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arXiv · 2007.16115

Fast Generation and Detection of Spatial Modes of Light using an Acousto-Optic Modulator

Boris Braverman·Alexander Skerjanc·Nicholas Sullivan·Robert W. Boyd
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Abstract

Spatial modes of light provide a high-dimensional space that can be used to encode both classical and quantum information. Current approaches for dynamically generating and measuring these modes are slow, due to the need to reconfigure a high-resolution phase mask such as a spatial light modulator or digital micromirror device. The process of updating the spatial mode of light can be greatly accelerated by multiplexing a set of static phase masks with a fast, image-preserving optical switch, such as an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). We experimentally realize this approach, using a double-pass AOM to generate one of five orbital angular momentum states with a switching rate of up to 500 kHz. We then apply this system to perform fast quantum state tomography of spatial modes of light in a 2-dimensional Hilbert space, by projecting the unknown state onto six spatial modes comprising three mutually unbiased bases. We are able to reconstruct arbitrary states in under 1 ms with an average fidelity of 96.9%.

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Boris Braverman, Alexander Skerjanc, Nicholas Sullivan, Robert W. Boyd. 2020-07-31. Fast Generation and Detection of Spatial Modes of Light using an Acousto-Optic Modulator. https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.404309

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