Quantum Optics Seminar by Tim Bartley

Integrated sources and detectors for mesoscopic quantum optics

Dr Tim J. Bartley
University of Paderborn

ABSTRACT - full abstract in pdf-file
Recent developments in sources and detectors for quantum light have enabled very large nonclassical states to be generated and measured. I will discuss our work on strongly-pumped parametric down-conversion in ppKTP waveguides and show how control over the spatio-spectral mode structure allows bright quantum states to be emitted into a single, well-defined optical mode. We combined this technique with state-of-the-art photon-number resolving superconducting detectors to herald nonclassical states with up to 50 photons, show joint photon-number squeezing of 4.2dB and can calculate correlation functions up to 40^th order [1].

As the number of generated nonclassical photons increases, it remains an open challenge to develop detection efficient strategies. With intrinsic number resolution
limited to around 40 photons and stringent cryogenic requirements, multiplexing
single-photon detectors is a useful alternative for characterising bright
quantum states. To that end, I will also discuss our ongoing activities towards
integrating superconducting detectors on lithium niobate waveguides, such that
efficient multiplexing can be achieved in a low loss environment. We are
working towards combining this technology with active components, such a phase-
and polarisation modulators, at sub kelvin temperatures on a single monolithic platform.