arXiv subjects

Alexander S. Solntsev

Publications and source records attributed to Alexander S. Solntsev.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum Optical Signatures of Band Topology in Solid-State High Harmonics

We develop a general theory of high-harmonic generation (HHG) in solid-state systems, based on a weak-correlation expansion of photonic and matter degrees of freedom. Unlike standard HHG theories, which treat light-matter dynamics through the Schrodinger equation, our approach employs density-matrix evolution, naturally capturing the mixed-state character of both the field and the matter - a critical aspect for describing complex solid-state band structures. We show explicitly that the properties of the emitted fields are governed by the quantum statistics and quantum geometry of the underlying solid. Taking the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model in a one-sided optical cavity as a paradigmatic example and considering the dual regime, we demonstrate that in the topological phase a system exhibits a stronger HHG response and stronger quantum-light signatures than in the trivial phase. Furthermore, we show that cavity-matter interaction gives rise to squeezed high-harmonic quantum light, whose properties are directly imprinted by the current-current fluctuations in the material system. Crucially, the observed squeezing does not rely on a separate quartic Kerr mechanism. In the mesoscopic regime, the genuine quantum Kerr term is higher order in light-matter coupling strength and negligible, while the relevant non-classical effect is governed by current-current fluctuations encoded in the complex susceptibility of the material. This work establishes a direct link between band topology and photon statistics, opening new avenues for topology-sensitive quantum light generation and photon statistics based spectroscopy of solid-state systems.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Anderson Localization with Single Photons from a Quantum Emitter

Anderson localization of light is a fundamental emergent phenomenon in disordered systems. In arrays of coupled waveguides, it suppresses transport and causes photons to remain localized near the excitation site as coupling disorder increases. Here, we experimentally demonstrate Anderson localization using single photons emitted by a single-photon emitter in hexagonal boron nitride at room temperature. Despite the limited temporal coherence of the emitter, the photons undergo pronounced Anderson localization, evidenced by exponentially localized output intensity profiles in disordered waveguide lattices. Beyond the experimental demonstration, we develop a general theoretical framework for wave propagation in disordered tight-binding systems, showing that the configuration-averaged output intensity converges to a stationary spatial distribution at large propagation distances. In the case of off-diagonal disorder, this stationary profile is characterized by an effective localization length that exhibits a robust inverse-variance scaling with the disorder strength. These results establish defect-based room-temperature emitters as practical platforms for studying Anderson localization in integrated photonics and support their use in applications that exploit controlled disorder, including neuromorphic and quantum photonic architectures.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Quantum Spectroscopy with Undetected Photons for Biomolecular Sensing in the Mid-Infrared

We investigate quantum spectroscopy with undetected photons for protein detection in the mid-infrared spectral region. Classical Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of protein samples (bovine serum albumin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) is used as reference to define the sample's mid-infrared absorption, which is then embedded in a numerical model of a double-pass quantum interferometer. We analyse parameters that influence visibility of the interference pattern formed by the signal beams, including the length of nonlinear crystal, sample length and mirror-sample distance. This leads us to a practical quantum spectrometer design with optimal image contrast at the specific amide I-II spectral bands. The simulated visibility spectra reproduce nearly identically the protein absorption features in the mid-IR and reveal temperature-induced changes to the protein secondary structure. Overall, this provides practical design rules for future quantum bio-spectroscopy applications that use only visible wavelength sources and detectors.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Enhancing Long-distance Continuous-variable Quantum-key-distribution with an Error-correcting Relay

Noiseless linear amplifiers (NLAs) serve as an effective means to enable long-distance continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD), even under realistic conditions with non-unit reconciliation efficiency. Separately, unitary averaging has been suggested to mitigate some stochastic noise, including phase noise in continuous-variable states. In this work, we combine these two protocols to simultaneously compensate for thermal-loss effects and suppress phase noise, thereby enabling long-distance CV QKD that surpasses the repeaterless bound, the fundamental rate-distance limit, for repeaterless quantum communication systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Noise-reduction of multimode Gaussian Boson Sampling circuits via Unitary Averaging

We improve Gaussian Boson Sampling (GBS) circuits by integrating the unitary averaging (UA) protocol, previously demonstrated to protect unknown Gaussian states from phase errors [Phys. Rev. A 110, 032622]. Our work extends the applicability of UA to mitigate arbitrary interferometric noise, including beam-splitter and phase-shifter imperfections. Through comprehensive numerical analysis, we demonstrate that UA consistently achieves higher fidelity and success probability compared to unprotected circuits, establishing its robustness in noisy conditions. Remarkably, enhancement is maintained across varying numbers of modes with respect to the noise. We further derive a power-law formula predicting performance gains in large-scale systems, including 100-mode and 216-mode configurations. A detailed step-by-step algorithm for implementing the UA protocol is also provided, offering a practical roadmap for advancing near-term quantum technologies.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Third-Order Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion in Dielectric Nonlinear Resonant Metasurfaces

We propose a general scheme to investigate photon triplet generation (PTG) via third-order spontaneous parametric downconversion (TOSPDC) in $χ^{(3)}$ nonlinear structures. Our approach leverages the quantum-classical correspondence between TOSPDC and its reverse classical process, three-wave sum-frequency generation (TSFG), to efficiently estimate the PTG rate. We apply this framework to nonlinear metasurfaces supporting quasi-bound states in the continuum (qBICs) in the optical range. From numerical analysis of non-collinear TSFG with degenerate input waves at qBIC wavelengths, we predict wavelength-tunable three-photon emission with spatio-angular correlations. These findings establish a novel method for modelling TOSPDC and also highlight the potential of nonlinear resonant metasurfaces as compact free-space photon triplet sources with quantum state control.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Polaron effect in waveguide quantum optomechanics

We investigate the impact of the quantized mechanical motion of optically trapped atoms, arranged in proximity to a one-dimensional waveguide, on the propagation of polariton modes. Our study identifies a regime of resonant phonon-assisted mixing between lower and upper polaritons, resulting in a pronounced polaron effect. This effect is characterized by the formation of new band gaps and the appearance of weakly dispersive states within the original polariton band gap. The polaron spectrum, which can be directly probed via resonant elastic scattering, provides novel opportunities for quantum optical applications. These findings open avenues for enhanced control in state-of-the-art waveguide quantum electrodynamics experiments with cold atoms.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2024

Correlated relaxation and emerging entanglement in arrays of $Λ$-type atoms

We present a theoretical framework for investigating the non-classical collective relaxation in arrays of Λ-type three-level atoms, where the two optical transitions coupled to a pair of orthogonal chiral or achiral waveguide modes. We demonstrate that the atomic entanglement emerges in the course of relaxation and persists in the final steady state of the system. We also reveal the entanglement of among the emitted photons as well as between the atoms and the photons. The presence and the degree of the entanglement depends crucially on the interatomic distance and the chirality of the waveguide. Our findings open a new way to engineer dissipation-induced entanglement.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quasi-solitons and stable superluminal opto-acoustic pulses in Brillouin scattering

We theoretically and numerically study the evolution of soliton-like waves supported by stimulated Brillouin scattering. First, the emergence and unusual behaviour of resonant solitary waves are investigated for both backward and forward three wave interactions. We find that these waves can be characterized by the ratio between the optical and acoustic damping coefficients. We also examine a second class of non-resonant anti-symmetric soliton-like waves, which have a more complicated pulse shape than traditional solitons. These waves are superluminal, with pulse velocities that can be tuned by the input Stokes and pump fields. We discuss the excitation of these types of waves and the physical conditions required for their observation.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Improving Continuous-variable Quantum Channels with Unitary Averaging

A significant hurdle for quantum information and processing using bosonic systems is stochastic phase errors which occur as the photons propagate through a channel. These errors will reduce the purity of states passing through the channel and so reducing the channels capacity. We present a scheme of passive linear optical unitary averaging for protecting unknown Gaussian states transmitted through an optical channel. The scheme reduces the effect of phase noise on purity, squeezing and entanglement, thereby enhancing the channel via probabilistic error correcting protocol. The scheme is robust to loss and typically succeeds with high probability. We provide both numerical simulations and analytical approximations tailored for relevant parameters with the improvement of practical and current technology. We also show the asymptotic nature of the protocol, highlighting both current and future relevance.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Demonstration of Lossy Linear Transformations and Two-Photon Interference on a Photonic Chip

Studying quantum correlations in the presence of loss is of critical importance for the physical modeling of real quantum systems. Here, we demonstrate the control of spatial correlations between entangled photons in a photonic chip, designed and modeled using the singular value decomposition approach. We show that engineered loss, using an auxiliary waveguide, allows one to invert the spatial statistics from bunching to antibunching. Furthermore, we study the photon statistics within the loss-emulating channel and observe photon coincidences, which may provide insights into the design of quantum photonic integrated chips.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Fiber-based Ratiometric Optical Thermometry with Silicon-Vacancy in Microdiamonds

Fiber optic all-optical thermometry is a promising technology to track temperature at a micro-scale while designing efficient and reliable microelectronic devices and components. In this work, we demonstrate a novel real-time ratiometric fiber optic thermometry technique based on silicon-vacancy (SiV) diamond that shows the highest temperature resolution (22.91 KHz^(-1/2) Wcm^(-2)) and spatial resolution (~7.5 um) among all-optical fiber-based thermosensors reported to date. Instead of analyzing the spectral features of temperature-dependent SiV signal, coming from SiV micro-diamond fixed on the fiber tip, an alternative parallel detection method based on filtering optics and photon counters is proposed to read out the sample temperature in real-time. The signal collection efficiency of the fiber is also investigated numerically with semi-analytic ray-optical analysis and then compared with our experimental study. We finally demonstrate the performance of the thermosensor by monitoring the temperature at distinct locations in a lab-built graphite-based microheater device. Our work introduces a reconfigurable method for temperature monitoring in microelectronic, microfluidic devices, or biological environments and unlocks a new direction for fiber-based all-optical thermometry research.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Cryogenic Thermal Shock Effects on Optical Properties of Quantum Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Solid-state quantum emitters are vital building blocks for quantum information science and quantum technology. Among various types of solid-state emitters discovered to date, color centers in hexagonal boron nitride have garnered tremendous traction in recent years thanks to their environmental robustness, high brightness and room-temperature operation. Most recently, these quantum emitters have been employed for satellite-based quantum key distribution. One of the most important requirements to qualify these emitters for space-based applications is their optical stability against cryogenic thermal shock. Such understanding has, however, remained elusive to date. Here, we report on the effects caused by such thermal shock which induces random, irreversible changes in the spectral characteristics of the quantum emitters. By employing a combination of structural characterizations and density functional calculations, we attribute the observed changes to lattice strains caused by the cryogenic temperature shock. Our study shed light on the stability of the quantum emitters under extreme conditions, similar to those countered in outer space.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2021

Complete conversion between one and two photons in nonlinear waveguides with tailored dispersion

High-efficiency photon-pair production is a long-sought-after goal for many optical quantum technologies, and coherent photon conversion processes are promising candidates for achieving this. We show theoretically how to control coherent conversion between a narrow-band pump photon and broadband photon pairs in nonlinear optical waveguides by tailoring frequency dispersion for broadband quantum frequency mixing. We reveal that complete deterministic conversion as well as pump-photon revival can be achieved at a finite propagation distance. We also find that high conversion efficiencies can be realised robustly over long propagation distances. These results demonstrate that dispersion engineering is a promising way to tune and optimise the coherent photon conversion process.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Topologically Protecting Squeezed Light on a Photonic Chip

Squeezed light is a critical resource in quantum sensing and information processing. Due to the inherently weak optical nonlinearity and limited interaction volume, considerable pump power is typically needed to obtain efficient interactions to generate squeezed light in bulk crystals. Integrated photonics offers an elegant way to increase the nonlinearity by confining light strictly inside the waveguide. For the construction of large-scale quantum systems performing many-photon operations, it is essential to integrate various functional modules on a chip. However, fabrication imperfections and transmission crosstalk may add unwanted diffraction and coupling to other photonic elements, reducing the quality of squeezing. Here, by introducing the topological phase, we experimentally demonstrate the topologically protected nonlinear process of spontaneous four-wave mixing enabling the generation of squeezed light on a silica chip. We measure the cross-correlations at different evolution distances for various topological sites and verify the non-classical features with high fidelity. The squeezing parameters are measured to certify the protection of cavity-free, strongly squeezed states. The demonstration of topological protection for squeezed light on a chip brings new opportunities for quantum integrated photonics, opening novel approaches for the design of advanced multi-photon circuits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Phonon dephasing and spectral diffusion of quantum emitters in hexagonal Boron Nitride

Quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are emerging as bright and robust sources of single photons for applications in quantum optics. In this work we present detailed studies on the limiting factors to achieve Fourier Transform limited spectral lines. Specifically, we study phonon dephasing and spectral diffusion of quantum emitters in hBN via resonant excitation spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. We show that the linewidths of hBN quantum emitters are phonon broadened, even at 5K, with typical values of the order of one GHz. While spectral diffusion dominates at increasing pump powers, it can be minimized by working well below saturation excitation power. Our results are important for future utilization of quantum emitters in hBN for quantum interference experiments.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Generating ${\rm N00N}$-states of surface plasmon-polariton pairs with a nanoparticle

We consider a generation of two-particle quantum states in the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion of light by a dielectric nanoparticle with $χ^{(2)}$ response. As a particular example, we study the generation of surface plasmon-polariton pairs with a ${\rm GaAs}$ nanoparticle located at the silver-air interface. We show that for certain excitation geometries, ${\rm N00N}$-states of surface plasmon-polariton pairs could be obtained. The effect can be physically interpreted as a result of quantum interference between pairs of induced sources, each emitting either signal or idler plasmon. We then relate the resulting ${\rm N00N}$-pattern to the general symmetry properties of dyadic Green's function of a dipole emitter exciting surface waves. It renders the considered effect as a general way towards a robust generation of ${\rm N00N}$-states of surface waves using spontaneous parametric down-conversion in $χ^{(2)}$ nanoparticles.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Optical repumping of resonantly excited quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride

Resonant excitation of solid-state quantum emitters enables coherent control of quantum states and generation of coherent single photons, which are required for scalable quantum photonics applications. However, these systems can often decay to one or more intermediate dark states or spectrally jump, resulting in the lack of photons on resonance. Here, we present an optical co-excitation scheme which uses a weak non-resonant laser to reduce transitions to a dark state and amplify the photoluminescence from quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Utilizing a two-laser repumping scheme, we achieve optically stable resonance fluorescence of hBN emitters and an overall increase of ON time by an order of magnitude compared to only resonant excitation. Our results are important for the deployment of atom-like defects in hBN as reliable building blocks for quantum photonic applications.

physics.optics↗