A step forward in modern quantum technology: frequency conversion of single photons at arbitrary wavelengths
(Deutsch) Hinweis zur Verwendung von Bildmaterial: Die Verwendung des Bildmaterials zur Pressemitteilung ist bei Nennung der Quelle vergütungsfrei gestattet. Das Bildmaterial darf nur in Zusammenhang mit dem Inhalt dieser Pressemitteilung verwendet werden. Falls Sie das Bild in höherer Auflösung benötigen oder Rückfragen zur Weiterverwendung haben, wenden Sie sich bitte direkt an die Pressestelle, die es veröffentlicht hat.
Quanta of light – photons – form the basis of quantum key distribution in modern cryptographic networks. Before the huge potential of quantum technology is fully realized, however, several challenges remain. A solution to one of these has now been found.
In a paper published in the journal Science, teams led by David Novoa, Nicolas Joly and Philip Russell report a breakthrough in frequency up-conversion of single photons, based on a hollow-core photonic crystal fibre (PCF) filled with hydrogen gas. First a spatio-temporal hologram of molecular vibrations is created in the gas by stimulated Raman scattering. This hologram is then used for highly efficient, correlation-preserving frequency conversion of single photons. The system operates at a pressure-tuneable wavelength, making it potentially interesting for quantum communications, where efficient sources of indistinguishable single-photons are unavailable at wavelengths compatible with existing fibre networks.
The approach combines quantum optics, gas-based nonlinear optics, hollow-core PCF, and the physics of molecular vibrations to form an efficient tool that can operate in any spectral band from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared – an ultra-broad working range inaccessible to existing technologies. The findings may be used to develop fibre-based tools in technologies such as quantum communications, and quantum-enhanced imaging.
(Deutsch) Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Nicolas Joly
nicolas.joly@mpl.mpg.de
(Deutsch) Originalpublikation:
R. Tyumenev, J. Hammer, N. Y. Joly, P. St. J. Russell, D. Novoa: Tunable and state-preserving frequency conversion of single photons in hydrogen, Science, Vol 376, Issue 6593, pp. 621-624, DOI: 10.1126/science.abn1434, https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.abn1434
(Deutsch) Weitere Informationen:
[:en]
In regard to the use of pictorial material: use of such material in this press release is remuneration-free, provided the source is named. The material may be used only in connection with the contents of this press release. For pictures of higher resolution or inquiries for any further use, please contact the Press office publishing this directly.
[:]