arXiv:quant-ph/0411107

Framework for quantum modeling of fiber-optical networks: PART I

John M. Myers

Published Nov 15, 2004• 1 citation

Abstract

We formulate quantum optics to include frequency dependence in the modeling of optical networks. Entangled light pulses available for quantum cryptography are entangled not only in polarization but also, whether one wants it or not, in frequency. We model effects of the frequency spectrum of faint polarization-entangled light pulses on detection statistics. For instance, we show how polarization entanglement combines with frequency entanglement in the variation of detection statistics with pulse energy. Attention is paid not only to single-photon light states but also to multi-photon states. These are needed (1) to analyze the dependence of statistics on energy and (2) to help in calibrating fiber couplers, lasers and other devices, even when their desired use is for the generation of single-photon light.

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.quant-ph/0411107

Related papers

Framework for quantum modeling of fiber-optical networks: PART II

John M. Myers

arXiv:quant-ph/0411108Nov 15, 20042 citations

Polarization-entangled light for quantum key distribution: how frequency spectrum and energy affect detection statistics

John M. Myers

Light pulses used in quantum key distribution (QKD) designed for polarization entanglement also exhibit frequency entanglement. Although absent from the simplified models that initiated QKD, the degree of frequency entanglement of polarization-entangled light pulses is shown to affect the amount of key that can be distilled from raw light signals. In one example, extreme frequency entanglement generates 4/3 of the amount of distilled key as does no frequency entanglement.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIEMay 25, 20055 citations

Modeling light entangled in polarization and frequency: case study in quantum cryptography

John M. Myers

With the recognition of a logical gap between experiments and equations of quantum mechanics comes: (1) a chance to clarify such purely mathematical entities as probabilities, density operators, and partial traces-separated out from the choices and judgments necessary to apply them to describing experiments with devices, and (2) an added freedom to invent equations by which to model devices, stemming from the corresponding freedom in interpreting how these equations connect to experiments. Here I apply a few of these clarifications and freedoms to model polarization-entangled light pulses called for in quantum key distribution (QKD). Available light pulses are entangled not only in polarization but also in frequency. Although absent from the simplified models that initiated QKD, the degree of frequency entanglement of polarization-entangled light pulses is shown to affect the amount of key that can be distilled from raw light signals, in one case by a factor of 4/3. Open questions remain, because QKD brings concepts of quantum decision theory, such as measures of distinguishability, mostly worked out in the context of finite-dimensional vector spaces, into contact with infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces needed to give expression to optical frequency spectra.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIEAug 1, 20050 citations

Entanglement in quantum communication : preparation and characterization of photonic qubits

Daniel Ljunggren

At the heart of quantum physics lies the principle of superposition, and at the heart of information theory lies the bit. Perhaps the most useful property of quantum systems is that they can be loaded with information bits, so-called qubits, that are indefinitely both 0 and 1 until a measurement is made. Another consequence is that several qubits can become entangled, which is manifested by the non-classical correlations between such quantum systems when measured in all possible bases. Within the rapidly progressing fields of quantum information and quantum communication these quantum effects are utilized to perform tasks such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. In this thesis we present experimental and theoretical work using single photon sources to prepare ``flying'' photonic qubits. We describe work using mainly quasi-phase-matched nonlinear crystals to generate beams of entangled photon pairs, that are either encoded in polarization at near-visible wavelengths, or in time at optical fiber telecommunication wavelengths (1550 nm). The optical fiber is the medium used for transporting the qubits over a long distance, and it is therefore essential to couple the photons well into the fibers. By focusing the beams optimally, we have investigated how this problem can meet the requirement of creating photons of a narrow frequency bandwidth and a high photon flux. Furthermore, we have generated truly single photons that are heralded by an electrical signal. As a result of modifying the statistics of such sources we have been able to show the effect of photon antibunching. In two separate works, we have implemented a quantum key distribution system based on faint laser pulses at the telecom wavelength of 1550 nm, as well as protocols based on entanglement for performing authentication of key distribution in quantum cryptography.

Jan 1, 20060 citations

Optical quantum communications: an experimental approach

Armando N. Pinto, Álvaro J. Almeida, Nuno A. Silva +2 more

Quantum laws can be used to implement secure communication channels; this has been named quantum cryptography. In quantum cryptography the security does not depend of limited computational power, but is inherent to the laws that govern the propagation and detection of single and entangled photons. We show how single and entangled photon-pairs can be efficiently generated using four-wave mixing in optical fibers. We analyze the source statistics, degree of entanglement and impact of spontaneous Raman scattering. By coding information in the photons polarization we are able to transmit quantum information over 20 km of standard single mode fiber.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIEMay 21, 20115 citations

Optical fiber sources of pulsed single- and multi-photon states for quantum networks

Christoph Söller

The field of quantum optics offers the intriguing possibility of developing new, potentially ground-breaking technologies based on the laws of quantum physics. Single quanta of light, called photons, are at the heart of many such quantum optical technologies. They can serve, for example, as information carriers in quantum cryptography and in quantum-information processing. If such applications are to fulfill their enormous potential, it is essential to have sources available that provide photons in the required quantum states. An established way of generating states of single photons is based on photon-pair sources. In this approach, the detection of one photon of a pair heralds the presence of the partner photon, which can then be further processed. However, to generate heralded photons in pure quantum states, specific conditions have to be met, making the design and implementation of such sources challenging. This thesis presents two new photon-pair sources that allow the heralded generation of single photons with high purity. Both sources are based on optical fiber, which allows high collection efficiencies for the generated states and opens the possibility of easy integration into modern-day fiber networks. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to quantum optical technologies and gives a short overview of current approaches to generate pure single photons. Chapter 2 presents the basic theory on which the experimental work presented in Chapters 3 and 4 is based. It explains the concept of a spectrally broad single photon and how photon purity can be tested using Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference. Subsequently, the properties of photon-pair states and the heralded generation of single photons from such states are discussed. It is shown that for a heralded photon to be pure, the original photon pair has to be in a factorable state, that is, free of any correlations. The introduced theory is then applied to spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) in optical fibers, a nonlinear process that allows the generation of photon pairs. It is shown how the factorability of the created pairs depends on the fiber's dispersion properties, and the necessary conditions for the generation of factorable states are derived. The chapter concludes with an analysis of the photon statistics of the four-wave mixing process, explaining how statistics and the g(2) correlation function can be used to evaluate the factorability of the SFWM output state. Chapters 3 and 4 contain the main results of this thesis. Chapter 3 presents the first spectrally decorrelated photon-pair source bridging the visible and telecommunication wavelength ranges. The photon pairs are generated by SFWM in a photonic crystal fiber (PCF). The chapter documents the procedure of how the PCF source was designed and fabricated, as well as its characterization based on spectral measurements and photon statistics. One photon of the pair state is generated in the visible at 513.5 nm, where it can be efficiently detected with silicon-based single-photon detectors. It serves as a herald for its broadband partner photon, which is emitted in the telecom wavelength range at 1547 nm. A spectral coincidence measurement shows that the heralded photon exhibits a purity of up to 0.82. At increased pump powers, even the heralded generation of higher photon-number states in the telecom band becomes feasible. In Chapter 4, we use commercial birefringent fiber to herald high-purity photons of picosecond duration at 848 nm. The presented two-source HOM interference experiment shows that the heralded unfiltered state has a purity of at least 0.73. This value is increased to 0.84 with the application of wavelength filters suppressing low-intensity side peaks in the spectrum. The heralded photons are coupled into a single-mode fiber with an efficiency of 85%, the highest reported value to date for factorable sources. It is also shown that a commercial polarization controller can be used to fine-tune the generated wavelengths. This facilitates matching photons from multiple sources, as required for optical quantum computing schemes. Chapter 5 summarizes all results and provides an outlook toward potential future projects.

Jan 1, 20110 citations