Generation of temporal multimode squeezed states of femtosecond pulse light

Nonclassical optical frequency combs play essential roles in quantum computation in the continuous variable regime. In this work, we generate multimode nonclassical frequency comb states using a degenerate type-I synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator and directly observe the squeezing of the leading five temporal modes of femtosecond pulsed light. The overlapping spectra of these modes mean that the temporal modes are suitable for use in real-world quantum information applications.     

Parallel generation of 31 tripartite entangled states based on optical frequency combs

Quantum entangled states, especially those having particular properties, are key resources for quantum information and quantum computation. In this paper, we put forward a new scheme to produce 31 continuous–variable(CV) tripartite entanglement fields based on three optical frequency combs via cascade nonlinear processes in an optical parametric cavity,and investigate the spectral characteristics of three frequency combs. The center wavelengths of the three combs are designed as 852 nm, 780 nm(atomic transition lines), and 1550 nm(fiber communication wavelength). The positivity under partial transposition(PPT) criterion, which is sufficient and necessary, is used to evaluate the entanglement in each group of comb lines. This scheme is experimentally feasible and valuable for constructing quantum information networks in future.     

Frequency comb linewidth of an actively mode-locked fiber laser

We report what is to our knowledge the first measurement of the linewidth of the frequency comb lines of a mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser. By propagating the output pulses through fiber as long as 1000 km in a modified self-heterodyne arrangement, we have measured the effective linewidth of the comb lines to be less than 12 kHz on a 5-ms time scale; the width is due primarily to frequency jitter from environmental fluctuations. Deconvolution of the spectral line shapes by use of Voigt analysis yields an upper limit of the intrinsic Lorentzian width of 3 kHz.     

Bright 547-dimensional Hilbert-space entangled resource in 28-pair modes biphoton frequency comb from a reconfigurable silicon microring resonator

High-dimensional entanglement provides valuable resources for quantum technologies,including quantum communication,quantum optical coherence tomography,and quantum computing.Obtaining a high brightness and dimensional entanglement source has significant value.Here we utilize a tunable asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer coupled silicon microring resonator with 100 GHz free spectral range to achieve this goal.With the strategy of the tunable coupler,the dynamical and extensive tuning range of quality factors of the microring can be obtained,and then the biphoton pair generation rate can be optimized.By selecting and characterizing 28 pairs from a more than 30-pair modes biphoton frequency comb,we obtain a Schmidt number of at least 23.4 and on-chip pair generation rate of 19.9 MHz/m W;under a low on-chip pump power,which corresponds to 547 dimensions Hilbert space in frequency freedom.These results will prompt the wide applications of quantum frequency comb and boost the further large density and scalable on-chip quantum information processing.     

One-way quantum computing in the optical frequency comb

One-way quantum computing allows any quantum algorithm to be implemented easily using just measurements. The difficult part is creating the universal resource, a cluster state, on which the measurements are made. We propose a scalable method that uses a single, multimode optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The method is very efficient and generates a continuous-variable cluster state, universal for quantum computation, with quantum information encoded in the quadratures of the optical frequency comb of the OPO.     

Quantum-noise-limited optical frequency comb spectroscopy

We achieve a quantum-noise-limited absorption sensitivity of 1.7×10(-12) cm(-1) per spectral element at 400 s of acquisition time with cavity-enhanced frequency comb spectroscopy, the highest demonstrated for a comb-based technique. The system comprises a frequency comb locked to a high-finesse cavity and a fast-scanning Fourier transform spectrometer with an ultralow-noise autobalancing detector. Spectra with a signal-to-noise ratio above 1000 and a resolution of 380 MHz are acquired within a few seconds. The measured absorption line shapes are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.     

Entangled states and collective nonclassical effects in two-atom systems

We propose a review of recent developments on entanglement and nonclassical effects in collective two-atom systems and present a uniform physical picture of the many predicted phenomena. The collective effects have brought into sharp focus some of the most basic features of quantum theory, such as nonclassical states of light and entangled states of multiatom systems. The entangled states are linear superpositions of the internal states of the system which cannot be separated into product states of the individual atoms. This property is recognized as entirely quantum-mechanical effect and have played a crucial role in many discussions of the nature of quantum measurements and, in particular, in the developments of quantum communications. Much of the fundamental interest in entangled states is connected with its practical application ranging from quantum computation, information processing, cryptography, and interferometry to atomic spectroscopy.     

Stronger quantum correlations with loophole-free postselection

One of the most striking nonclassical features of quantum mechanics is in the correlations it predicts between spatially separated measurements. In local hidden variable theories, correlations are constrained by Bell inequalities, but quantum correlations violate these. However, experimental imperfections lead to loopholes whereby LHV correlations are no longer constrained by Bell inequalities, and violations can be described by LHV theories. For example, loopholes can emerge through selective detection of events. In this Letter, we introduce a clean, operational picture of multiparty Bell tests, and show that there exists a nontrivial form of loophole-free postselection. Surprisingly, the same postselection can enhance quantum correlations, and unlock a connection between nonclassical correlations and nonclassical computation.     

Octave spanning tunable frequency comb from a microresonator

We report the generation of an octave-spanning optical frequency comb in a continuous wave laser pumped microresonator. The generated comb spectrum covers the wavelength range from 990 to 2170 nm without relying on additional external broadening. Continuous tunability of the generated frequency comb over more than an entire free spectral range is demonstrated. Moreover, the linewidth of individual optical comb components and its relation to the pump laser phase noise is studied. The ability to derive octave-spanning spectra from microresonator comb generators represents a key step towards f-2f self-referencing of microresonator-based optical frequency combs.     

Cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy

Cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy combines broad spectral bandwidth, high spectral resolution, precise frequency calibration, and ultrahigh detection sensitivity, all in one experimental platform based on an optical frequency comb interacting with a high-finesse optical cavity. Precise control of the optical frequency comb allows highly efficient, coherent coupling of individual comb components with corresponding resonant modes of the high-finesse cavity. The long cavity lifetime dramatically enhances the effective interaction between the light field and intracavity matter, increasing the sensitivity for measurement of optical losses by a factor that is on the order of the cavity finesse. The use of low-dispersion mirrors permits almost the entire spectral bandwidth of the frequency comb to be employed for detection, covering a range of ～?10% of the actual optical frequency. The light transmitted from the cavity is spectrally resolved to provide a multitude of detection channels with spectral resolutions ranging from several gigahertz to hundreds of kilohertz. In this review we will discuss the principle of cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy and the various implementations of such systems. In particular, we discuss several types of UV, optical, and IR frequency comb sources and optical cavity designs that can be used for specific spectroscopic applications. We present several cavity-comb coupling methods to take advantage of the broad spectral bandwidth and narrow spectral components of a frequency comb. Finally, we present a series of experimental measurements on trace gas detections, human breath analysis, and characterization of cold molecular beams. These results demonstrate clearly that the wide bandwidth and ultrasensitive nature of the femtosecond enhancement cavity enables powerful real-time detection and identification of many molecular species in a massively parallel fashion.     

Environment-induced sudden transition in quantum discord dynamics

Nonclassical correlations play a crucial role in the development of quantum information science. The recent discovery that nonclassical correlations can be present even in separable (nonentangled) states has broadened this scenario. This generalized quantum correlation has been increasing in relevance in several fields, among them quantum communication, quantum computation, quantum phase transitions, and biological systems. We demonstrate here the occurrence of the sudden-change phenomenon and immunity against some sources of noise for the quantum discord and its classical counterpart, in a room temperature nuclear magnetic resonance setup. The experiment is performed in a decohering environment causing loss of phase relations among the energy eigenstates and exchange of energy between system and environment, resulting in relaxation to the Gibbs ensemble.     

A rapid,spatially dispersive frequency comb spectrograph aimed at gas phase chemical reaction kinetics

This New Views article will highlight some recent advances in high sensitivity gas detection using direct infrared absorption frequency comb laser spectroscopy, with a focus on frequency comb use in chemical reaction kinetics and our own contribution to this field. Our recently implemented detection technique uses a combination of a 12.9?GHz free spectral range virtually imaged phased array and diffraction grating to spatially disperse the mid-infrared frequency comb onto a camera. Individual frequencies or ‘comb teeth’ of a 250?MHz repetition-rate frequency comb are able to be resolved. High molecular sensitivity is achieved by increasing the interaction path length using a Herriott multipass cell. High spectral resolution, broadband spectral coverage, and high molecular sensitivity are all achieved on an adjustable 1–50 µs timescale, making this frequency comb apparatus ideal for measuring chemical reaction kinetics where multiple absorbing species can be monitored simultaneously. This New Views article will also discuss some of the challenges and decisions that chemists might face in implementing this advanced physics technology in their own laboratory.

Spatially dispersed 250 MHz mid-infrared frequency comb laser, with absorption of some frequencies by a dilute sample of methane.     

飞秒光学频率梳高精度气体吸收光谱技术进展

飞秒光学频率梳以其频谱宽、脉宽窄、频率稳定度高等优点,对光学频率计量、绝对距离测量、高精度光谱测定产生重大影响。飞秒光学频率梳的时域特性和频域特性溯源至微波频率基准,使得高精度气体吸收光谱探测成为可能。飞秒光学频率梳光谱技术具有测量速度快、光谱灵敏度高、分辨率高、信噪比高等优点,因此加大对飞秒光学频率梳光谱技术的研究力度将更好地服务于环境保护、工业生产、生物医学、科学研究等各领域。飞秒光频梳高精度气体吸收光谱主要可分为光频梳腔衰荡光谱、光频梳腔增强光谱和双光频梳多外差光谱。其中,根据采集方式不同,光频梳腔增强光谱又可分为梳齿游标测量法、虚拟成像相位阵列测量法和傅里叶变换测量法。目前,国外已广泛开展相关研究,而国内仍处于起步阶段。本文综述了飞秒光学频率梳高精度气体吸收光谱探测的主要技术方法,展示了不同测量方法典型的实验方案,分析了各探测方法的优缺点,并追踪了主要研究小组的前沿成果。     

Direct link of a mid-infrared QCL to a frequency comb by optical injection

A narrow-linewidth comb-linked nonlinear source is used as master radiation to injection lock a room-temperature mid-infrared quantum cascade laser (QCL). This process leads to a direct lock of the QCL to the optical frequency comb, providing the unique features of narrow linewidth, absolute frequency, higher output power, and wide mode-hop-free tunability. The QCL reproduces the injected radiation within more than 94%, with a reduction of the frequency-noise spectral density by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude up to about 100 kHz, and a linewidth narrowing from a few MHz to 20 kHz.     

High resolution atomic coherent control via spectral phase manipulation of an optical frequency comb

We demonstrate high resolution coherent control of cold atomic rubidium utilizing spectral phase manipulation of a femtosecond optical frequency comb. Transient coherent accumulation is directly manifested by the enhancement of signal amplitude and spectral resolution via the pulse number. The combination of frequency comb technology and spectral phase manipulation enables coherent control techniques to enter a new regime with natural linewidth resolution.     

多模式固态量子存储

量子存储器是光子与物质系统之间的接口,允许存入和读出加载了量子信息的光子,是构建实用化量子网络的核心器件.基于稀土掺杂晶体可以实现固态的量子存储器,较长的相干时间和较宽的存储带宽使其成为目前最有潜力的量子物理系统之一.本文综述近年来基于稀土掺杂晶体的多模式固态量子存储方面的实验进展.主要内容包括频率自由度的多模式量子存储、时间自由度的多模式量子存储、空间自由度的多模式量子存储和多个自由度并行复用的多模式量子存储.在多自由度复用的多模式存储的基础上进一步介绍基于量子存储器的量子模式变换和实时的任意操作.该系列工作为构建高速率的实用化量子网络奠定基础,其中超越存储器本身的脉冲操作功能还有望在未来量子信息处理过程中获得广泛的应用.     

Supercurrent and Its Quantum Statistical Properkies in Mesoscopic Josephson Junction in the Presence of Nonclassical Light Fields

In this paper, we study the supercurrent in a mesoscopic Josephson junction (MJJ) and its quantum statistical properties in the presence of nonclassical light fields. We investigate in detail the influence of external nonclassical light fields on current-voltage step structures of the MJJ. We also study in detail quantum statistical properties of the supercurrent when the external quantum electromagnetic fields are even and odd coherent-sta!e light fields. It is shown that the supercurrent in the MJJ exhibits both squeezing effect and quantum coherence. It is demonstrated that the MJJ can feel the difference not only between classical light fields and nonclassical light fields but also between different nonclassical light fields.     

多量子比特核磁共振体系的实验操控技术

随着量子信息与量子计算科学的发展,量子信息处理器被广泛地用于量子计算、量子模拟、量子度量等方面的研究.为了能在实验上实现这些日益复杂的方案,将量子计算机的潜能转化成现实,需要不断提高可操控的量子体系比特位数,实现更复杂的量子操控.核磁共振自旋体系作为一个优秀的量子实验测试平台,提供了丰富而又精密的量子操控手段.近几年来在此平台上进行了不少的多量子比特实验,发展并积累了一系列的多量子比特实验技术.本文首先阐述了核磁共振体系多量子比特实验中的实验困难,然后结合7量子比特标记赝纯态制备以及其他有关实验,对多比特实验过程中应用到的实验技术进行介绍.最后对核磁共振体系多量子比特实验技术方向的进一步研究进行了总结和展望.     

High-resolution nonlinear laser spectroscopy of exciton relaxation in GaAs quantum wells

This paper describes measurements of exciton relaxation in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well structures based on high resolution nonlinear laser spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical measurements show that low energy excitons can be localized by monolayer disorder of the quantum well interface. We show that these excitons migrate between localization sites by phonon assisted migration, leading to spectral diffusion of the excitons. The frequency domain measurements give a direct measure of the quasi-equilibrium exciton spectral redistribution due to exciton energy relaxation, and the temperature dependence of the measured migration rates confirms recent theoretical predictions. The observed line shapes are interpreted based on solutions we obtain to modified Bloch equations which include the effects of spectral diffusion.     

Sideband entanglement in collective resonance fluorescence

We examine the quantum correlation between the Mollow sidebands in the collective resonance fluorescence from a strongly driven ensemble of two-level atoms. By using the criterion proposed by Shchukin and Vogel, we show that non-Gaussian entanglement exists between the two separated sidebands. The responsible mechanism is traced to the spontaneous parametric process, in which the nonclassical correlation is established. This suggests that the collective resonance fluorescence provides a continuous source for the non-Gaussian entangled light and thus has great potentials for various applications in quantum information and quantum computation.