0.54 μm resolution two-photon interference with dispersion cancellation for quantum optical coherence tomography

Bright ultra-broadband fiber-based biphoton source

In this Letter, we report a first, to the best of our knoqledge, experimental realization of a bright ultra-broadband (180 THz) fiber-based biphoton source with widely spectrally separated signal and idler photons. Such a two-photon source is realized due to the joint use of a broadband two-loop phase-matching of interacting light waves and high optical nonlinearity of a silica-core photonic crystal fiber. The high performance of the developed fiber source identifies it as an important and useful tool for a wide range of optical quantum applications.

Probing exciton dynamics with spectral selectivity through the use of quantum entangled photons

Quantum light is increasingly recognized as a promising resource for developing optical measurement techniques. Particular attention has been paid to enhancing the precision of the measurements beyond classical techniques by using nonclassical correlations between quantum entangled photons. Recent advances in the quantum optics technology have made it possible to manipulate spectral and temporal properties of entangled photons, and photon correlations can facilitate the extraction of matter information with relatively simple optical systems compared to conventional schemes. In these respects, the applications of entangled photons to time-resolved spectroscopy can open new avenues for unambiguously extracting information on dynamical processes in complex molecular and materials systems. Here, we propose time-resolved spectroscopy in which specific signal contributions are selectively enhanced by harnessing nonclassical correlations of entangled photons. The entanglement time characterizes the mutual delay between an entangled twin and determines the spectral distribution of photon correlations. The entanglement time plays a dual role as the knob for controlling the accessible time region of dynamical processes and the degrees of spectral selectivity. In this sense, the role of the entanglement time is substantially equivalent to the temporal width of the classical laser pulse. The results demonstrate that the application of quantum entangled photons to time-resolved spectroscopy leads to monitoring dynamical processes in complex molecular and materials systems by selectively extracting desired signal contributions from congested spectra. We anticipate that more elaborately engineered photon states would broaden the availability of quantum light spectroscopy.

Non-collinear generation of ultra-broadband parametric fluorescence photon pairs using chirped quasi-phase matching slab waveguides

Many optical quantum applications rely on broadband frequency correlated photon pair sources. We previously reported a scheme for collinear emission of high-efficiency and ultra-broadband photon pairs using chirped quasi-phase matching (QPM) periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate (PPSLT) ridge waveguides. However, collinearly emitted photon pairs cannot be directly adopted for applications that are based on two-photon interference, such as quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT). In this work, we developed a chirped QPM device with a slab waveguide structure. This device was designed to produce spatially separable (photon pair non-collinear emission) parametric fluorescence photon pairs with an ultra-broadband bandwidth in an extremely efficient manner. Using a non-chirped QPM slab waveguide, we observed a photon pair spectrum with a full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) bandwidth of 26 nm. When using a 3% chirped QPM slab waveguide, the FWHM bandwidth of the spectrum increased to 190 nm, and the base-to-base width is 308 nm. We also confirmed a generation efficiency of 2.4×106 pairs/(μW·s) using the non-chirped device, and a efficiency of 8×105 pairs/(μW·s) using the 3% chirped device under non-collinear emission conditions after single-mode fiber coupling. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of frequency correlated photon pairs generation using slab waveguide device as a source. In addition, using slab waveguides as photon pair sources, we performed two-photon interference experiments with the non-chirped device and obtained a Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) dip with a FWHM of 7.7 μm and visibility of 98%. When using the 3% chirped device as photon pair source, the HOM measurement gave a 2 μm FWHM dip and 74% visibility.

High-depth-resolution imaging of dispersive samples using quantum optical coherence tomography

Quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT) is a promising approach to overcome the degradation of the resolution in optical coherence tomography (OCT) due to dispersion. Here, we report on an experimental demonstration of QOCT imaging in the high-resolution regime. We achieved a depth resolution of 2.5 μm, which is the highest value for QOCT imaging, to the best of our knowledge. We show that the QOCT image of a dispersive material remains clear whereas the OCT image is drastically degraded.

Self-calibrated Fourier transform spectrometer for laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy with single-photon avalanche diode detection

Fourier transform spectrometers are commonly used in scientific and industrial settings because of their ability to record complete spectra with high signal-to-noise ratios. Using a single-photon avalanche diode as the detector improves the sensitivity but adds complications in laser-induced fluorescence applications related to detector saturation and acquisition time exceeding the typical scan time. Here, we report a spectrometer for the detection of laser-induced fluorescence signal together with the excitation light, and use the second harmonic signal from the excitation light to correct the phase and calibrate the spectrum, removing the need for a separate calibration source. We achieve a resolution of 0.4cm^-1 in the wavelength range of 1140.2 nm, and demonstrate detection of signals with powers as low as 377fW, with a noise floor of 172fW/cm^-1.

Randomly aperiodically poled LiNbO3 crystal design by Monte Carlo-Metropolis with simulated annealing optimization for ultrabroadband photon pair generation

We report a scheme for generating ultrabroadband two-photon states by spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) using randomly aperiodically poled crystals designed with an optimization algorithm based on the Monte Carlo-Metropolis method with simulated annealing. A particular SPDC source is discussed, showing results of the spectral and temporal properties of the emitted two-photon states, obtaining almost transform-limited SPDC biphoton wave packets. We also analyze the effect of fabrication errors on the SPDC.

Ultrabroadband Entangled Photons on a Nanophotonic Chip

The development of quantum technologies on nanophotonic platforms has seen momentous progress in the past decade. Despite that, a demonstration of time-frequency entanglement over a broad spectral width is still lacking. Here we present an efficient source of ultrabroadband entangled photon pairs on a periodically poled lithium niobate nanophotonic waveguide. Employing dispersion engineering, we demonstrate a record-high 100 THz (1.2  μm-2  μm) generation bandwidth with a high efficiency of 13  GHz/mW and excellent noise performance with the coincidence-to-accidental ratio exceeding 10^{5}. We also measure strong time-frequency entanglement with over 98% two-photon interference visibility.

Efficient generation of ultra-broadband parametric fluorescence using chirped quasi-phase-matched waveguide devices

We present a highly efficient photon pair source using chirped quasi-phase-matched (QPM) devices with a ridge waveguide structure. We developed QPM waveguide devices with chirp rates of 3% and 6.7%. Spectrum measurements reveal that the generated photons have bandwidths of 229 nm and 325 nm in full width at half maximum (FWHM), alternatively, 418 nm and 428 nm in base-to-base width for the 3% and 6.7% chirped devices, respectively, which are much broader than the bandwidth of 16 nm in FWHM observed with a non-chirp device. We also evaluate the generation efficiency of photon pairs from coincidence measurements using two superconducting single photon detectors (SSPDs). The estimated generation efficiencies of photon pairs were 2.7 × 10⁶ pairs/s·µW and 1.2 × 10⁶ pairs/s·µW for the 3% and 6.7% chirped devices, respectively, which are comparable to the generation efficiency for the non-chirp device of 2.7 × 10⁶ pairs/s·µW. We also measured the frequency correlation of the photon pairs generated from the 6.7% chirped device. The experimental results clearly show the frequency correlation of the generated broadband photon pairs.

Birefringence and scattering characterization using polarization sensitive quantum optical coherence tomography

Polarization sensitive quantum optical coherence tomography (PS-QOCT) is used to characterize birefringence, scattering/absorption and path length differences in a flat transparent plastic sample. In this Letter, we present the first, to the best of our knowledge, experimental technique of PS-QOCT imaging and characterization of a birefringent material. Polarization sensitive coincidence rate of the entangled photons measured for each pixel and the 2D cross-sectional images are reconstructed. The technique described in this work has many potential applications in the characterization of micro and nano structures, including biological samples.

Frequency correlated photon generation at telecom band using silicon nitride ring cavities

Frequency entangled photon sources are in high demand in a variety of optical quantum technologies, including quantum key distribution, cluster state quantum computation and quantum metrology. In the recent decade, chip-scale entangled photon sources have been developed using silicon platforms, offering robustness, large scalability and CMOS technology compatibility. Here, we report the generation of frequency correlated photon pairs using a 150-GHz silicon nitride ring cavity. First, the device is characterized for studying the phase matching condition during spontaneous four-wave mixing. Next, we evaluate the joint spectrum intensity of the generated photons and confirm the photon pair generation in a total of 42 correlated frequency mode pairs, corresponding to a bandwidth of 51.25 nm. Finally, the experimental results are analyzed and the joint spectral intensity is quantified in terms of the phase matching condition.

Nonlinear interference in crystal superlattices

Nonlinear interferometers with correlated photons hold promise to advance optical characterization and metrology techniques by improving their performance and affordability. These interferometers offer subshot noise phase sensitivity and enable measurements in detection-challenging regions using inexpensive and efficient components. The sensitivity of nonlinear interferometers, defined by the ability to measure small shifts of interference fringes, can be significantly enhanced by using multiple nonlinear elements, or crystal superlattices. However, to date, experiments with more than two nonlinear elements have not been realized, thus hindering the potential of nonlinear interferometers. Here, we build a nonlinear interferometer with up to five nonlinear elements, referred to as superlattices, in a highly stable and versatile configuration. We study the modification of the interference pattern for different configurations of the superlattices and perform a proof-of-concept gas sensing experiment with enhanced sensitivity. Our approach offers a viable path towards broader adoption of nonlinear interferometers with correlated photons for imaging, interferometry, and spectroscopy.

WDM photon pair source stabilized in a wide temperature range with cascaded optical nonlinearities and DFG monitoring

In this paper, we report a multi-channel wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) photon pair source operating in a wide temperature range. The photon pair generation rates in multiple WDM channels were stabilized against changes in the operation temperature by combining the spectral flatness of cascaded optical nonlinearities (cascaded sum frequency generation/spontaneous parametric downconversion) with a differential frequency generation monitoring feedback system. The proposed method was experimentally validated using a type-I periodically poled LiNbO₃ ridge waveguide device as the photon pair source. We successfully generated 16 WDM photon pairs at almost the same rate (0.024358 ± 0.000631 pairs/s/Hz), even when the operating temperature was varied from 27.01 °C to 60.16 °C.

Interference effects in quantum-optical coherence tomography using spectrally engineered photon pairs

Optical-coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that employs light in order to measure the internal structure of semitransparent, e.g. biological, samples. It is based on the interference pattern of low-coherence light. Quantum-OCT (QOCT), instead, employs the correlation properties of entangled photon pairs, for example, generated by the process of spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC). The usual QOCT scheme uses photon pairs characterised by a joint-spectral amplitude with strict spectral anti-correlations. It has been shown that, in contrast with its classical counterpart, QOCT provides resolution enhancement and dispersion cancellation. In this paper, we revisit the theory of QOCT and extend the theoretical model so as to include photon pairs with arbitrary spectral correlations. We present experimental results that complement the theory and explain the physical underpinnings appearing in the interference pattern. In our experiment, we utilize a pump for the SPDC process ranging from continuous wave to pulsed in the femtosecond regime, and show that cross-correlation interference effects appearing for each pair of layers may be directly suppressed for a sufficiently large pump bandwidth. Our results provide insights and strategies that could guide practical implementations of QOCT.

Direct generation of frequency-bin entangled photons via two-period quasi-phase-matched parametric downconversion

We report a simple scheme for direct generation of frequency-bin entangled photon pairs via spontaneous parametric downconversion. Our fabricated nonlinear optical crystal with two different poling periods can simultaneously satisfy two different, spectrally symmetric nondegenerate quasi-phase-matching conditions, enabling the direct generation of entanglement in two discrete frequency-bin modes. Our produced photon pairs exhibited Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with high-visibility beating oscillations- a signature of two-mode frequency-bin entanglement. Moreover, we demonstrate deterministic entanglement-mode conversion from frequency-bin to polarization modes, with which our source can be more versatile for various quantum applications. Our scheme can be extended to direct generation of high-dimensional frequency-bin entanglement, and thus will be a key technology for frequency-multiplexed optical quantum information processing.

Quantum interferometric generation of polarization entangled photons

Quantum interference, like Hong-Ou-Mandel interference, has played an important role to test fundamental concepts in quantum physics. We experimentally show that the multiple quantum interference effects enable the generation of high-performance polarization entangled photons. These photons have a high-emission rate, are degenerate, have a broadband distribution, and are postselection free. A quantum interferometric scheme, based on a round-trip configuration of a double-pass polarization Sagnac interferometer, makes it possible to use the large generation efficiency of polarization entangled photons in the process of parametric down-conversion and to separate degenerate photon pairs into different optical modes with no requirement of postselection. We demonstrate experimentally that multiple quantum interference is not only an interesting fundamental quantum optical phenomenon but can be used for novel photonic quantum information technologies.

Attosecond-resolution Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometry

When two indistinguishable photons are each incident on separate input ports of a beamsplitter, they "bunch" deterministically, exiting via the same port as a direct consequence of their bosonic nature. This two-photon interference effect has long-held the potential for application in precision measurement of time delays, such as those induced by transparent specimens with unknown thickness profiles. However, the technique has never achieved resolutions significantly better than the few-femtosecond (micrometer) scale other than in a common-path geometry that severely limits applications. We develop the precision of Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometry toward the ultimate limits dictated by statistical estimation theory, achieving few-attosecond (or nanometer path length) scale resolutions in a dual-arm geometry, thus providing access to length scales pertinent to cell biology and monoatomic layer two-dimensional materials.

Sub-micrometer axial resolution OCT for in-vivo imaging of the cellular structure of healthy and keratoconic human corneas

Corneal degenerative conditions such as keratoconus (KC) cause progressive damage to the anterior corneal tissue and eventually severely compromise visual acuity. The ability to visualize corneal tissue damage in-vivo at cellular or sub-cellular level at different stages of development of KC and other corneal diseases, can aid the early diagnostics as well as the development of more effective treatment approaches for various corneal pathologies, including keratoconus. Here, we present the optical design of an optical coherence tomography system that can achieve 0.95 µm axial resolution in biological tissue and provide test results for the system's spatial resolution and sensitivity. Corneal images acquired in-vivo with this system from healthy and keratoconic human subjects reveal the cellular and sub-cellular structure of the corneal epithelium, as well as the normal and abnormal structure of the Bowman's membrane and the anterior corneal stroma.

Generation of high-power single-frequency 397.5 nm laser with long lifetime and perfect beam quality in an external enhancement-cavity with MgO-doped PPSLT

Continuous-wave single-frequency high power 397.5 nm laser with long lifetime and perfect beam quality is one of the essential resource to generate the squeezed and entanglement states of optical beams resonant with D₁ line of Rubidium atoms at 795 nm. In this paper, We present the experimental generation of single-frequency high power 397.5 nm ultra-violet (UV) laser with long lifetime and perfect beam quality by using periodically poled MgO-doped stoichiometric lithium tantalate (MgO:PPSLT) crystal as the frequency doubler in an external enhancement ring cavity. When the transmission of the input coupler is 5.5%, the maximal output power of single-frequency 397.5 nm UV laser of 407 mW is obtained under the incident pump power of 1.9 W with the corresponding conversion efficiency of 22.8%. When the output power is 290 mW, the measured power stability and the beam quality are lower than 0.28% and 1.02, respectively. Moreover, any damage is not observed in our experiment which lasts about 1 year.

Generation of highly stable WDM time-bin entanglement by cascaded sum-frequency generation and spontaneous parametric downconversion in a PPLN waveguide device

In this paper we report the generation of wavelength-division-multiplexed, time-bin entangled photon pairs by using cascaded optical second nonlinearities (sum-frequency generation and subsequent spontaneous parametric downconversion) in a periodically poled LiNbO₃ device. Visibilities of approximately 94% were clearly observed in two-photon interference experiments for all the wavelength-multiplexed channels under investigation (five pairs), with insensitivity to the polarization states of the photon pairs. We also evaluated the performances in terms of quantum-key-distribution (QKD) applications by using four single-photon detectors, which enables to evaluate the QKD performance properly. The results showed long-term stability over 70 hours, maintaining approximately 3% of the quantum error rate and 110 bit/s of the sifted key rate.