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Optics Letters

Polarized topological invariance frequency conversion on high-fidelity information transfer

Zikuan Zhuang, Qian Lin, Ling Hong, Yu Zhang, Zhen Che, Yongyao Li, Fei Lin, Li Zhang

Published Jan 2, 2025• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A cross-band information converter, which links communication and storage modules operating at different wavelengths, is crucial for the development of optical vortex-based information networks. However, due to nonlinear efficiency dependence on orbital angular momentum (OAM), the traditional intensity or polarization distribution-based recognition distortion emerges. Here, by employing the optical vector vortex with a tailored polarization mode as the information carrier of communication network, and the polarization topology one-to-one mapping as the mode identification method, we demonstrate a simple yet flexible frequency converter based on sum-frequency generation (SFG) that preserves the topological invariance of polarization, enabling high-fidelity information transmission. In a proof-of-concept experiment, vector vortex-encoded image information is successfully transferred from a 1064 nm band to 630.9 nm without any quality degradation. This approach has the potential to enable cross-platform information transmission in optical networks, paving the way for broader applications.

DOI
10.1364/ol.546737

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A cross-band information converter, which links communication and storage modules operating at different wavelengths, is crucial for the development of optical vortex-based information networks. However, due to nonlinear efficiency dependence on orbital angular momentum (OAM), the traditional intensity or polarization distribution-based recognition distortion emerges. Here, by employing the optical vector vortex with a tailored polarization mode as the information carrier of communication network, and the polarization topology one-to-one mapping as the mode identification method, we demonstrate a simple yet flexible frequency converter based on sum-frequency generation (SFG) that preserves the topological invariance of polarization, enabling high-fidelity information transmission. In a proof-of-concept experiment, vector vortex-encoded image information is successfully transferred from a 1064 nm band to 630.9 nm without any quality degradation. This approach has the potential to enable cross-platform information transmission in optical networks, paving the way for broader applications.
In quantum communications, vortex photons can encode higher-dimensional quantum states and build high-dimensional communication networks (HDCNs). The interfaces that connect different wavelengths are significant in HDCNs. We construct a coherent orbital angular momentum (OAM) frequency bridge via difference frequency conversion in a nonlinear bulk crystal for HDCNs. Using a single resonant cavity, maximum quantum conversion efficiencies from visible to infrared are 36%, 15%, and 7.8% for topological charges of 0,1, and 2, respectively. The average fidelity obtained using quantum state tomography for the down-converted infrared OAM-state of topological charge 1 is 96.51%. We also prove that the OAM is conserved in this process by measuring visible and infrared interference patterns. This coherent OAM frequency-down conversion bridge represents a basis for an interface between two high-dimensional quantum systems operating with different spectra.
In quantum communications, vortex photons can encode higher-dimensional quantum states and build highdimensional communication networks (HDCNs). The interfaces that connect different wavelengths are significant in HDCNs. We construct a coherent orbital angular momentum (OAM) frequency bridge via difference frequency conversion in a nonlinear bulk crystal. Using a single resonant cavity, maximum quantum conversion efficiencies from visible to infrared are 36%, 15%, and 7.8% for topological charges of 0,1, and 2, respectively. The average fidelity obtained using quantum state tomography for the down-converted infrared OAM-state of topological charge 1 is 96.51%. We also prove that the OAM is conserved in this process by measuring visible and infrared interference patterns. This coherent OAM frequency-down conversion bridge represents a basis for an interface between two high-dimensional quantum systems operating with different spectra.
Frequency interface, namely, converting the colors of photons while retaining their other features, is indispensable for numerous applications ranging from up-conversion imaging to the multimode quantum network. However, limited by the nonuniform nonlinear frequency-conversion efficiency, constructing the frequency interface for high-dimensional spatial modes is still challenging. Here, to break this fundamental barrier, we construct a high-dimensional (HD) orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) frequency interface via conducting sum-frequency generation between HD OAM states to be converted and a radial structured pump. Specifically, by replacing the conventional Gaussian pump with an optimized coherent superposition of HD Laguerre-Gaussian radial modes (i.e., its azimuthal number is zero), we experimentally achieve the OAM frequency interface in nine dimensions with a record fidelity up to 90.38 %. Additionally, by increasing the number of radial modes, our scheme can be flexibly extended to higher dimension. Such a high-dimensional frequency interface could find potential applications in the high-capacity free-space optical communication and would also pave the way for constructing high-dimensional quantum networks.
In quantum communications, vortex photons can encode higher-dimensional quantum states and build high-dimensional communication networks (HDCNs). The interfaces that connect different wavelengths are significant in HDCNs. We construct a coherent orbital angular momentum (OAM) frequency bridge via difference frequency conversion in a nonlinear bulk crystal for HDCNs. Using a single resonant cavity, maximum quantum conversion efficiencies from visible to infrared are 36\%, 15\%, and 7.8\% for topological charges of 0,1, and 2, respectively. The average fidelity obtained using quantum state tomography for the down-converted infrared OAM-state of topological charge 1 is 96.51\%. We also prove that the OAM is conserved in this process by measuring visible and infrared interference patterns. This coherent OAM frequency-down conversion bridge represents a basis for an interface between two high-dimensional quantum systems operating with different spectra.
Optical vortex beams (OVBs) carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) offer access to an unbounded set of orthogonal states, enabling a dramatic increase in the information capacity for optical communication systems. However, practical OAM detection in telecommunication platforms remains challenging due to background noise, detector limitations at infrared communication wavelengths, and the destructive nature of conventional sampling methods. Here, we introduce an all-optical, nearly nondestructive OAM detection method based on sum-frequency generation (SFG) that overcomes these limitations by transferring the information on the OAM into a distinct frequency domain. In our scheme, two OVBs─one carrying OAM-encoded information and the other serving as a reference─are coupled within a beta-barium borate (BBO) crystal to generate an SFG signal. Our theoretical and experimental studies demonstrate that SFG efficiency is governed by the spatial overlap of the interacting vortex profiles, providing mode-selective and OAM-resolved detection. Crucially, as only a small fraction of the input photons undergo conversion into the nonlinear signal, the original beams remain functionally intact. Since detection is performed exclusively on the upconverted signal in a spectrally distinct visible wavelength region, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved. Moreover, the SFG signal is generated only when specific OAM states and temporal overlap conditions are simultaneously satisfied, enabling ultrafast and conditionally gated access to the OAM information. This nonlinear selectivity offers enhanced physical-layer security and high-throughput capabilities. Together, our approach provides a robust and versatile platform for advanced OAM-based optical communications and high-capacity photonics applications.
The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light shows great potential in quantum communication. The transmission wavelength for telecom is usually around 1550 nm, while the common quantum information storage and processing devices based on atoms, ions or NV color centers are for photons in visible regime. Here we demonstrate a quantum information interface based on the frequency upconversion for photons carrying OAM states from telecom wavelength to visible regime by sum-frequency generation with high quantum conversion efficiency. The infrared photons at 1558 nm carrying different OAM values were converted to the visible regime of 622.2 nm, and the OAM value of the signal photons was well preserved in the frequency upconversion process with pump beam in Gaussian profile.