arXiv subjects

Khabat Heshami

Publications and source records attributed to Khabat Heshami.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2022

High-speed imaging of spatiotemporal correlations in Hong-Ou-Mandel interference

The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference effect lies at the heart of many emerging quantum technologies whose performance can be significantly enhanced with increasing numbers of entangled modes one could measure and thus utilize. Photon pairs generated through the process of spontaneous parametric down conversion are known to be entangled in a vast number of modes in the various degrees of freedom (DOF) the photons possess such as time, energy, and momentum, etc. Due to limitations in detection technology and techniques, often only one such DOFs can be effectively measured at a time, resulting in much lost potential. Here, we experimentally demonstrate, with the aid of a time tagging camera, high speed measurement and characterization of two-photon interference. {With a data acquisition time of only a few seconds, we observe a bi-photon interference and coalescence visibility of $\sim64\%$ with potentially up to $\sim2\times10^3$ spatial modes}. These results open up a route for practical applications of using the high dimensionality of spatiotemporal DOF in two-photon interference, and in particular, for quantum sensing and communication.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

How squeezed states both maximize and minimize the same notion of quantumness

Beam splitters are routinely used for generating entanglement between modes in the optical and microwave domains, requiring input states that are not convex combinations of coherent states. This leads to the ability to generate entanglement at a beam splitter as a notion of quantumness. A similar, yet distinct, notion of quantumness is the amount of entanglement generated by two-mode squeezers (i.e., four-wave mixers). We show that squeezed-vacuum states, paradoxically, both minimize and maximize these notions of quantumness, with the crucial resolution of the paradox hinging upon the relative phases between the input states and the devices. Our notion of quantumness is intrinsically related to eigenvalue equations involving creation and annihilation operators, governed by a set of inequalities that leads to generalized cat and squeezed-vacuum states.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Simulation of many-body dynamics using Rydberg excitons

The recent observation of high-lying Rydberg states of excitons in semiconductors with relatively high binding energy motivates exploring their applications in quantum nonlinear optics and quantum information processing. Here, we study Rydberg excitation dynamics of a mesoscopic array of excitons to demonstrate its application in simulation of quantum many-body dynamics. We show that the $\mathbb{Z}_2$-ordered phase can be reached using physical parameters available for cuprous oxide (Cu$_2$O) by optimizing driving laser parameters such as duration, intensity, and frequency. In an example, we study the application of our proposed system to solving the Maximum Independent Set (MIS) problem based on the Rydberg blockade effect.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quantum communication with ultrafast time-bin qubits

The photonic temporal degree of freedom is one of the most promising platforms for quantum communication over fiber networks and free-space channels. In particular, time-bin states of photons are robust to environmental disturbances, support high-rate communication, and can be used in high-dimensional schemes. However, the detection of photonic time-bin states remains a challenging task, particularly for the case of photons that are in a superposition of different time-bins. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of picosecond time-bin states of light, known as ultrafast time-bins, for applications in quantum communications. With the ability to measure time-bin superpositions with excellent phase stability, we enable the use of temporal states in efficient quantum key distribution protocols such as the BB84 protocol.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Achieving ultimate noise tolerance in quantum communication

At the fundamental level, quantum communication is ultimately limited by noise. For instance, quantum signals cannot be amplified without the introduction of noise in the amplified states. Furthermore, photon loss reduces the signal-to-noise ratio, accentuating the effect of noise. Thus, most of the efforts in quantum communications have been directed towards overcoming noise to achieve longer communication distances, larger secret key rates, or to operate in noisier environmental conditions. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a platform for quantum communication based on ultrafast optical techniques. In particular, our scheme enables the experimental realization of high-rates and quantum signal filtering approaching a single spectro-temporal mode, resulting in a dramatic reduction in channel noise. By experimentally realizing a 1-ps optically induced temporal gate, we show that ultrafast time filtering can result in an improvement in noise tolerance by a factor of up to 1200 compared to a 2-ns electronic filter enabling daytime quantum key distribution or quantum communication in bright fibers.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Underwater quantum communication over a 30-meter flume tank

Underwater quantum communication has recently been explored using polarization and orbital angular momentum. Here, we show that spatially structured modes, e.g., a coherent superposition of beams carrying both polarization and orbital angular momentum, can also be used for underwater quantum cryptography. We also use the polarization degree of freedom for quantum communication in an underwater channel having various lengths, up to $30$ meters. The underwater channel proves to be a difficult environment for establishing quantum communication as underwater optical turbulence results in significant beam wandering and distortions. However, the errors associated to the turbulence do not result in error rates above the threshold for establishing a positive key in a quantum communication link with both the polarization and spatially structured photons. The impact of the underwater channel on the spatially structured modes is also investigated at different distances using polarization tomography.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Generation of doubly excited Rydberg states based on Rydberg antiblockade in a cold atomic ensemble

Interaction between Rydberg atoms can significantly modify Rydberg excitation dynamics. Under a resonant driving field the Rydberg-Rydberg interaction in high-lying states can induce shifts in the atomic resonance such that a secondary Rydberg excitation becomes unlikely leading to the Rydberg blockade effect. In a related effect, off-resonant coupling of light to Rydberg states of atoms contributes to the Rydberg anti-blockade effect where the Rydberg interaction creates a resonant condition that promotes a secondary excitation in a Rydberg atomic gas. Here, we study the light-matter interaction and dynamics of off-resonant two-photon excitations and include two- and three-atom Rydberg interactions and their effect on excited state dynamics in an ensemble of cold atoms. In an experimentally-motivated regime, we find the optimal physical parameters such as Rabi frequencies, two-photon detuning, and pump duration to achieve significant enhancement in the probability of generating doubly-excited collective atomic states. This results in large auto-correlation values due to the Rydberg anti-blockade effect and makes this system a potential candidate for a high-purity two-photon Fock state source.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Characterization of an underwater channel for quantum communications in the Ottawa River

We examine the propagation of optical beams possessing different polarization states and spatial modes through the Ottawa River in Canada. A Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor is used to record the distorted beam's wavefront. The turbulence in the underwater channel is analysed, and associated Zernike coefficients are obtained in real-time. Finally, we explore the feasibility of transmitting polarization states as well as spatial modes through the underwater channel for applications in quantum cryptography.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Quantum process tomography of a high-dimensional quantum communication channel

The characterization of quantum processes, e.g. communication channels, is an essential ingredient for establishing quantum information systems. For quantum key distribution protocols, the amount of overall noise in the channel determines the rate at which secret bits are distributed between authorized partners. In particular, tomographic protocols allow for the full reconstruction, and thus characterization, of the channel. Here, we perform quantum process tomography of high-dimensional quantum communication channels with dimensions ranging from 2 to 5. We can thus explicitly demonstrate the effect of an eavesdropper performing an optimal cloning attack or an intercept-resend attack during a quantum cryptographic protocol. Moreover, our study shows that quantum process tomography enables a more detailed understanding of the channel conditions compared to a coarse-grained measure, such as quantum bit error rates. This full characterization technique allows us to optimize the performance of quantum key distribution under asymmetric experimental conditions, which is particularly useful when considering high-dimensional encoding schemes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Experimental investigation of high-dimensional quantum key distribution protocols with twisted photons

Quantum key distribution is on the verge of real world applications, where perfectly secure information can be distributed among multiple parties. Several quantum cryptographic protocols have been theoretically proposed and independently realized in different experimental conditions. Here, we develop an experimental platform based on high-dimensional orbital angular momentum states of single photons that enables implementation of multiple quantum key distribution protocols with a single experimental apparatus. Our versatile approach allows us to experimentally survey different classes of quantum key distribution techniques, such as the 1984 Bennett \& Brassard (BB84), tomographic protocols including the six-state and the Singapore protocol, and to investigate, for the first time, a recently introduced differential phase shift (Chau15) protocol using twisted photons. This enables us to experimentally compare the performance of these techniques and discuss their benefits and deficiencies in terms of noise tolerance in different dimensions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Theory of cavity-enhanced non-destructive detection of photonic qubits in a solid-state atomic ensemble

Non-destructive detection of photonic qubits will enable important applications in photonic quantum information processing and quantum communications. Here, we present an approach based on a solid-state cavity containing an ensemble of rare-earth ions. First a probe pulse containing many photons is stored in the ensemble. Then a single signal photon, which represents a time-bin qubit, imprints a phase on the ensemble that is due to the AC Stark effect. This phase does not depend on the exact timing of the signal photon, which makes the detection insensitive to the time-bin qubit state. Then the probe pulse is retrieved and its phase is detected via homodyne detection. We show that the cavity leads to a dependence of the imprinted phase on the {\it probe} photon number, which leads to a spreading of the probe phase, in contrast to the simple shift that occurs in the absence of a cavity. However, we show that this scenario still allows non-destructive detection of the signal. We discuss potential implementations of the scheme, showing that high success probability and low loss should be simultaneously achievable.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Round-Robin Differential Phase-Shift Quantum Key Distribution with Twisted Photons

Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers the possibility for two individuals to communicate a securely encrypted message. From the time of its inception in 1984 by Bennett and Brassard, QKD has been the result of intense research. One technical challenge is the monitoring of signal disturbance in a QKD system to bound the information leakage towards an unwanted eavesdropper. Recently, the round-robin differential phase-shift (RRDPS) protocol, which encodes bits of information in a high-dimensional state space, was proposed to solve this exact problem. Since its introduction, many realizations of the RRDPS protocol were demonstrated using trains of coherent pulses. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an implementation of the RRDPS protocol using the photonic orbital angular momentum degree of freedom. In particular, we show that Alice's generation stage and Bob's detection stage can each be reduced to a single phase element, greatly simplifying its implementation. Our scheme offers a practical demonstration of the RRDPS protocol which will suppress the need for monitoring signal disturbance in free-space channels.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Underwater Quantum Key Distribution in Outdoor Conditions with Twisted Photons

Quantum communication has been successfully implemented in optical fibres and through free-space [1-3]. Fibre systems, though capable of fast key rates and low quantum bit error rates (QBERs), are impractical in communicating with destinations without an established fibre link [4]. Free-space quantum channels can overcome such limitations and reach long distances with the advent of satellite-to-ground links [5-8]. Shorter line-of-sight free-space links have also been realized for intra-city conditions [2, 9]. However, turbulence, resulting from local fluctuations in refractive index, becomes a major challenge by adding errors and losses [10]. Recently, an interest in investigating the possibility of underwater quantum channels has arisen, which could provide global secure communication channels among submersibles and boats [11-13]. Here, we investigate the effect of turbulence on an underwater quantum channel using twisted photons in outdoor conditions. We study the effect of turbulence on transmitted QBERs, and compare different QKD protocols in an underwater quantum channel showing the feasibility of high-dimensional encoding schemes. Our work may open the way for secure high-dimensional quantum communication between submersibles, and provides important input for potential submersibles-to-satellite quantum communication.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Time-bin to Polarization Conversion of Ultrafast Photonic Qubits

The encoding of quantum information in photonic time-bin qubits is apt for long distance quantum communication schemes. In practice, due to technical constraints such as detector response time, or the speed with which co-polarized time-bins can be switched, other encodings, e.g. polarization, are often preferred for operations like state detection. Here, we present the conversion of qubits between polarization and time-bin encodings using a method that is based on an ultrafast optical Kerr shutter and attain efficiencies of 97% and an average fidelity of 0.827+/-0.003 with shutter speeds near 1 ps. Our demonstration delineates an essential requirement for the development of hybrid and high-rate optical quantum networks.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Coherent storage and manipulation of broadband photons via dynamically controlled Autler-Townes splitting

The coherent control of light with matter, enabling storage and manipulation of optical signals, was revolutionized by electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), which is a quantum interference effect. For strong electromagnetic fields that induce a wide transparency band, this quantum interference vanishes, giving rise to the well-known phenomenon of Autler-Townes splitting (ATS). To date, it is an open question whether ATS can be directly leveraged for coherent control as more than just a case of "bad" EIT. Here, we establish a protocol showing that dynamically controlled absorption of light in the ATS regime mediates coherent storage and manipulation that is inherently suitable for efficient broadband quantum memory and processing devices. We experimentally demonstrate this protocol by storing and manipulating nanoseconds-long optical pulses through a collective spin state of laser-cooled Rb atoms for up to a microsecond. Furthermore, we show that our approach substantially relaxes the technical requirements intrinsic to established memory schemes, rendering it suitable for broad range of platforms with applications to quantum information processing, high-precision spectroscopy, and metrology.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Storage of polarization-entangled THz-bandwidth photons in a diamond quantum memory

Bulk diamond phonons have been shown to be a versatile platform for the generation, storage, and manipulation of high-bandwidth quantum states of light. Here we demonstrate a diamond quantum memory that stores, and releases on demand, an arbitrarily polarized $\sim$250 fs duration photonic qubit. The single-mode nature of the memory is overcome by mapping the two degrees of polarization of the qubit, via Raman transitions, onto two spatially distinct optical phonon modes located in the same diamond crystal. The two modes are coherently recombined upon retrieval and quantum process tomography confirms that the memory faithfully reproduces the input state with average fidelity $0.784\pm0.004$ with a total memory efficiency of $(0.76\pm0.03)\%$. In an additional demonstration, one photon of a polarization-entangled pair is stored in the memory. We report that entanglement persists in the retrieved state for up to 1.3 ps of storage time. These results demonstrate that the diamond phonon platform can be used in concert with polarization qubits, a key requirement for polarization-encoded photonic processing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Single-photon source based on Rydberg exciton blockade

We propose to implement a new kind of solid-state single-photon source based on the recently observed Rydberg blockade effect for excitons in cuprous oxide. The strong interaction between excitons in levels with high principal quantum numbers prevents the creation of more than one exciton in a small crystal. The resulting effective two-level system is a good single-photon source. Our quantitative estimates suggest that GHz rates and values of the second-order correlation function $g_2(0)$ below the percent level should be simultaneously achievable.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

High-Dimensional Intra-City Quantum Cryptography with Structured Photons

Quantum key distribution (QKD) promises information-theoretically secure communication, and is already on the verge of commercialization. Thus far, different QKD protocols have been proposed theoretically and implemented experimentally [1, 2]. The next step will be to implement high-dimensional protocols in order to improve noise resistance and increase the data rate [3-7]. Hitherto, no experimental verification of high-dimensional QKD in the single-photon regime has been conducted outside of the laboratory. Here, we report the realization of such a single-photon QKD system in a turbulent free-space link of 0.3 km over the city of Ottawa, taking advantage of both the spin and orbital angular momentum photonic degrees of freedom. This combination of optical angular momenta allows us to create a 4-dimensional state [8]; wherein, using a high-dimensional BB84 protocol [3, 4], a quantum bit error rate of 11\% was attained with a corresponding secret key rate of 0.65 bits per sifted photon. While an error rate of 5\% with a secret key rate of 0.43 bits per sifted photon is achieved for the case of 2-dimensional structured photons. Even through moderate turbulence without active wavefront correction, it is possible to securely transmit information carried by structured photons, opening the way for intra-city high-dimensional quantum communications under realistic conditions.

quant-ph↗