arXiv subjects

Mario Siciliani de Cumis

Publications and source records attributed to Mario Siciliani de Cumis.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Spectral evolution of two-photon emission in microresonators

High-Q silicon nitride microresonators are versatile sources for generating photon pairs via four-wave mixing. We investigate the spectral coherence of this process, tracking the transition from the spontaneous quantum regime to the onset of optical parametric oscillation. By combining time-correlation measurements with phase-sensitive measurements, we continuously monitor the emission linewidth as it evolves from a cavity-lifetime-limited linewidth toward the pump-linewidth scale. This characterization is essential for optimizing integrated sources for scalable quantum networks.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

NovaMoon: A Strategic Lunar Reference Station for Positioning, Timing, and Largely Enhanced Science in the Earth-Moon System

The renewed interest in lunar exploration and the development of future lunar communication and navigation services highlight the need for a precise, stable, and interoperable geodetic and timing infrastructure on the Moon. NovaMoon, proposed as a scientific and navigation payload for ESA's Argonaut lander, is designed as a lunar-based local differential, geodetic, and timing station supporting both operational needs in the Moon's south polar region and a broad range of scientific investigations. The payload integrates a lunar laser retroreflector, a Very Long Baseline Interferometry transmitter, a receiver for navigation signals compatible with LunaNet standards, high-stability atomic clocks, and direct-to-Earth radio links -- making it the first lunar station to co-locate multiple ranging, tracking, and timing techniques. NovaMoon will enable sub-metre to decimetre positioning, provide local differential corrections for lunar users, and ensure an accurate and stable realisation of position and time. Preliminary simulation studies show that this multi-technique dataset improves the lunar reference frame, orientation and ephemerides, and estimates of interior parameters like tidal response and core properties. NovaMoon will also provide the first long-duration physical realisation of a lunar time reference. Beyond its primary goals, it supports improved cartography, precise surface geolocation, and higher-resolution topography, contributing to safer landings and operations. It also enables new tests of fundamental physics, including constraints on relativity and possible deviations from classical gravity.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2026

Sub-doppler trace-gas photoacoustic spectroscopy

Molecules are emerging as new benchmark for metrology and fundamental physics research, driving the demand for spectroscopic techniques combining high sensitivity and resolution. Photoacoustic spectroscopy has proven to combine high sensitivity with appealing features like compactness, wavelength-independent and background-free detection. To date, photoacoustic sensing has mostly been focused on high-pressure applied trace-gas analysis, while accessing the low-pressure regime has been considered not compatible with efficient acoustic wave propagation. However, sensing gas samples at low pressure is the key to get access to high-resolution spectroscopy. Here, we demonstrate that sub-Doppler saturation spectroscopy can be performed on low-pressure trace gases in a cavity-enhanced photoacoustic sensor with mW-level mid-infrared radiation. Moreover, we show that the same setup can be operated at higher pressure, enabling trace-gas detection with 5 parts-per-billion sensitivity with a laser power as low as 35 microwatts. This allows to extend the unique advantages of the photoacoustic technique to metrology and fundamental physics and provides the mid-infrared with a cost-effective, flexible tool combining high sensitivity and resolution.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Self-mixing-based photoacoustic sensing

Versatile, ultracompact, easy-to-handle, high-sensitivity sensors are compelling tools for in situ pivotal applications, such as medical diagnostics, security and safety assessments, and environmental control. In this work, we combine photoacoustic spectroscopy and feedback interferometry, proposing a novel trace-gas sensor equipped with a self-mixing readout. This scheme demonstrates a readout sensitivity comparable to that of bulkier state-of-the-art balanced Michelson-interferometric schemes, achieving the same spectroscopic performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and minimum detection limit (MDL). At the same time, the self-mixing readout benefits from a reduced size and a lower baseline, paving the way for future system downsizing and integration while offering a higher detectability for lower gas concentrations. Moreover, the intrinsic wavelength independence of both self-mixing and photoacoustic techniques allows the applicability and tailorability of the sensor to any desired spectral range.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2025

Free-space time-bin encoded quantum key distribution from near- to mid-infrared wavelengths

Quantum technologies play a central role in establishing new ways of quantum-secured communication. We investigate Free-Space Quantum Communication and explore the advantage of implementing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with weak coherent states produced by a light source in the Mid-Infrared (>3$μ$m). We simulate time-bin encoded quantum key distribution and demonstrate that a free-space QKD link operating in the Mid-infrared outperforms configurations based on conventional near-infrared wavelengths under various weather scenarios, with a particular significance in adverse meteorological conditions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Spatial-mode-demultiplexing for enhanced intensity and distance measurement

Spatial-mode demultiplexing (SPADE) has recently been adopted to measure the separation in the transverse plane between two incoherent point-like sources. It has been argued that this approach may yield extraordinary performances in the photon-counting regime. Here, we explore SPADE as a tool for precision measurements in the regime of bright, incoherent sources. First we analyse the general problem of estimating the second moments of the source's intensity distribution, for an extended incoherent source of any shape. Second, we present an experimental application of SPADE to the case of two point-like, bright sources. We demonstrate the use of this setup for the estimation of the transverse separation and for the estimation of their relative intensity.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Retrieval of phase relation and emission profile of quantum cascade laser frequency combs

The major development recently undergone by quantum cascade lasers has effectively extended frequency comb emission to longer-wavelength spectral regions, i.e. the mid and far infrared. Unlike classical pulsed frequency combs, their mode-locking mechanism relies on four-wave mixing nonlinear processes, with a temporal intensity profile different from conventional short-pulses trains. Measuring the absolute phase pattern of the modes in these combs enables a thorough characterization of the onset of mode-locking in absence of short-pulses emission, as well as of the coherence properties. Here, by combining dual-comb multi-heterodyne detection with Fourier-transform analysis, we show how to simultaneously acquire and monitor over a wide range of timescales the phase pattern of a generic frequency comb. The technique is applied to characterize a mid-infrared and a terahertz quantum cascade laser frequency comb, conclusively proving the high degree of coherence and the remarkable long-term stability of these sources. Moreover, the technique allows also the reconstruction of electric field, intensity profile and instantaneous frequency of the emission.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

QCL-based frequency metrology from the mid-infrared to the THz range: a review

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are becoming a key tool for plenty of applications, from the mid-infrared (mid-IR) to the THz range. Progress in related areas, such as the development of ultra-low-loss crystalline microresonators, optical frequency standards, and optical fiber networks for time and frequency dissemination, is paving the way for unprecedented applications in many fields. For most demanding applications, a thorough control of QCLs emission must be achieved. In the last few years, QCLs unique spectral features have been unveiled, while multifrequency QCLs have been demonstrated. Ultra-narrow frequency linewidths are necessary for metrological applications, ranging from cold molecules interaction and ultra-high sensitivity spectroscopy to infrared-THz metrology. A review of the present status of research in this field is presented, with a view of perspectives and future applications.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Direct observation of coherent inter-orbital spin-exchange dynamics

We report on the first direct observation of fast spin-exchange coherent oscillations between different long-lived electronic orbitals of ultracold $^{173}$Yb fermions. We measure, in a model-independent way, the strength of the exchange interaction driving this coherent process. This observation allows us to retrieve important information on the inter-orbital collisional properties of $^{173}$Yb atoms and paves the way to novel quantum simulations of paradigmatic models of two-orbital quantum magnetism.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2011

Photothermal and thermo-refractive effects in high reflectivity mirrors at room and cryogenic temperature

Increasing requirements in the sensitivity of interferometric measurements is a common feature of several research fields, from gravitational wave detection to quantum optics. This motivates refined studies of high reflectivity mirrors and of noise sources that are tightly related to their structure. In this work we present an experimental characterization of photothermal and thermo-refractive effects in high reflectivity mirrors, i.e., of the variations in the position of their effective reflection plane due to weak residual power absorption. The measurements are performed by modulating the impinging power in the range 10 Hz $÷$ 100 kHz. The experimental results are compared with an expressly derived theoretical model in order to fully understand the phenomena and exploit them to extract useful effective thermo-mechanical parameters of the coating. The measurements are extended at cryogenic temperature, where most high sensitivity experiments are performed (or planned in future versions) and where characterizations of dielectric film coatings are still poor.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2010

Classical signature of ponderomotive squeezing in a suspended mirror resonator

The radiation pressure coupling between a low-mass moving mirror and an incident light field has been experimentally studied in a high-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity. Using classical intensity noise in order to mimic radiation pressure quantum fluctuations, the physics of ponderomotive squeezing comes into play as a result of the opto-mechanical correlations between the field quadratures. The same scheme can be used to probe ponderomotive squeezing at the quantum level, thus opening new routes in quantum optics and high sensitivity measurement experiments.

quant-ph↗