Concept of quantum timing jitter and non-Markovian limits in single-photon detection

Li-Ping Yang, Hong X. Tang, and Zubin Jacob
Phys. Rev. A 97, 013833 – Published 22 January 2018

Abstract

Single atoms form a model system for understanding the limits of single-photon detection. Here, we develop a non-Markovian theory of single-photon absorption by a two-level atom to place limits on the absorption (transduction) time. We show the existence of a finite rise time in the probability of excitation of the atom during the absorption event which is infinitely fast in previous Markov theories. This rise time is governed by the bandwidth of the atom-field interaction spectrum and leads to a fundamental jitter in time stamping the absorption event. Our theoretical framework captures both the weak and strong atom-field coupling regimes and sheds light on the spectral matching between the interaction bandwidth and single-photon Fock state pulse spectrum. Our work opens questions whether such jitter in the absorption event can be observed in a multimode realistic single-photon detector. Finally, we also shed light on the fundamental differences between linear and nonlinear detector outputs for single-photon Fock-state vs coherent-state pulses.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 19 September 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.97.013833

©2018 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

  1. Techniques
Atomic, Molecular & OpticalQuantum Information, Science & Technology

Authors & Affiliations

Li-Ping Yang1, Hong X. Tang2, and Zubin Jacob1,*

  • 1Birck Nanotechnology Center and Purdue Quantum Center, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, USA
  • 2Department of Electrical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA

  • *zjacob@purdue.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 97, Iss. 1 — January 2018

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×