Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Frontiers in Optics

A low-loss and broadband all-fiber acousto-optic circulator

Riccardo Pennetta, Martin Blaha, Arno Rauschenbeutel

Published Jan 1, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We demonstrate novel all-fiber and magnetic-field-free circulators based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers including so-called fiber null-couplers. Their low insertion loss makes them ideal tools for the transmission and processing of optically encoded quantum information.
DOI
10.1364/fio.2024.fw7d.4

Related papers

A low-loss and broadband all-fiber acousto-optic circulator

Martin Blaha, Arno Rauschenbeutel, Riccardo Pennetta

The introduction of low-loss optical fibers probably represents the single most important advance in the growth of our telecommunication system. To meet our needs for secure communications, it is likely that our classical network will soon be operating alongside what is known as a quantum network. The latter is very sensitive to loss and thus poses new constraints to the performance of current fiber components. In particular, recent quantum network prototypes underlined the absence of low-loss non-reciprocal fiber-based devices. Here, we present a solution to this issue by realizing low-loss (0.81 dB), broadband (at least 50 GHz bandwidth) and high-extinction (up to 27 dB) circulators, based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers including so-called fiber null-couplers. The latter are directional couplers, whose splitting-ratio can be controlled by launching acoustic waves along the coupling region. Fabricated from standard single-mode fibers and actuated electrically, these circulators can be made to fit any existing optical fiber networks and could turn out to be key for the transmission and processing of optically encoded quantum information.

arXiv:2405.12903•May 21, 2024•0 citations

Low-loss and broadband all-fiber acousto-optic circulator

Martin Blaha, Arno Rauschenbeutel, Riccardo Pennetta

The introduction of low-loss optical fibers probably represents the single most important advance in the growth of telecommunication systems. To meet our needs for secure communications, it is likely that our classical network will soon be operating alongside what is known as a quantum network. The latter is very sensitive to loss and thus poses constraints to the performance of current fiber components. In particular, recent quantum network prototypes underline the absence of low-loss nonreciprocal fiber-based devices. Here, we present a solution to this issue by realizing low-loss (0.81 dB), broadband (at least 50-GHz bandwidth), and high-extinction (up to 27 dB) circulators, based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers including so-called fiber null-couplers. The latter are directional couplers, whose splitting ratio can be controlled by launching acoustic waves along the coupling region. Fabricated from standard single-mode fibers and actuated electrically, these circulators can be made to fit any existing optical fiber networks and could turn out to be key for the transmission and processing of optically encoded quantum information.

Physical Review Applied•Nov 4, 2024•3 citations

Magnetic-free unidirectional polarization rotation and free-space optical isolators and circulators

Lifeng Liu, Ying Zhang, Shicheng Zhang +3 more

Optical nonreciprocity is an essential concept in optical signal processing and communication. The traditional way to achieve nonreciprocity is using magneto-optical nonreciprocal polarization rotation, which is incompatible with existing on-chip integration due to the applied magnetic field. Here, we theoretically and experimentally realize unidirectional polarization rotation with a magnetic-free mechanism using atomic ensembles. Free-space isolators and circulators are further formed based on the nonreciprocity of polarization rotation. As only one direction of the signal changes its polarization, the forward transmission and backward isolation can be adjusted separately. Compared with the existing magnetic-free circulators that rely on high-Q factor cavities or Mach–Zehnder interferometers, we experimentally realized circulators in free space. This dramatically simplifies the magnetic-free circulator structure and provides better stability.

Applied Physics Letters•Dec 26, 2022•5 citations

Low-loss transmission of quantum bits by wavelets

Changjun Liao, Songhao Liu

Only one Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used in the proposed quantum bit distribution system where the two arms composing the Mach-Zehnder interferometer have been used as the transmission line. The loss of the photons due to absorption will decrease and the wavelets composing the photon are expected to transmit longer distance. The optical cable which contains many fiber belts which contain many fibers in parallel that is possible to make a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with its two arms as long as possible. This transmission system uses only two couplers and physically ensures transmission security.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Sep 11, 2002•0 citations

Ultrafast switching of photonic entanglement

Neal N. Oza, Yu‐Ping Huang, Prem Kumar

We present our recent development of fiber-optic technology for all-optical switching and routing of entangled photons at high speeds, with minimal loss and added in-band noise, and-most importantly-without disturbing the photons' quantum state.

IEEE Photonics Conference•Sep 1, 2012•1 citation

Quantum information processing with optical fibers

Prem Kumar, K.F. Lee, J. Chen +2 more

Fiber-based sources of entangled photons offer some unique advantages over their crystal counterparts. We present our recent progress in the development of such sources and their applications in quantum information processing.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference•Dec 10, 2005•1 citation
The introduction of low-loss optical fibers probably represents the single most important advance in the growth of our telecommunication system. To meet our needs for secure communications, it is likely that our classical network will soon be operating alongside what is known as a quantum network. The latter is very sensitive to loss and thus poses new constraints to the performance of current fiber components. In particular, recent quantum network prototypes underlined the absence of low-loss non-reciprocal fiber-based devices. Here, we present a solution to this issue by realizing low-loss (0.81 dB), broadband (at least 50 GHz bandwidth) and high-extinction (up to 27 dB) circulators, based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers including so-called fiber null-couplers. The latter are directional couplers, whose splitting-ratio can be controlled by launching acoustic waves along the coupling region. Fabricated from standard single-mode fibers and actuated electrically, these circulators can be made to fit any existing optical fiber networks and could turn out to be key for the transmission and processing of optically encoded quantum information.
The introduction of low-loss optical fibers probably represents the single most important advance in the growth of telecommunication systems. To meet our needs for secure communications, it is likely that our classical network will soon be operating alongside what is known as a quantum network. The latter is very sensitive to loss and thus poses constraints to the performance of current fiber components. In particular, recent quantum network prototypes underline the absence of low-loss nonreciprocal fiber-based devices. Here, we present a solution to this issue by realizing low-loss (0.81 dB), broadband (at least 50-GHz bandwidth), and high-extinction (up to 27 dB) circulators, based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers including so-called fiber null-couplers. The latter are directional couplers, whose splitting ratio can be controlled by launching acoustic waves along the coupling region. Fabricated from standard single-mode fibers and actuated electrically, these circulators can be made to fit any existing optical fiber networks and could turn out to be key for the transmission and processing of optically encoded quantum information.
Optical nonreciprocity is an essential concept in optical signal processing and communication. The traditional way to achieve nonreciprocity is using magneto-optical nonreciprocal polarization rotation, which is incompatible with existing on-chip integration due to the applied magnetic field. Here, we theoretically and experimentally realize unidirectional polarization rotation with a magnetic-free mechanism using atomic ensembles. Free-space isolators and circulators are further formed based on the nonreciprocity of polarization rotation. As only one direction of the signal changes its polarization, the forward transmission and backward isolation can be adjusted separately. Compared with the existing magnetic-free circulators that rely on high-Q factor cavities or Mach–Zehnder interferometers, we experimentally realized circulators in free space. This dramatically simplifies the magnetic-free circulator structure and provides better stability.
Only one Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used in the proposed quantum bit distribution system where the two arms composing the Mach-Zehnder interferometer have been used as the transmission line. The loss of the photons due to absorption will decrease and the wavelets composing the photon are expected to transmit longer distance. The optical cable which contains many fiber belts which contain many fibers in parallel that is possible to make a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with its two arms as long as possible. This transmission system uses only two couplers and physically ensures transmission security.