeezing in potassium vapour and also dependence of IDS on FWM parameters. Experimental results are compared with calculated IDS by the model of operators. Examples of application of twin photons for quantum enhanced sensing and quantum imaging and microscopy will be given.
We discuss methods of generation of quantum entangled pairs of photons and present results obtained by non-linear process of four way mixing (FWM) in alkali atoms. Two-mode squeezing, known also as relative amplitude squeezing, by a pair of photons generated by FWM has been thoroughly investigated because of important applications of such paired photons. We show strong intensity squeezing in potassium vapour and also dependence of IDS on FWM parameters. Experimental results are compared with calculated IDS by the model of operators. Examples of application of twin photons for quantum enhanced sensing and quantum imaging and microscopy will be given.
Abstract The generation of multi-mode squeezing using four-wave mixing process has attracted considerable attention, offering significant potential for advancements in quantum communication, quantum key distribution, and quantum-enhanced sensing. In this paper, we propose a balanced regime within the dual-four-wave mixing (DFWM) process to theoretically generate quantum-enhanced multi-mode squeezed light. By operating at a plane-balanced regime, the relative intensity squeezing noise factor of the multi-mode beams can be made to approach zero theoretically, thus achieving perfect multi-mode squeezed states. Moreover, the generated beams at the plane-balanced regime exhibit quantum-enhanced entanglement superior to that of conventional four-wave mixing processes, offering significant implications for quantum information processing. The DFWM process can also be extended to multi-spatial-mode squeezing with a spatial-balanced regime, where the attainable squeezing degree is enhanced by a factor of G N , where N denotes mode numbers and G denotes the gain, facilitating simply experimental implementation within a single atomic system. The proposed method paves the way for practical applications in high-precision measurements, robust quantum communication networks, and advanced quantum information processing systems.
Multi-photon nonlinear processes in atoms have served as important tools for quantum metrology, quantum communications, and quantum sensing. In this thesis, we experimentally address the interplay of various multi-photon Raman processes in hot Rb vapor, with the four-wave mixing (FWM) process being a central theme. FWM is the nonlinear response of a medium to a strong optical pump field inelastically scattering off atomic resonances and resulting in the generation of additional photons in different modes. FWM is a detrimental, but inherent part of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and Raman based quantum memories. However, we were able to weaken the four-photon resonance by utilizing two-photon absorption to remove the additional photons without interfering with the signal beam. We also demonstrate the ability to tailor FWM to generate new photons in a controlled fashion for mode conversion. With this, we showed the conversion of 795 nm light to 420 nm light. While FWM is a source of noise in quantum memories, it can also be used for the generation squeezed twin-beams. Such beams have relative intensity noise reduced below the classical shot noise limit and share mode dependence based on the phase-matching conditions. Using this, we demonstrated that twin-beams can be generated with largely different spatial structure (optical angular momentum) and still share strong correlations, so long as the phase-matching conditions are satisfied. We then constructed and demonstrated the operation of a polarization-based quantum interferometer using squeezed twin-beams and showed that our beams were entangled under the inseparability condition. Using this interferometer, we were also able to achieve squeezing at low detection frequencies, which is necessary for things like quantum imaging and gravitational wave detection. We also demonstrated that squeezed twin-beams can be utilized to enhance the sensitivity of two-photon absorption spectroscopy. This research has touched on many different subjects related to quantum information science and improved upon some of the tools needed for the implementation of such technologies.
Entangled multi-spatial-mode fields have interesting applications in quantum information, such as parallel quantum information protocols, quantum computing, and quantum imaging. We study the use of a nondegenerate four-wave mixing process in rubidium vapor at 795 nm to demonstrate generation of quantum-entangled images. Owing to the lack of an optical resonator cavity, the four-wave mixing scheme generates inherently multi-spatialmode output fields. We have verified the presence of entanglement between the multi-mode beams by analyzing the amplitude difference and the phase sum noise using a dual homodyne detection scheme, measuring more than 4 dB of squeezing in both cases. This paper will discuss the quantum properties of amplifiers based on four-wave-mixing, along with the multi mode properties of such devices.
Entangled multi-spatial-mode fields have interesting applications in quantum information, such as parallel quantum information protocols, quantum computing, and quantum imaging. We study the use of a nondegenerate four-wave mixing process in rubidium vapor at 795 nm to demonstrate generation of quantum-entangled images. Owing to the lack of an optical resonator cavity, the four-wave mixing scheme generates inherently multi-spatialmode output fields. We have verified the presence of entanglement between the multi-mode beams by analyzing the amplitude difference and the phase sum noise using a dual homodyne detection scheme, measuring more than 4 dB of squeezing in both cases. This paper will discuss the quantum properties of amplifiers based on four-wave-mixing, along with the multi mode properties of such devices.
The fields of quantum and nonlinear optics have given rise to a variety of nonclassical states of light that have been proven to surpass certain limitations set by classical physics. Namely, certain squeezed and entangled states have been shown to beat the shot-noise limit when making precision phase measurements in interferometry, as well as write lithographic patterns that are smaller than classically allowed by the Rayleigh diffraction limit. Additionally, single-photon sources and entangled photon pairs have given rise to provably secure quantum key distribution for cryptography. Producing these quantum states of light has proven a difficult task. Nonlinear crystals, when pumped by a laser, produce pairs of single photons via the process of spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC). This process is mediated by the second order nonlinear susceptibility of the material. When pumped in a high gain regime, these crystals give rise to optical parametric amplification, which is a viable source of squeezed light. The vast majority of research in this area has focused on crystals that are seeded by vacuum in their two modes. This dissertation concerns the field of quantum nonlinear optics. It is an investigation into the processes that occur when nonlinear materials interact with the electromagnetic field on the single photon level. I have focused on seeding nonlinear crystals with quantum states of light, including single photons and entangled states. This process results in various states directly applicable to interferometry, imaging, and cryptography. Another application investigated is an absolute radiance measurement via stimulated parametric down conversion resulting from non-vacuum seeding of a nonlinear crystal. Additionally, other nonlinear processes, including four-wave mixing, nonlinear magneto-optical effects and coherent population trapping in warm atomic vapor involving quantum states of light are investigated. The process of seeding third-order nonlinear interactions, such as in atomic vapors, gives rise to a variety of interesting, nonclassical phenomena such as entangled image transfer and nonlocal imaging. Strong analogies between SPDC and four-wave mixing are drawn. I also experimentally show an all optical pi-only phase shift of one light beam via another in warm Cesium vapor.