We present a dual source of swappable entanglement in the near infrared for local quantum networking and free-space quantum links. Built on portable platforms, the polarization-entangled photons are generated via spontaneous parametric down conversion in two adjacent fiber-pigtailed type-II PPKTP waveguides.
We present integrated sources of polarization entanglement built on portable platforms for quantum communication. We employ type-II degenerate spontaneous parametric down conversion processes in PPKTP waveguides to generate pairs of orthogonally polarized photons at near-infrared wavelengths. The photons are sent to a 50/50 non-polarizing beam splitter (NPBS) to generate post-selected polarization-entangled states via coincidence measurements. The small size of the waveguides allows the installation of several units on the same platform, and thereby the generation of multiple entangled states simultaneously. We use a computer-controlled tomography system to characterize the produced states and combine the photons from adjacent waveguides on another NPBS to perform Bell-state measurements, a prerequisite to entanglement swapping. The overall experiment is compact and requires little alignment when set, making it an attractive option for local quantum networking using mobile platforms, e.g., drones or satellites.
We present integrated sources of polarization entanglement built on portable platforms for quantum communication. We employ type-II degenerate spontaneous parametric down conversion processes in periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PPKTP) waveguides to generate pairs of orthogonally polarized photons at near-infrared wavelengths. We use balanced non-polarizing beam splitter (NPBS) to generate post-selected polarization-entangled states via coincidence measurements and investigate the power and spectral tunability of the system. The small size of the waveguides allows the installation of several units on the same platform, and thereby the generation of multiple entangled states simultaneously. We built a separate platform containing a computer-controlled tomography system to characterize the produced states and another NPBS is installed to combine photons from adjacent waveguides and assess their interferability, a prerequisite to entanglement swapping. The overall experiment is compact and requires little alignment when set, making it an attractive option for local quantum networking using mobile platforms, e.g., drones or satellites.
As optical quantum information processing protocols and experiments become increasingly more complex, integrated optics provide a small and robust alternative to traditional bulk optics. Specifically, waveguide technology allows for the creation of bright single-photon sources based on the fact that photon pairs can be created at any location along the waveguide. For our goals, we are working on the characterization of a highly nondegenerate Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion (SPDC) waveguide source on a periodically poled KTP (PPKTP) crystal. Our current waveguide source uses type-II phase-matching to create collinear signal and idler photons at 1550 nm and 810 nm, respectively, with the promise of generating simultaneous time-bin and polarization entanglement in future iterations. Our intended source application is for use in quantum key distribution and superdense teleportation protocols between a space platform and collection telescopes on Earth.
Entangled photons are fundamental resources for quantum communication, computing, and networking. Among them, polarization-entangled photon pairs play an important role due to their straightforward state manipulation and direct use in quantum key distribution, teleportation, and network protocols. However, realizing compact, efficient, and scalable polarization-entangled sources that meet the requirements of practical deployment remains a major challenge. Here, we present a simple yet high-performance on-chip polarization-entangled photon-pair source on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). Our device employs dual quasi-phase matching (D-QPM) that sequentially supports type-0 and type-I spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a single nanophotonic waveguide, eliminating the need for interferometers, polarization rotators, or other complex circuits. The source directly produces high-fidelity Bell states with broad bandwidth, high brightness, and low noise. Using this integrated platform, we realize wavelength-multiplexed entanglement distribution in a four-user quantum network deployed over metropolitan fiber links up to 50 km. These results establish a robust and scalable pathway toward practical quantum communication systems and multi-user quantum mesh networks based on integrated photonics.