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

Optics Express

Generation of multiphoton Fock states by multiplexing heralded photon sources

Balint Szilasi, Matyas I. Mechler, Петер Адам

Published Oct 22, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a scheme based on the multiplexing of heralded multiphoton sources for the generation of multiphoton Fock states. We theoretically analyze the performance of multiplexed multiphoton sources based on output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers. We show that this system can be used to generate multiphoton states with considerably higher multiphoton probabilities than those that can be achieved with a single heralded multiphoton source. For multiplexed two-photon sources, we present detailed results on the optimization of the mean number of photon pairs generated in the heralded sources and the number of multiplexed units, which are relevant for the experimental realization.

DOI
10.1364/oe.576279

Related papers

Spatially multiplexed single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers

Петер Адам, Ferenc Bódog, Matyas I. Mechler

We propose two novel types of spatially multiplexed single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers. The incomplete multiplexers are extensions of complete \nbinary-tree multiplexers, and they contain incomplete branches either at the input or at the output of them. We analyze and optimize these systems realized with general asymmetric routers and photon-number-resolving detectors by applying a general statistical theory introduced previously \nthat includes all relevant loss mechanisms. We show that the use of any of the two proposed multiplexing systems can lead to higher single-photon probabilities than that achieved with complete binary-tree multiplexers. Single-photon sources based on output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers outperform those based on input-extended ones in the considered parameter ranges, and they can in principle yield single-photon probabilities higher than 0.93 \nwhen they are realized by state-of-the-art bulk optical elements. We show that the application of the incomplete binary-tree approach can significantly improve the performance of the multiplexed single-photon sources for suboptimal system sizes that is a typical situation in current experiments.

•Feb 28, 2022•7 citations

Single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers with optimized inputs

Петер Адам, Matyas I. Mechler

We analyze single-photon sources based on minimum-based, maximum-logic output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers assuming different input mean photon numbers in each of the multiplexed units. This approach results in maximal single-photon probabilities higher than those achieved with optimal identical input mean photon numbers. The proposed technique decreases the multiphoton noise of the sources and it is especially advantageous for lower detector efficiencies. We show that assuming different input mean photon numbers in the multiplexed units, single-photon sources based on the analyzed multiplexers outperform those based on asymmetric multiplexers for the major part of the considered parameter range.

Physics Letters A•Mar 4, 2024•4 citations

Spatially multiplexed single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers

Peter Adam, Ferenc Bodog, Matyas Mechler

We propose two novel types of spatially multiplexed single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers. The incomplete multiplexers are extensions of complete binary-tree multiplexers, and they contain incomplete branches either at the input or at the output of them. We analyze and optimize these systems realized with general asymmetric routers and photon-number-resolving detectors by applying a general statistical theory introduced previously that includes all relevant loss mechanisms. We show that the use of any of the two proposed multiplexing systems can lead to higher single-photon probabilities than that achieved with complete binary-tree multiplexers. Single-photon sources based on output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers outperform those based on input-extended ones in the considered parameter ranges, and they can in principle yield single-photon probabilities higher than 0.93 when they are realized by state-of-the-art bulk optical elements. We show that the application of the incomplete binary-tree approach can significantly improve the performance of the multiplexed single-photon sources for suboptimal system sizes that is a typical situation in current experiments.

arXiv:2111.12622•Optics Express•Feb 9, 2022•9 citations

Climbing the Fock ladder: Advancing multiphoton state generation

Melanie Engelkemeier, Jan Sperling, Johannes Tiedau +5 more

A scheme for the enhanced generation of higher photon-number states is realized, using an optical time-multiplexing setting that exploits a parametric down-conversion source for an iterative state generation. We use a quantum feedback mechanism for already generated photons to induce self-seeding of the consecutive nonlinear process, enabling us to coherently add photons to the light that propagates in the feedback loop. The addition can be carried out for any chosen number of round trips, resulting in a successive buildup of multiphoton states. Our system is only limited by loop losses. The looped design is rendered possible by a carefully engineered waveguide source that is compatible with and preserves the shape of the propagating mode. We compare the fidelities and success probabilities of our protocol with the common direct heralding of photon-number states. This comparison reveals that, for same the fidelity, our feedback-based setup significantly enhances success probabilities, being vital for an efficient utilization in quantum technologies. Moreover, quantum characteristics of the produced states are analyzed, and the flexibility of producing higher photon-number states with our setup beyond the common direct heralding is demonstrated.

arXiv:2105.03720•May 8, 2021•3 citations

Reducing Multiphoton Noise in Multiplexed Single-Photon Sources

Петер Адам, Matyas I. Mechler

Multiplexed single-photon sources can produce indistinguishable single photons with high probability in near-perfect spatial modes. Such systems, realized with optical elements having losses, can be optimized—that is, both the optimal number of multiplexed units in the sources and the optimal mean number of photon pairs generated in a multiplexed unit, for which the output single-photon probability is maximal, can be determined. The accompanying multiphoton noise of the sources, arising from the probabilistic nature of the underlying physical processes in these systems, can be detrimental in certain applications. Inspired by this fact, we develop a procedure aimed at decreasing the multiphoton noise of multiplexed single-photon sources. The procedure is based on the reoptimization of the system for the chosen value of the normalized second-order autocorrelation function characterizing the multiphoton noise. The results of this reoptimization are shown for two types of spatially multiplexed single-photon sources. We find that by applying the proposed procedure, the multiphoton noise can be considerably decreased along with a relatively low decrease in the single-photon probability. Although the method presented here is for two spatially multiplexed single-photon sources, it can be applied straightforwardly for any type of multiplexed single-photon source.

Photonics•Aug 4, 2024•2 citations

Exploring the limits of multiplexed photon-pair sources for the preparation of pure single-photon states

Robert J. A. Francis-Jones, Peter J. Mosley

Current sources of heralded single photons based on nonlinear optics operate in a probabilistic manner. In order to build quantum-enhanced devices based around the use of single photons, compact, turn-key and deterministic sources are required. A possible solution is to multiplex a number of sources to increase the single-photon generation probability and in so doing reducing the waiting time to deliver large numbers of photons simultaneously, from independent sources. Previously it has been shown that, in the ideal case, 17 multiplexed sources allow deterministic generation of heralded single photons [Christ and Silberhorn, Phys. Rev. A 85, 023829 (2012)]. Here we extend this analysis to include undesirable effects of detector inefficiency and photon loss on a number of multiplexed sources using a variety of different detectors for heralding. We compare these systems for fixed signal-to-noise ratio to allow a direct comparison of performance for real- world heralded single photon sources.

arXiv:1409.1394•Sep 4, 2014•9 citations
We propose a scheme based on the multiplexing of heralded multiphoton sources for the generation of multiphoton Fock states. We theoretically analyze the performance of multiplexed multiphoton sources based on output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers. We show that this system can be used to generate multiphoton states with considerably higher multiphoton probabilities than those that can be achieved with a single heralded multiphoton source. For multiplexed two-photon sources, we present detailed results on the optimization of the mean number of photon pairs generated in the heralded sources and the number of multiplexed units, which are relevant for the experimental realization.
We propose two novel types of spatially multiplexed single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers. The incomplete multiplexers are extensions of complete \nbinary-tree multiplexers, and they contain incomplete branches either at the input or at the output of them. We analyze and optimize these systems realized with general asymmetric routers and photon-number-resolving detectors by applying a general statistical theory introduced previously \nthat includes all relevant loss mechanisms. We show that the use of any of the two proposed multiplexing systems can lead to higher single-photon probabilities than that achieved with complete binary-tree multiplexers. Single-photon sources based on output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers outperform those based on input-extended ones in the considered parameter ranges, and they can in principle yield single-photon probabilities higher than 0.93 \nwhen they are realized by state-of-the-art bulk optical elements. We show that the application of the incomplete binary-tree approach can significantly improve the performance of the multiplexed single-photon sources for suboptimal system sizes that is a typical situation in current experiments.
We analyze single-photon sources based on minimum-based, maximum-logic output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers assuming different input mean photon numbers in each of the multiplexed units. This approach results in maximal single-photon probabilities higher than those achieved with optimal identical input mean photon numbers. The proposed technique decreases the multiphoton noise of the sources and it is especially advantageous for lower detector efficiencies. We show that assuming different input mean photon numbers in the multiplexed units, single-photon sources based on the analyzed multiplexers outperform those based on asymmetric multiplexers for the major part of the considered parameter range.
We propose two novel types of spatially multiplexed single-photon sources based on incomplete binary-tree multiplexers. The incomplete multiplexers are extensions of complete binary-tree multiplexers, and they contain incomplete branches either at the input or at the output of them. We analyze and optimize these systems realized with general asymmetric routers and photon-number-resolving detectors by applying a general statistical theory introduced previously that includes all relevant loss mechanisms. We show that the use of any of the two proposed multiplexing systems can lead to higher single-photon probabilities than that achieved with complete binary-tree multiplexers. Single-photon sources based on output-extended incomplete binary-tree multiplexers outperform those based on input-extended ones in the considered parameter ranges, and they can in principle yield single-photon probabilities higher than 0.93 when they are realized by state-of-the-art bulk optical elements. We show that the application of the incomplete binary-tree approach can significantly improve the performance of the multiplexed single-photon sources for suboptimal system sizes that is a typical situation in current experiments.
A scheme for the enhanced generation of higher photon-number states is realized, using an optical time-multiplexing setting that exploits a parametric down-conversion source for an iterative state generation. We use a quantum feedback mechanism for already generated photons to induce self-seeding of the consecutive nonlinear process, enabling us to coherently add photons to the light that propagates in the feedback loop. The addition can be carried out for any chosen number of round trips, resulting in a successive buildup of multiphoton states. Our system is only limited by loop losses. The looped design is rendered possible by a carefully engineered waveguide source that is compatible with and preserves the shape of the propagating mode. We compare the fidelities and success probabilities of our protocol with the common direct heralding of photon-number states. This comparison reveals that, for same the fidelity, our feedback-based setup significantly enhances success probabilities, being vital for an efficient utilization in quantum technologies. Moreover, quantum characteristics of the produced states are analyzed, and the flexibility of producing higher photon-number states with our setup beyond the common direct heralding is demonstrated.
Multiplexed single-photon sources can produce indistinguishable single photons with high probability in near-perfect spatial modes. Such systems, realized with optical elements having losses, can be optimized—that is, both the optimal number of multiplexed units in the sources and the optimal mean number of photon pairs generated in a multiplexed unit, for which the output single-photon probability is maximal, can be determined. The accompanying multiphoton noise of the sources, arising from the probabilistic nature of the underlying physical processes in these systems, can be detrimental in certain applications. Inspired by this fact, we develop a procedure aimed at decreasing the multiphoton noise of multiplexed single-photon sources. The procedure is based on the reoptimization of the system for the chosen value of the normalized second-order autocorrelation function characterizing the multiphoton noise. The results of this reoptimization are shown for two types of spatially multiplexed single-photon sources. We find that by applying the proposed procedure, the multiphoton noise can be considerably decreased along with a relatively low decrease in the single-photon probability. Although the method presented here is for two spatially multiplexed single-photon sources, it can be applied straightforwardly for any type of multiplexed single-photon source.
Current sources of heralded single photons based on nonlinear optics operate in a probabilistic manner. In order to build quantum-enhanced devices based around the use of single photons, compact, turn-key and deterministic sources are required. A possible solution is to multiplex a number of sources to increase the single-photon generation probability and in so doing reducing the waiting time to deliver large numbers of photons simultaneously, from independent sources. Previously it has been shown that, in the ideal case, 17 multiplexed sources allow deterministic generation of heralded single photons [Christ and Silberhorn, Phys. Rev. A 85, 023829 (2012)]. Here we extend this analysis to include undesirable effects of detector inefficiency and photon loss on a number of multiplexed sources using a variety of different detectors for heralding. We compare these systems for fixed signal-to-noise ratio to allow a direct comparison of performance for real- world heralded single photon sources.