A quantum-mechanical study of optical regenerators based on nonlinear-loop mirrors

Abstract

We present a quantum-mechanical analysis of a nonlinear interferometer that achieves optical switching via cross-phase modulation resulting from the Kerr effect. We show how it performs as a very precise optical regenerator, highly improving the transmitted bit-error rate in the presence of loss.

Alternative Uses for Quantum Systems and Devices

“…For nonlinear interferometers [46], optical switching (for example, but not only, of mirrors) can be obtained via cross-phase modulation of a lossy (particle-beam) line, i.e., for a Sagnac interferometer.…”

Quantum state conversion by cross-Kerr interaction

“…In [6], a realization of a Bell state measurement based on the cross-Kerr interaction is suggested and its application to teleporting the polarization state of a photon investigated. In [7], a fibre-optic non-linear Sagnac interferometer working as an optical switch is analysed and its application as an optical regenerator examined. The implementation of a quantum phase gate operating on two polarization qubits is considered in [8].…”