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Frequency Conversion of Single Photons Could Improve Quantum Communication, Quantum Imaging

Frequency Conversion of Single Photons Could Improve Quantum Communication, Quantum Imaging
Frequency Conversion of Single Photons Could Improve Quantum Communication, Quantum Imaging
Quantum Source Quantum Source
frequency conversion research
Frequency up-conversion of single photons by scattering off a moving refractive index grating created by molecular vibrations in hydrogen gas. (Image: Nicolas Joly / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light)

PRESS RELEASE — 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, according to a release from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light.

In a paper published in the journal Science, teams led by David Novoa, Nicolas Joly and Philip Russell report an advance 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.

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Matt Swayne

With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses. [email protected]

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