Quantum Optics for the Short-Wave Infrared and Beyond

schematic of experimental setup for generating entangled photons at 2 microns  ‌ 

 

Entanglement and Quantum Communication at 2 Microns

Our lab has explored the frontiers of quantum communication by demonstrating entanglement and quantum interference in the underutilized 2-micron spectral window. This wavelength range is particularly advantageous for applications like secure communications and quantum key distribution (QKD) under challenging conditions, including daylight and atmospheric disturbances.

We achieved polarization-entangled photon pairs at 2.1 μm, enabling near-maximal entanglement and paving the way for device-independent quantum key distribution (DIQKD). Our studies show that this spectral range, with reduced solar background and compatibility with novel platforms such as hollow-core fibers, holds great promise for the next generation of quantum communication networks.

Key to this advancement is the development of novel sources and optical systems, including the use of hollow-core fibers to maintain exceptional polarization purity and low losses at 2 μm. This work emphasizes pushing the boundaries of quantum optics to explore secure and efficient transmission platforms.

This research is funded by the UK EPSRC (EP/R511705/1, EP/S001573/1). Current efforts include creating demonstrators for innovative devices for the short-wave- to mid-infrared, using hollow-core fiber technologies and advancing the practical deployment of QKD in real-world scenarios.

Selected Publications

  1. Prabhakar, S., Shields, T., Dada, A. C., et al. Two-photon quantum interference and entanglement at 2.1 μm. Science Advances, 6, eaay5195 (2020).
  2. Dada, A. C., Kaniewski, J., Gawith, C., et al. Near-maximal two-photon entanglement for optical quantum communication at 2.1 μm. Physical Review Applied, 16, L051005 (2021).
  3. Afxenti, I., Yu, L., Dada, A. C., et al. Polarization purity and dispersion characteristics of nested antiresonant nodeless hollow-core optical fiber at 2 μm for quantum communications. Optics Express, 32(20), 34471 (2024).

More information is on the EQOQI Lab website.

Contact: Dr Adetunmise Dada

More information is on the EQOQI Lab website.

Contact: Dr Adetunmise Dada