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Nonlinear Interaction between Single Photons

T. Guerreiro, A. Martin, B. Sanguinetti, J. S. Pelc, C. Langrock, M. M. Fejer, N. Gisin, H. Zbinden, N. Sangouard, and R. T. Thew
Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 173601 – Published 22 October 2014
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Abstract

Harnessing nonlinearities strong enough to allow single photons to interact with one another is not only a fascinating challenge but also central to numerous advanced applications in quantum information science. Here we report the nonlinear interaction between two single photons. Each photon is generated in independent parametric down-conversion sources. They are subsequently combined in a nonlinear waveguide where they are converted into a single photon of higher energy by the process of sum-frequency generation. Our approach results in the direct generation of photon triplets. More generally, it highlights the potential for quantum nonlinear optics with integrated devices and, as the photons are at telecom wavelengths, it opens the way towards novel applications in quantum communication such as device-independent quantum key distribution.

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  • Received 27 May 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.173601

© 2014 American Physical Society

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Two Photons into One

Published 22 October 2014

The interaction between two individual photons in a nonlinear optical waveguide offers new possibilities for quantum information processing.

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Authors & Affiliations

T. Guerreiro1, A. Martin1, B. Sanguinetti1, J. S. Pelc2, C. Langrock2, M. M. Fejer2, N. Gisin1, H. Zbinden1, N. Sangouard1,,†, and R. T. Thew1,*

  • 1Group of Applied Physics, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
  • 2E.L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, 348 Via Pueblo Mall, Stanford, California 94305, USA

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Issue

Vol. 113, Iss. 17 — 24 October 2014

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