quantum light sources (original) (raw)
Definition: sources of light with special quantum properties
quantum photonics- light sources
- incandescent lamps
- gas discharge lamps
- light-emitting diodes
- lasers
- light sources based on nonlinear optical effects
- superluminescent sources
- quantum light sources
* squeezed light sources
* single-photon sources
* photon pair sources - white light sources
- wavelength-tunable light sources
- RGB sources
- CIE standard illuminants
- natural light sources
- (more topics)
Related: nonclassical lightphotonsquantum noisequantum photonicsquantum optics
DOI: 10.61835/o11 Cite the article: BibTex BibLaTex plain textHTML Link to this page! LinkedIn
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Contents
What Are Quantum Light Sources?
Quantum light sources are sources of light with special quantum properties, which is also called nonclassical light. Essentially, such light has special quantum noise properties, which can be understood only on the basis of quantum optics. In most cases, such light is generated in the form of well directed light beams, like laser beams.
Quantum light sources of various types are used in quantum photonics, one of the types of quantum technologies.
Types of Quantum Light Sources
The most important types of nonclassical light sources are explained in the following:
Single-photon Sources
There are sources which emit single photons — either on demand (deterministic sources) or in an uncontrolled way, but with “heralding” (signaling) of generated photons. Different technologies are used for such sources, typically involving either photon pair generation with some parametric nonlinear interactions or the excitation of single atoms, ions, molecules or quantum dots.
Single-photon sources are widely used in quantum photonics, both for fundamental physics experiments and for applications in quantum technology:
- There are fundamental physics applications like tests of photon statistics, wave–particle duality, delayed-choice experiments, tests of Bell inequality violations and quantum teleportation.
- Quantum key distribution for quantum-secure communications (quantum cryptography) can utilize single-photon sources, although it is not really necessary.
- Quantum random number generation can be implemented using single-photon sources.
- Quantum computing can use single-photon sources, generating photons as carriers of “flying qubits”, i.e., qubits which can be transported, e.g. via optical fibers.
- Quantum metrology can also use single-photon sources in various ways, e.g. for some types of quantum-enhanced measurements and as quantum radiometric standards for the characterization of single-photon detectors.
See the article on single-photon sources for details.
Sources of Photon Pairs
A photon pair consists of two photons which are generated together. Usually, the pair generation is done with either a parametric source or with a system exhibiting a cascade transition, often in a quantum dot.
The generated photon pairs can differ in many respects, which can be vital for applications. Note that applications differ a lot in their requirements. For example, quantum entanglement is essential for some methods, while others require only simple correlation.
See the article on photon pair sources for details.
Squeezed Light Sources
Squeezed states of light can be generated with different methods involving nonlinear optics:
- A squeezed vacuum can be obtained by operating a degenerate (thus phase-dependent) optical parametric amplifier just below its threshold power, or with a degenerate optical parametric amplifier with a vacuum input. The squeezed quadrature component is determined by the optical phase of the pump wave.
- Bright squeezed light (with a non-zero expectation value of the field amplitude) can be obtained by combining a squeezed vacuum with a coherent state from a laser. The relative phase determines the nature of squeezing: amplitude squeezing, phase squeezing or some intermediate state.
- Amplitude-squeezed light can also be obtained with different schemes of resonant frequency doubling, also with some semiconductor lasers driven with a sub-shot noise current.
- Fiber nonlinearities like four-wave mixing can also be exploited for squeezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section was generated with AI based on the article content and has been reviewed by the article’s author (RP).
What is a quantum light source?
A quantum light source produces light with special quantum properties, also known as nonclassical light. Such light exhibits unique quantum noise characteristics that can only be explained by the principles of quantum optics.
What are the main types of quantum light sources?
The most important types are single-photon sources, which emit individual photons; sources of photon pairs, which generate two photons simultaneously; and sources that produce squeezed states of light, where the quantum noise is reduced in one observable.
What are single-photon sources used for?
Single-photon sources are used in various areas of quantum photonics. Key applications include fundamental physics experiments, quantum key distribution for secure communications, quantum computing (using photons as 'flying qubits'), and quantum metrology.
How is squeezed light generated?
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Bibliography
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(Suggest additional literature!)
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