Three-photon states in nonlinear crystal superlattices

Abstract

It has been a longstanding goal in quantum optics to realize controllable sources generating joint multiphoton states, particularly, photon triplet with arbitrary spectral characteristics. We demonstrate that such sources can be realized via cascaded parametric down-conversion (PDC) in superlattice structures of nonlinear and linear segments. We consider scheme that involves two parametric processes: ω0 → ω1 + ω2, ω2 → ω1 + ω1 under pulsed pump and investigate spontaneous creation of photon triplet as well as generation of high-intensity mode in intracavity three-photon splitting. We show preparation of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger polarization entangled states in cascaded type-II and type-I PDC in framework of consideration dual-grid structure that involves two periodically-poled crystals. We demonstrate the method of compensation of the dispersive effects in non-linear segments by appropriately chosen linear dispersive segments of superlattice for preparation heralded joint states of two polarized photons. In the case of intracavity three-photon splitting, we concentrate on investigation of photon-number distributions, third-order photon-number correlation function as well as the Wigner functions. These quantities are observed both for short interaction time intervals and in over transient regime, when dissipative effects are essential.

Multiphoton blockades in pulsed regimes beyond stationary limits

“…This Wigner function shows three-phase symmetry and also indicates the regions of quantum interference in the contour plot as the negative regions in black. Note that three-fold symmetry of the Wigner function and interference pattern has been demonstrated for the direct threephoton down-conversion in χ (3) media [42] and also in details for production of three-photon states in [43], [44].…”

“…The second characteristic double peak is at k = 3.28 and approximately equals to n = P 1 + 2P 2 + 3P 3 =0.14+0.56+ 1. 44.…”

Phase-reversed structures in superlattice of nonlinear materials

“…In this way, the direct generation of photon triplets using cascaded photon-pairs has been demonstrated in periodically poled lithium niobate crystals [14]. Most recently, joint quantum states of threephotons with arbitrary spectral characteristics have been studied on the base of optical superlattises [15]. In continuous of this paper, we analyze the cascaded generation of photon triplets in phase-reversed superlattice of χ (2) materials.…”

“…In general, the amplitude of three-photons at the frequencies ω 1 , ω ′ 1 , ω " 1 generated in cascaded down-conversion has been calculated in [15]. This quantity is proportional to the factor E 0 ζξ.…”

“…Recently, production of joint multiphoton states, particularly, photon triplet have attracted a great interest in probing the foundations of quantum theory and for various applications in quantum information technologies (see, [12][13][14][15] and the references therein). Depending on the configuration of the experiment and the designs of the crystal, the multiphoton states can be entangled in any number of variables: time, frequency, direction of propagation, and polarization.…”