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Quantum Microcomb Entangles Optical Fields

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 3, 2021 — Researchers at the University of Virginia developed a tiny optical frequency comb, or microcomb, that uses two-mode squeezing to create unconditional entanglement between continuous optical fields. The miniature, chip-based device lays the groundwork for mass production of deterministic quantum frequency combs that could see use in quantum computing, quantum metrology, and quantum sensing.

The microcomb is designed for quantum information protocols based on continuous-variable entangled states that generate qumodes (entangled states) for entire optical fields rather than single photons. Unlike qubit-based methods, there is no requirement for single photons for special optical modulation.

“Unlike qubit approaches, continuous-variable approaches enable the number of entangled qumodes in a quantum state to be scaled up through frequency, time, or spatial multiplexing without the need of quantum memory or the repeat-until-success strategies,” said Zijiao Yang, who presented the research at the Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science Conference (FiO LS) all-virtual meeting.  


The quantum microcomb is generated in a 3-mm-diameter silica wedge microresonator with a 22-GHz free spectral range on a silicon chip, and with a single-mode tapered fiber that is used as the coupling waveguide. The microcomb uses two-mode squeezing to create unconditional entanglement between continuous optical fields.

The researchers tested the device by measuring 20 qumode pairs created by the new microcomb. They found that the qumodes exhibited a maximum raw squeezing of 1.6 dB and maximum anti-squeezing of 6.5 dB. The raw squeezing is primarily limited by the 83% cavity escape efficiency, 1.7-dB optical loss, and approximately 89% photodiode quantum efficiency.

The team reports a total efficiency after the tapered fiber of 60%. The squeezing measurements provide convincing evidence for quantum correlations among the qumodes, but the squeezing level needs to be further increased for quantum information-processing applications.

According to the team, the raw squeezing could be improved by reducing system losses, improving photodiode quantum efficiency, and achieving higher resonator-waveguide escape efficiency.

Published: November 2021
Glossary
quantum
The term quantum refers to the fundamental unit or discrete amount of a physical quantity involved in interactions at the atomic and subatomic scales. It originates from quantum theory, a branch of physics that emerged in the early 20th century to explain phenomena observed on very small scales, where classical physics fails to provide accurate explanations. In the context of quantum theory, several key concepts are associated with the term quantum: Quantum mechanics: This is the branch of...
frequency comb
A frequency comb is a precise and regular series of equally spaced spectral lines, or frequencies, that are generated with great accuracy. The term "frequency comb" is often associated with the Nobel Prize-winning technique known as frequency comb spectroscopy, developed by John L. Hall and Theodor W. Hänsch in the 1990s. The technology has since become a powerful tool in various scientific and technological applications. Key points about frequency combs: Origin and development: The...
microcomb
A microcomb, short for microresonator frequency comb, is a novel photonic device that generates a precise series of evenly spaced optical frequencies, akin to the teeth of a comb, across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. It operates based on the phenomenon of Kerr frequency comb generation, which occurs in certain nonlinear optical resonators. Microcombs are typically fabricated from high-quality optical materials, such as silicon nitride or silicon dioxide, and have dimensions on the order of...
chip
1. A localized fracture at the end of a cleaved optical fiber or on a glass surface. 2. An integrated circuit.
photodiode
A two-electrode, radiation-sensitive junction formed in a semiconductor material in which the reverse current varies with illumination. Photodiodes are used for the detection of optical power and for the conversion of optical power to electrical power. See avalanche photodiode; PIN photodiode. photodiode suppliers →
Research & TechnologyOpticsquantumfrequency combmicrocombchipchip-basedqumodeentanglementoptical fieldphotodiodeUniversity of Virginiaquantum computingcontinuous variableAmericasFrontiers in Optics + Laser ScienceTest & Measurement

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