Generation of photon pairs in dispersion shift fibers through spontaneous four wave mixing: Influence of self-phase modulation

Correlated signal and idler photon pairs with small detuning in the telecom band can be generated through spontaneous four-wave mixing in dispersion shift fibers. However, photons originated from other nonlinear processes in optical fibers, such as Raman scattering and self-phase modulation, may contaminate the photon pairs. It has been proved that photons produced by Raman scattering are the background noise of photon pairs. Here we show that photons induced by self-phase modulation of pump pulses are another origin of background noise. After studying the dependence of self-phase modulation induced photons in signal and idler bands, we demonstrate that the quantum correlation of photon pairs can be degraded by the self-phase modulation effect. The investigations are useful for characterizing and optimizing an all fiber source of photon pairs.     

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering imaging with a laser source delivered by a photonic crystal fiber

We demonstrate laser-scanning coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging with two excitation laser beams delivered by a large-mode-area photonic crystal fiber. The group-velocity dispersion and self-phase modulation effects are largely suppressed due to the large mode area of the fiber and the use of picosecond pulses. The fiber delivery preserves the signal level and image spatial resolution well. High-quality images of live spinal cord tissues are acquired using the fiber-delivered laser source. Our method provides a basic platform for developing a flexible and compact CARS imaging system.     

Observation of sub-poisson photon statistics in the cavity-QED microlaser

We have measured the second-order correlation function of the cavity-QED microlaser output and observed a transition from photon bunching to antibunching with increasing average number of intracavity atoms. The observed correlation times and the transition from super- to sub-Poisson photon statistics can be well described by gain-loss feedback or enhanced-reduced restoring action against fluctuations in photon number in the context of a quantum microlaser theory and a photon rate equation picture. However, the theory predicts a degree of antibunching several times larger than that observed, which may indicate the inadequacy of its treatment of atomic velocity distributions.     

基于量子测量的Fock态制备和自相位调制的影响

提出一种制备Fock态的新方案研究在包含有自相位调制的Kerr介质中两束光的相互作用,信号光场和探测光场初始处于相干态,经由非线性相互作用后演化成为纠缠态.若对探测光场的正交位相分量实行第一类量子测量,信号光场的光子数分布会受到调制.重复上述过程,发现信号光场最终演化成为一个纯的Fock态.这种制备Fock态的原理是基于互相位调制,而自相位调制则起着阻碍Fock态形成的作用.     

Multiphoton endoscopy

Despite widespread use of multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, development of endoscopes for nonlinear optical imaging has been stymied by the degradation of ultrashort excitation pulses that occurs within optical fiber as a result of the combined effects of group-velocity dispersion and self-phase modulation. We introduce microendoscopes (350-1000 microm in diameter) based on gradient-index microlenses that effectively eliminate self-phase modulation within the endoscope. Laser-scanning multiphoton fluorescence endoscopy exhibits micrometer-scale resolution. We used multiphoton endoscopes to image fluorescently labeled neurons and dendrites.     

Dual-band pixelless upconversion imaging devices

We have proposed a type of mid-infrared (MIR) and far-infrared (FIR) dual-band imaging device, which employs the photon frequency upconversion concept in a GaN/AlGaN MIR and FIR dual-band detector integrated with a GaN/AlGaN violet light emitting diode. On the basis of the photoresponse of single-period GaN/AlGaN dual-band detectors, we present the detailed optimization of multiperiod GaN emitter/AlGaN barrier detectors and their applications to dual-band pixelless upconversion imaging. Satisfying images have been received through the analysis of the modulation transfer function and the upconversion efficiency in the GaN/AlGaN dual-band pixelless upconverters, which exhibit good image resolution, high quantum efficiency, and negligible cross talk.     

Design and performance evaluation of the imaging payload for a remote sensing satellite

In this paper an analysis method and corresponding analytical tools for design of the experimental imaging payload (IMPL) of a remote sensing satellite (SINA-1) are presented. We begin with top-level customer system performance requirements and constraints and derive the critical system and component parameters, then analyze imaging payload performance until a preliminary design that meets customer requirements. We consider system parameters and components composing the image chain for imaging payload system which includes aperture, focal length, field of view, image plane dimensions, pixel dimensions, detection quantum efficiency, and optical filter requirements. The performance analysis is accomplished by calculating the imaging payload's SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), and imaging resolution. The noise components include photon noise due to signal scene and atmospheric background, cold shield, out-of-band optical filter leakage and electronic noise. System resolution is simulated through cascaded modulation transfer functions (MTFs) and includes effects due to optics, image sampling, and system motion. Calculations results for the SINA-1 satellite are also presented.     

Experimental study on the imaging of the squeezed state light at 1064 nm

Stable, low noise, infrared squeezed state tight at 1064 nm is generated by utilizing optical parametric down-conversion (OPDC) technique based on periodically poled KTiOPO₄ in a optical parametric amplifier (OPA) resonator. A non-classical noise reduction of 2.58 dB below the shot noise is observed through balanced homodyne detection. The squeezed state light is used to set up an imaging system for high-resolution imaging, and it is found that the resolution of image based on the amplitude-squeezed light is 1.26 times larger than that of infrared coherent light under the same intensity. The experimental results indicate that squeezed light is an important non-classical light, which can overcome the coherent laser shot-noise, the classical diffraction limit and limit of quantum noise.     

基于光子计数的合作目标“量子”成像

在实验上研究了赝热光照明下, 基于光子计数模式的合作目标“量子”成像, 并给出理论模型和解释. 研究表明, 利用光子计数的单光子探测器代替以往光强度线性探测器作为桶探测器在“量子”成像中同样适用. 实验发现, 合 作目标的反射信号可穿透弱散射介质实现成像, 该技术在减小光学成像透镜孔径方面具有潜在的应用价值. 对比了基于强度关联成像和压缩感知算法的“量子”成像结果, 并得出实用性结论. 本文的方案为“量子”成像的实际应用提供了新方法.     

Light intensity and its fluctuations on a layered microsphere: Effects of shell thickness acting as a quantum well

The present study is an extension of the former research where a double-layer microsphere is irradiated by monochromatic unpolarized plane light. One can realize intensity fluctuations on the particle surface by the numerical boundary element method. The effect of the shell thickness is primarily investigated in the present study. A refractive index reflects its potential energy photons experience in a domain. The potential energies in the air, shell, and core are different from one another with the smallest in the shell. As the shell thickness reduces, the shell layer behaves like a quantum well after a critical thickness. The resultant light intensities on the particle surface show noise-like fluctuations depending on such parameters as the shell thickness, the light wavelength, the particle size, etc. Noticeable fluctuations appeared with the shell thicknesses less than around 5 nm. The thinner the shell, the stronger the intensity fluctuations, suggesting the more light absorbing ability. More efficient photon energy absorption observed with quantum well optoelectronic devices should be explained by stronger intensity fluctuations, not by higher intensities ensuing from photon confinement in quantum wells.     

Second-harmonic generation via micro ring resonators for optimum entangled photon visibility

An analysis of a new technique for quantum key distribution (QKD) using the entangled photon within a micro ring resonator is presented. The Kerr nonlinear type of light in the micro ring resonator induces the nonlinear behavior known as chaos within the device, where the superposition of the chaotic signals via a four-wave mixing type introduces the clear second-harmonic pulses. The generation of clear second-harmonic pulses is achieved by controlling the appropriate ring parameters. When the polarization control devices are applied into the system, the optimal entangle photon visibility is obtained. The condition for long-distance link is discussed, where the optimal entangled photon visibility in term of Bell's states is described.     

Fundamental limitations of sensitivity of whispering gallery mode gyroscopes

We analyze theoretically both the fundamental and the technical quantum limitations of the sensitivity of a passive resonant optical gyroscope based on a high finesse monolithic optical microcavity. We show that the quantum back action associated with the resonantly enhanced optical cross- and self-phase modulation results in the standard quantum limit of the angle random walk of the gyroscope, which reaches approximately 0.2 deg/hr^1/2 for a millimeter scale CaF₂ whispering gallery mode resonator based device.     

光子集成干涉成像系统微透镜排布设计与图像复原

光子集成干涉成像系统体积小、重量轻、功耗小,且系统分辨率不受单个透镜口径尺寸的限制,是一种新兴的成像技术.针对光子集成干涉成像系统图像复原问题,开展了图像复原技术和微透镜阵列最优排布研究,提出了基于压缩感知的光子集成干涉成像图像恢复技术,以及基于图像残差的最优微透镜阵列排布设计评估方法;通过计算仿真,可实现在有限空间体...     

Single photon frequency up-conversion and its applications

Optical frequency up-conversion is a technique, based on sum frequency generation in a non-linear optical medium, in which signal light from one frequency (wavelength) is converted to another frequency. By using this technique, near infrared light can be converted to light in the visible or near visible range and therefore detected by commercially available visible detectors with high efficiency and low noise. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has adapted the frequency up-conversion technique to develop highly efficient and sensitive single photon detectors and a spectrometer for use at telecommunication wavelengths. The NIST team used these single photon up-conversion detectors and spectrometer in a variety of pioneering research projects including the implementation of a quantum key distribution system; the demonstration of a detector with a temporal resolution beyond the jitter limitation of commercial single photon detectors; the characterization of an entangled photon pair source, including a direct spectrum measurement for photons generated in spontaneous parametric down-conversion; the characterization of single photons from quantum dots including the measurement of carrier lifetime with escalated high accuracy and the demonstration of the converted quantum dot photons preserving their non-classical features; the observation of 2nd, 3rd and 4th order temporal correlations of near infrared single photons from coherent and pseudo-thermal sources following frequency up-conversion; a study on the time-resolving measurement capability of the detectors using a short pulse pump and; evaluating the modulation of a single photon wave packet for better interfacing of independent sources. In this article, we will present an overview of the frequency up-conversion technique, introduce its applications in quantum information systems and discuss its unique features and prospects for the future.     

Femtosecond fiber laser at 780 nm for two-photon autofluorescence imaging

We present an Er-doped fiber(Er:fiber)-based femtosecond laser at 780 nm with 256 MHz repetition rate, 191 fs pulse duration, and over 1 W average power. Apart from the careful third-order dispersion management, we introduce moderate self-phase modulation to broaden the output spectrum of the Er:fiber amplifier and achieve 193 fs pulse duration and 2.43 W average power. Over 40% frequency doubling efficiency is obtained by a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal. Delivering through a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber, this robust laser becomes an ideal and convenient light source for two-photon autofluorescence imaging.     

Micromaser generation of two-mode light with quantum correlation

Two-mode generation of light in a system of N identical relaxation-free atoms placed in a resonator is considered on the basis of the derived controlling Fokker-Planck equation for the Glauber-Sudarshan quasiprobability. Under steady-state conditions, a state of modes is formed with nonclassical correlation characterized by sub-Poison statistics of photons and leading to complete suppression of shot noise. Being an entangled pair, these sub-Poisson modes can be used as a quantum channel for teletransmission of light. In contrast to the standard Einstein-Podolskly-Rosen (EPR) channel, the recipient can reproduce only correlation functions of the intensity of an unknown state.     

Suppression of Stokes heating processes and improved optomechanical cooling with frequency modulation

Ground-state cooling of mesoscopic mechanical objects is still a major challenge in the unresolved-sideband regime. We present a frequency modulation (FM) scheme to achieve cooling of the mechanical resonator to its ground-state in a double-cavity optomechanical system containing a mechanical resonator. The mean phonon number is determined by numerically solving a set of differential equations derived from the quantum master equations. Due to efficient suppression of Stokes heating processes in the presence of FM, the ground-state cooling, indicated by numerical calculations, is significantly achievable, regardless of whether in the resolved-sideband regime or the unresolved-sideband regime. Furthermore, by choosing parameters reasonably, the improvement of the quantum cooling limit is found to be capable of being positively correlated with the modulation frequency. This method provides new insight into quantum manipulation and creates more possibilities for applications of quantum devices.     

Characterization of a sCMOS‐based high‐resolution imaging system

The detection system is a key part of any imaging station. Here the performance of the novel sCMOS‐based detection system installed at the ID17 biomedical beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and dedicated to high‐resolution computed‐tomography imaging is analysed. The system consists of an X‐ray–visible‐light converter, a visible‐light optics and a PCO.Edge5.5 sCMOS detector. Measurements of the optical characteristics, the linearity of the system, the detection lag, the modulation transfer function, the normalized power spectrum, the detective quantum efficiency and the photon transfer curve are presented and discussed. The study was carried out at two different X‐ray energies (35 and 50 keV) using both 2× and 1× optical magnification systems. The final pixel size resulted in 3.1 and 6.2 µm, respectively. The measured characteristic parameters of the PCO.Edge5.5 are in good agreement with the manufacturer specifications. Fast imaging can be achieved using this detection system, but at the price of unavoidable losses in terms of image quality. The way in which the X‐ray beam inhomogeneity limited some of the performances of the system is also discussed.     

紫外单光子成像系统的研究

搭建了紫外单光子成像系统,详细介绍了该系统的组成、工作原理和分辨率性能测试.由汞灯发出的紫外光经过大气散射、多块减光片得到了紫外单光子流.单光子直接打在微通道板上,微通道板产生的倍增电子由楔条形阳极收集,电荷灵敏前置放大器将阳极输出的电荷信号转变为电压信号,主放大器对前放信号进行滤波整形.利用高速数据采集卡连续采集主放大器的输出波形,通过软件对采集波形进行处理,采用图像处理技术得到了紫外单光子10min的计数图像,并对图像进行了畸变校正.此外,通过自己设计的分辨率板,测得该系统的分辨率可达150μm.该系统在极微弱光探测成像,生物发光,空间环境探测等方面具有广泛应用. 关键词： 单光子计数成像 阳极探测器 楔条形阳极 分辨率     

Quantum-Gravitational Diffusion and Stochastic Fluctuations in the Velocity of Light

We argue that quantum-gravitational fluctuations in the space-time background give the vacuum non-trivial optical properties that include diffusion and consequent uncertainties in the arrival times of photons, causing stochastic fluctuations in the velocity of light in vacuo. Our proposal is motivated within a Liouville string formulation of quantum gravity that also suggests a frequency-dependent refractive index of the particle vacuum. We construct an explicit realization by treating photon propagation through quantum excitations of D-brane fluctuations in the space-time foam. These are described by higher-genus string effects, that lead to stochastic fluctuations in couplings, and hence in the velocity of light. We discuss the possibilities of constraining or measuring photon diffusion in vacuo via -ray observations of distant astrophysical sources.