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

Journal of Modern Optics

Conventional and unconventional photon blockade via nonlinear and parametric amplification

Zhipeng Cheng, Long‐Jiang Cong, Yi‐Xiong Luo, Rong‐Bo Du, Hongyu Liu, Rong‐Can Yang, Ying Ming

Published Oct 17, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a hybrid cavity-magnon system scheme that integrates a yttrium iron garnet sphere with a microwave cavity filled with Kerr medium, aiming to achieve both conventional and unconventional photon blockade simultaneously. Our research demonstrates that by tuning the strength of the Kerr nonlinearity and adjusting the two-photon driving intensity, we can realize quantum effects associated with both types of photon blockade. Furthermore, through careful selection of system parameters, we have obtained optimal results for photon blockade under ideal conditions. This scheme fully exploits the advantages offered by both conventional and unconventional photon blockade mechanisms, effectively reducing the equal-time second-order photon correlation function while also achieving a higher mean photon number. It provides an alternative and experimentally feasible platform for preparing single-photon sources characterized by enhanced purity and brightness.

DOI
10.1080/09500340.2025.2568568

Related papers

Enhancement of Photon Blockade in Cavity‐Magnon Systems via Coherent Feedback

Zhipeng Cheng, Long‐Jiang Cong, Yi‐Xiong Luo +7 more

Abstract This paper proposes a novel scheme to enhance the photon blockade effect in a cavity‐magnon system via coherent feedback loops. The system comprises a microwave cavity, a coherent feedback loop, and a yttrium iron garnet sphere. The cavity mode is coupled to the magnon mode via magnetic dipole interaction and is driven by both a two‐photon driving field and a weak pump field. The statistical properties of photons are characterized through the second‐order correlation function. Research findings indicate that coherent feedback significantly enhances the photon blockade effect, with the underlying physical mechanism being the effective reduction of the average two‐photon number. After introducing the two‐photon driving field, the optimal driving intensity and phase conditions for achieving photon blockade through analytical calculations are obtained. Under these optimal parameters, the proposed scheme demonstrates a low reflection coefficient, thereby ensuring excellent experimental feasibility and flexible controllability. This study offers new insights into the design of tunable single‐photon sources and establishes a novel research platform based on coherent feedback control for realizing photon blockade.

Advanced Quantum Technologies•Nov 11, 2025•2 citations

Universal photon blockades via parametric amplification in second-order nonlinearly coupled cavities

Guo-Hua Lv, Rui Hou, Y. H. Zhou +3 more

Photon blockade (PB) is generally classified into conventional and unconventional types based on their distinct physical mechanisms. Recent studies have aimed to bridge the two regimes to realize a universal photon blockade (universal PB) that combines their respective advantages. Here, we propose a scheme for achieving universal PB based on second-order nonlinearity. The second-order nonlinear coupling between two cavity modes mediates the fundamental interaction, while an optical parametric amplifier embedded in one cavity introduces additional quantum interference pathways. We analytically derive the optimal conditions for universal PB, and the analytical results show excellent agreement with numerical simulations. By comparing universal PB with conventional PB, we highlight its unique performance advantages: the scheme operates effectively in both strong and weak coupling regimes, relaxes experimental constraints, and achieves an ultra-low equal-time second-order correlation function g (2) (0) down to 10 −7 , while maintaining a moderate mean photon number N a ∼ 10 −2 . This work provides a feasible and tunable platform for realizing high-purity single-photon sources and exploring quantum statistical properties in nonlinear cavity systems.

Optics Express•Dec 15, 2025•4 citations

Nonreciprocal magnon blockade based on nonlinear effects

Han-Qiu Zhang, Shuang-Shuo Chu, Jian-Song Zhang +2 more

We present an alternative scheme to achieve nonreciprocal unconventional magnon blockade (NUMB) in a hybrid system formed by two microwave cavities and one yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere, where the pump and signal cavities interact nonlinearly with each other and the signal cavity is coupled to the YIG sphere. It is found that the nonlinear coupling occurs between the pump cavity and magnon modes due to the dispersive interactions among three bosonic modes. Meanwhile, the Kerr nonlinearity is present in the pump cavity. Based on these nonlinear effects, a nonreciprocal magnon blockade could be achieved with the help of weak parametric driving of the pump cavity. The present work provides an alternative method to prepare single magnon resource, which may be helpful for quantum information processing.

quant-pharXiv:2604.25141•Optics Letters•Apr 29, 2026•23 citations

Enhanced Unconventional Photon Blockade Via Parametric Amplification in Cavity Magnomechanical Systems

Min Cao, Yikyung Yu, Xue Yan Han +2 more

Abstract A scheme is proposed to realize strong photon blockade (PB) effect in cavity magnomechanical system by incorporating a magnon parametric amplification (MPA). By analyzing the theoretical model of this system, it is found that the introduction of MPA not only increases additional transition pathways but also facilitates destructive interference between different transition paths, leading to a significantly enhanced unconventional photon blockade (UPB). This research demonstrates that PB is highly sensitive to phase and driving strength, and the optimized parameter relationships provide effective guidance for achieving quantum correlation. Furthermore, these conditions are closely related to the strength of the magnon‐photon coupling, indicating the significant impact of the system's nonlinear characteristics on the photon–photon correlations. This work not only deepens the understanding of quantum interference in hybrid cavity systems but also provides a viable route toward realizing high‐purity single‐photon sources in magnomechanical platforms.

Advanced Quantum Technologies•Sep 12, 2025•5 citations

Unconventional Mgnon Blockade Under the Sagenac Fizeau Shift in an Opto-Magnonic System: Parametric Amplification

Anjan Samanta, Pinku Jana, Paresh Chandra Jana

We propose to achieve and enhance the unconventional magnon blockade effect, based on a quantum destructive interference mechanism in an op to mechanical magnetic system composed of a rotating cavity and a yttrium irongarnet (YIG) sphere. We introduce a degenerate parametric amplifier and derive the optimal parametric gain and phase to achieve magnon blockade analytically. By tuning the system parameters (weak coupling) and the driving detuning of the cavity and magnon modes, we achieve the smallest second-order magnon correlation function. The optomechanical cavity couples to the YIG sphere by magnetic dipole interaction. We achieve unconventional magnon blockade effects when the cavity is driven from a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. We introduce a new feature that combines the impact of destructive interference and energy-level anharmonicity to achieve magnon blockade. The equal-time second-order magnon correlation avoids time delay and rapid oscillation. In the input end of the system, two photons drive, and complete quantum destructive interference. This study opens a new window for physical applications, including the generation of single magnon sources, Quantum sensing, and Quantum simulation. Experimentally, we can control quantum noise and amplify the signal using parametric amplification.

International Journal of Inventive Engineering and Sciences•Jun 26, 2025•0 citations

Nonreciprocal Unconventional Photon Blockade with Kerr Magnons

Xiao‐Hong Fan, Yi‐Ning Zhang, Junpo Yu +4 more

Abstract Nonreciprocal devices, allowing to manipulate one‐way signals, are crucial to quantum information processing and quantum networks. Here a nonlinear cavity‐magnon system is proposed, consisting of a microwave cavity coupled to one or two yttrium–iron–garnet (YIG) spheres supporting magnons with Kerr nonlinearity, to investigate nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade. The nonreciprocity originates from the direction‐dependent Kerr effect, distinctly different from previous proposals with spinning cavities and dissipative couplings. For a single sphere case, nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade can be realized by manipulating the nonreciprocal destructive interference between two active paths, via varying the Kerr coefficient from positive to negative, or vice versa. By optimizing the system parameters, the perfect and well‐tuned nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade can be predicted. For the case of two spheres with opposite Kerr effects, only reciprocal unconventional photon blockade can be observed when two cavity‐magnon coupling strengths Kerr strengths are symmetric. However, when coupling strengths or Kerr strengths become asymmetric, nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade appears. This implies that two‐sphere nonlinear cavity‐magnon systems can be used to switch the transition between reciprocal and nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockades. This study offers a potential platform for investigating the nonreciprocal photon blockade effect in nonlinear cavity magnonics.

arXiv:2401.02251•Advanced Quantum Technologies•May 8, 2024•34 citations
We propose a hybrid cavity-magnon system scheme that integrates a yttrium iron garnet sphere with a microwave cavity filled with Kerr medium, aiming to achieve both conventional and unconventional photon blockade simultaneously. Our research demonstrates that by tuning the strength of the Kerr nonlinearity and adjusting the two-photon driving intensity, we can realize quantum effects associated with both types of photon blockade. Furthermore, through careful selection of system parameters, we have obtained optimal results for photon blockade under ideal conditions. This scheme fully exploits the advantages offered by both conventional and unconventional photon blockade mechanisms, effectively reducing the equal-time second-order photon correlation function while also achieving a higher mean photon number. It provides an alternative and experimentally feasible platform for preparing single-photon sources characterized by enhanced purity and brightness.
Abstract This paper proposes a novel scheme to enhance the photon blockade effect in a cavity‐magnon system via coherent feedback loops. The system comprises a microwave cavity, a coherent feedback loop, and a yttrium iron garnet sphere. The cavity mode is coupled to the magnon mode via magnetic dipole interaction and is driven by both a two‐photon driving field and a weak pump field. The statistical properties of photons are characterized through the second‐order correlation function. Research findings indicate that coherent feedback significantly enhances the photon blockade effect, with the underlying physical mechanism being the effective reduction of the average two‐photon number. After introducing the two‐photon driving field, the optimal driving intensity and phase conditions for achieving photon blockade through analytical calculations are obtained. Under these optimal parameters, the proposed scheme demonstrates a low reflection coefficient, thereby ensuring excellent experimental feasibility and flexible controllability. This study offers new insights into the design of tunable single‐photon sources and establishes a novel research platform based on coherent feedback control for realizing photon blockade.
Photon blockade (PB) is generally classified into conventional and unconventional types based on their distinct physical mechanisms. Recent studies have aimed to bridge the two regimes to realize a universal photon blockade (universal PB) that combines their respective advantages. Here, we propose a scheme for achieving universal PB based on second-order nonlinearity. The second-order nonlinear coupling between two cavity modes mediates the fundamental interaction, while an optical parametric amplifier embedded in one cavity introduces additional quantum interference pathways. We analytically derive the optimal conditions for universal PB, and the analytical results show excellent agreement with numerical simulations. By comparing universal PB with conventional PB, we highlight its unique performance advantages: the scheme operates effectively in both strong and weak coupling regimes, relaxes experimental constraints, and achieves an ultra-low equal-time second-order correlation function g (2) (0) down to 10 −7 , while maintaining a moderate mean photon number N a ∼ 10 −2 . This work provides a feasible and tunable platform for realizing high-purity single-photon sources and exploring quantum statistical properties in nonlinear cavity systems.
We present an alternative scheme to achieve nonreciprocal unconventional magnon blockade (NUMB) in a hybrid system formed by two microwave cavities and one yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere, where the pump and signal cavities interact nonlinearly with each other and the signal cavity is coupled to the YIG sphere. It is found that the nonlinear coupling occurs between the pump cavity and magnon modes due to the dispersive interactions among three bosonic modes. Meanwhile, the Kerr nonlinearity is present in the pump cavity. Based on these nonlinear effects, a nonreciprocal magnon blockade could be achieved with the help of weak parametric driving of the pump cavity. The present work provides an alternative method to prepare single magnon resource, which may be helpful for quantum information processing.
Abstract A scheme is proposed to realize strong photon blockade (PB) effect in cavity magnomechanical system by incorporating a magnon parametric amplification (MPA). By analyzing the theoretical model of this system, it is found that the introduction of MPA not only increases additional transition pathways but also facilitates destructive interference between different transition paths, leading to a significantly enhanced unconventional photon blockade (UPB). This research demonstrates that PB is highly sensitive to phase and driving strength, and the optimized parameter relationships provide effective guidance for achieving quantum correlation. Furthermore, these conditions are closely related to the strength of the magnon‐photon coupling, indicating the significant impact of the system's nonlinear characteristics on the photon–photon correlations. This work not only deepens the understanding of quantum interference in hybrid cavity systems but also provides a viable route toward realizing high‐purity single‐photon sources in magnomechanical platforms.
We propose to achieve and enhance the unconventional magnon blockade effect, based on a quantum destructive interference mechanism in an op to mechanical magnetic system composed of a rotating cavity and a yttrium irongarnet (YIG) sphere. We introduce a degenerate parametric amplifier and derive the optimal parametric gain and phase to achieve magnon blockade analytically. By tuning the system parameters (weak coupling) and the driving detuning of the cavity and magnon modes, we achieve the smallest second-order magnon correlation function. The optomechanical cavity couples to the YIG sphere by magnetic dipole interaction. We achieve unconventional magnon blockade effects when the cavity is driven from a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. We introduce a new feature that combines the impact of destructive interference and energy-level anharmonicity to achieve magnon blockade. The equal-time second-order magnon correlation avoids time delay and rapid oscillation. In the input end of the system, two photons drive, and complete quantum destructive interference. This study opens a new window for physical applications, including the generation of single magnon sources, Quantum sensing, and Quantum simulation. Experimentally, we can control quantum noise and amplify the signal using parametric amplification.
Abstract Nonreciprocal devices, allowing to manipulate one‐way signals, are crucial to quantum information processing and quantum networks. Here a nonlinear cavity‐magnon system is proposed, consisting of a microwave cavity coupled to one or two yttrium–iron–garnet (YIG) spheres supporting magnons with Kerr nonlinearity, to investigate nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade. The nonreciprocity originates from the direction‐dependent Kerr effect, distinctly different from previous proposals with spinning cavities and dissipative couplings. For a single sphere case, nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade can be realized by manipulating the nonreciprocal destructive interference between two active paths, via varying the Kerr coefficient from positive to negative, or vice versa. By optimizing the system parameters, the perfect and well‐tuned nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade can be predicted. For the case of two spheres with opposite Kerr effects, only reciprocal unconventional photon blockade can be observed when two cavity‐magnon coupling strengths Kerr strengths are symmetric. However, when coupling strengths or Kerr strengths become asymmetric, nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockade appears. This implies that two‐sphere nonlinear cavity‐magnon systems can be used to switch the transition between reciprocal and nonreciprocal unconventional photon blockades. This study offers a potential platform for investigating the nonreciprocal photon blockade effect in nonlinear cavity magnonics.