No Arabic abstract
Trends in photonic quantum information follow closely the technical progress in classical optics and telecommunications. In this regard, advances in multiplexing optical communications channels have also been pursued for the generation of multi-dimensional quantum states (qudits), since their use is advantageous for several quantum information tasks. One current path leading in this direction is through the use of space-division multiplexing multi-core optical fibers, which provides a new platform for efficiently controlling path-encoded qudit states. Here we report on a parametric down-conversion source of entangled qudits that is fully based on (and therefore compatible with) state-of-the-art multi-core fiber technology. The source design uses modern multi-core fiber beam splitters to prepare the pump laser beam as well as measure the generated entangled state, achieving high spectral brightness while providing a stable architecture. In addition, it can be readily used with any core geometry, which is crucial since widespread standards for multi-core fibers in telecommunications have yet to be established. Our source represents an important step towards the compatibility of quantum communications with the next-generation optical networks.
We propose a new scheme to generate the multi-photon entanglement via two steps, that is, first to utilize the superconductor to create the multi-quantum-dot entanglement, and then to use the input photon to transfer it into the multi-photon entanglement. Moreover, the maximum probability for the swap of photon and quantum-dot qubits is close to unit for a single input Gaussian photon. More importantly, by mapping the multi-quantum-dot state into the coherent states of oscillators, such as cavity modes, the multi-quantum-dot entanglement in our scheme can be protected from the decoherence induced by the noise. Thus, it is possible to generate more than eight spatially separated entangled photons in the realistic experimental conditions.
High-dimensional entanglement promises to greatly enhance the performance of quantum communication and enable quantum advantages unreachable by qubit entanglement. One of the great challenges, however, is the reliable production, distribution and local certification of high-dimensional sources of entanglement. In this article, we present an optical setup capable of producing quantum states with an exceptionally high-level of scalability, control and quality, that, together with novel certification techniques, achieve the highest amount of entanglement recorded so far. We showcase entanglement in $32$-spatial dimensions with record fidelity to the maximally entangled state ($F=0.933pm0.001$) and introduce measurement efficient schemes to certify entanglement of formation ($E_{oF}=3.728pm0.006$). Combined with the existing multi-core fibre technology, our results will lay a solid foundation for the construction of high-dimensional quantum networks.
The global quantum network requires the distribution of entangled states over long distances, with significant advances already demonstrated using entangled polarisation states, reaching approximately 1200 km in free space and 100 km in optical fibre. Packing more information into each photon requires Hilbert spaces with higher dimensionality, for example, that of spatial modes of light. However spatial mode entanglement transport requires custom multimode fibre and is limited by decoherence induced mode coupling. Here we transport multi-dimensional entangled states down conventional single-mode fibre (SMF). We achieve this by entangling the spin-orbit degrees of freedom of a bi-photon pair, passing the polarisation (spin) photon down the SMF while accessing multi-dimensional orbital angular momentum (orbital) subspaces with the other. We show high fidelity hybrid entanglement preservation down 250 m of SMF across multiple 2x2 dimensions, demonstrating quantum key distribution protocols, quantum state tomographies and quantum erasers. This work offers an alternative approach to spatial mode entanglement transport that facilitates deployment in legacy networks across conventional fibre.
An analytical method is presented for designing N-coupled multi-core fibers with zero differential group delay. This approach effectively reduces the problem to a system of N-1 algebraic equations involving the associated coupling coefficients and propagation constants as obtained from coupled mode theory. Once the parameters of one of the cores are specified, the roots of the resulting N-1 equations can then be used to determine the characteristics of the remaining waveguide elements. Using this technique, a number of pertinent geometrical configurations are investigated in order to minimize intermodal dispersion.
We study both experimentally and theoretically the generation of photon pairs by spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) in standard birefringent optical fibers. The ability to produce a range of two-photon spectral states, from highly correlated (entangled) to completely factorable, by means of cross-polarized birefringent phase matching, is explored. A simple model is developed to predict the spectral state of the photon pair which shows how this can be adjusted by choosing the appropriate pump bandwidth, fiber length and birefringence. Spontaneous Raman scattering is modeled to determine the tradeoff between SFWM and background Raman noise, and the predicted results are shown to agree with experimental data.