arXiv subjects

Michał Parniak

Publications and source records attributed to Michał Parniak.

54 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Resolution limits of spatial mode demultiplexing with noisy detection

We consider the problem of estimating the spatial separation between two mutually incoherent point light sources using the super-resolution imaging technique based on spatial mode demultiplexing with noisy detectors. We show that in the presence of noise the resolution of the measurement is limited by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the minimum resolvable spatial separation has a characteristic dependence of $\sim$SNR$^{-1/2}$. Several detection techniques, including direct photon counting, as well as homodyne and heterodyne detection are considered.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Superradiant parametric conversion of spin waves

Atomic-ensemble spin waves carrying single-photon Fock states exhibit nonclassical many-body correlations in-between atoms. The same correlations are inherently associated with single-photon superradiance, forming the basis of a plethora of quantum light-matter interfaces. We devise a scheme allowing the preparation of spatially-structured superradiant states in the atomic two-photon cascade using spin-wave light storage. We thus show that long-lived atomic ground-state spin waves can be converted to photon pairs opening the way towards nonlinear optics of spin waves via multi-wave mixing processes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Certification of high-dimensional entanglement and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering with cold atomic quantum memory

The advent of structured, high-dimensional entangled states brings new possibilities for quantum imaging, information processing and quantum key distribution. We experimentally generate and characterize a spatially entangled state stored in a quantum memory system, using entropic EPR-steering inequality, yielding genuine violation of $1.06\pm0.15$ bits and certifying entanglement of formation of at least $0.70\pm0.15$ ebits. The supremacy of the entropic witness is demonstrated for a wide class of experimentally available states, giving prospects for EPR-steering applications in noisy systems or with lossy quantum channels.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Spatial spin-wave modulator for quantum memory assisted adaptive measurements

Utilization of the spatial degree of freedom vastly enhances informational capacity of light at the cost of stringent requirements on the processing devices. Multi-mode quantum memories constitute a viable candidate for quantum and classical information processing; however, full utilization of the assets of high-dimensionality requires a flexible processing technique. We employ a spatially varying ac-Stark effect to perform arbitrary 1D phase modulation of a coherent spin-wave state stored in a wavevector-multiplexed quantum memory. A far-field and an interferometric near-field characterizations of the introduced phase profiles are presented. Additionally, coherence between temporally separated partial readouts of a single coherent spin-wave state is demonstrated, offering possible applications in adaptive measurements via conditional spin-wave modulation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Quantum optics of spin waves through ac Stark modulation

We bring the set of linear quantum operations, important for many fundamental studies in photonic systems, to the material domain of collective excitations known as spin waves. Using the ac Stark effect we realize quantum operations on single excitations and demonstrate a spin-wave analogue of Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, realized via a beamsplitter implemented in the spin wave domain. Our scheme equips atomic-ensemble-based quantum repeaters with quantum information processing capability and can be readily brought to other physical systems, such as doped crystals or room-temperature atomic ensembles.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Beating the Rayleigh Limit Using Two-Photon Interference

Multiparameter estimation theory offers a general framework to explore imaging techniques beyond the Rayleigh limit. While optimal measurements of single parameters characterizing a composite light source are now well understood, simultaneous determination of multiple parameters poses a much greater challenge that in general requires implementation of collective measurements. Here we show, theoretically and experimentally, that Hong-Ou-Mandel interference followed by spatially resolved detection of photons provides precise information on both the separation and the centroid for a pair of point emitters, avoiding trade-offs inherent to single-photon measurements.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Coherent spin-wave processor of stored optical pulses

A device being a pinnacle of development of an optical quantum memory should combine the capabilities of storage, inter-communication and processing of stored information. In particular, the ability to capture a train of optical pulses, interfere them in an arbitrary way and finally perform on-demand release would in a loose sense realize an optical analogue of a Turing Machine. Here we demonstrate the operation of an optical quantum memory being able to store optical pulses in the form of collective spin-wave excitations in a multi-dimensional wavevector space. During storage, we perform complex beamsplitter operations and demonstrate a variety of protocol implemented as the processing stage, including interfering a pair of spin-wave modes with 95\% visibility. By engineering the phase-matching at the readout stage we realize the on-demand retrieval. The highly multimode structure of the presented quantum memory lends itself both to enhancing classical optical telecommunication as well as parallel processing of optical qubits at the single-photon level.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Microchannel plate cross-talk mitigation for spatial autocorrelation measurements

Microchannel plates (MCP) are the basis for many spatially-resolved single-particle detectors such as ICCD or I-sCMOS cameras employing image intensifiers (II), MCPs with delay-line anodes for the detection of cold gas particles or Cherenkov radiation detectors. However, the spatial characterization provided by an MCP is severely limited by cross-talk between its microchannels, rendering MCP and II ill-suited for autocorrelation measurements. Here we present a cross-talk subtraction method experimentally exemplified for an I-sCMOS based measurement of pseudo-thermal light second-order intensity autocorrelation function at the single- photon level. The method merely requires a dark counts measurement for calibration. A reference cross- correlation measurement certifies the cross-talk subtraction. While remaining universal for MCP applications, the presented cross-talk subtraction in particular simplifies quantum optical setups. With the possibility of autocorrelation measurement the signal needs no longer to be divided into two camera regions for a cross- correlation measurement, reducing the experimental setup complexity and increasing at least twofold the simultaneously employable camera sensor region.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Spatially-resolved control of fictitious magnetic fields in a cold atomic ensemble

Effective and unrestricted engineering of atom-photon interactions requires precise spatially-resolved control of light beams. The significant potential of such manipulations lies in a set of disciplines ranging from solid state to atomic physics. Here we use a Zeeman-like ac-Stark shift of a shaped laser beam to perform rotations of spins with spatial resolution in a large ensemble of cold rubidium atoms. We show that inhomogeneities of light intensity are the main source of dephasing and thus decoherence, yet with proper beam shaping this deleterious effect is strongly mitigated allowing rotations of 15 rad within one spin-precession lifetime. Finally, as a particular example of a complex manipulation enabled by our scheme, we demonstrate a range of collapse-and-revival behaviours of a free-induction decay signal by imprinting comb-like patterns on the atomic ensemble.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2017

Wavevector multiplexed quantum memory via spatially-resolved single-photon detection

Parallelized quantum information processing requires tailored quantum memories to simultaneously handle multiple photons. The spatial degree of freedom is a promising candidate to facilitate such photonic multiplexing. Using a single-photon resolving camera we demonstrate a wavevector multiplexed quantum memory based on a cold atomic ensemble. Observation of nonclassical correlations between Raman scattered photons is confirmed by an average value of the second-order correlation function $g_{\mathrm{S,AS}}^{(2)}=72\pm5$ in 665 separated modes simultaneously. The proposed protocol utilizing the multimode memory along with the camera will facilitate generation of multi-photon states, which are a necessity in quantum-enhanced sensing technologies and as an input to photonic quantum circuits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox in a hybrid bipartite system

Entanglement of light and matter is an essential resource for effective quantum engineering. In particular, collective states of atomic ensembles are robust against decoherence while preserving the possibility of strong interaction with quantum states of light. While previous approaches to continous-variable quantum interfaces relied on quadratures of light, here we present an approach based on spatial structure of light-atom entanglement. We create and characterize a 12-dimensional entangled state exhibiting quantum correlations between a photon and an atomic ensemble in position and momentum bases. This state allows us to demonstrate the original Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox with two different entities, with an unprecedented delay time of 6 $μ$s between generation of entanglement and detection of the atomic state.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Phase matching alters spatial multiphoton processes in dense atomic ensembles

Multiphoton processes in dense atomic vapors such as four-wave mixing or coherent blue light generation are typically viewed from single-atom perspective. Here we study the surprisingly important effect of phase matching near two-photon resonances that arises due to spatial extent of the atomic medium within which the multiphoton process occurs. The non-unit refractive index of the atomic vapor may inhibit generation of light in nonlinear processes, significantly shift the efficiency maxima in frequencies and redirect emitted beam. We present these effects on an example of four-wave mixing in dense rubidium vapors in a double-ladder configuration. By deriving a simple theory that takes into account essential spatial properties of the process, we give precise predictions and confirm their validity in the experiment. The model allows us to improve on the geometry of the experiment and engineer more efficient four-wave mixing.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Optical Frequency Locked Loop for long-term stabilization of broad-line DFB lasers frequency difference

We present an experimental realization of the Optical Frequency Locked Loop (OFLL) applied to long-term frequency difference stabilization of broad-line DFB lasers. The presented design, based on an integrated phase-frequency detector chip, is digitally tunable in real-time, robust against environmental perturbations and compatible with commercially available laser current control modules. We present a simple model and a quick method to optimize the loop for given hardware using only simple measurements in time domain and approximate laser linewidth. We demonstrate frequency stabilization for offsets encompassing entire 4-15 GHz capture range. We achieve < 0.5 Hz long-term stability of the beat note frequency for 1000 s averaging time. Step response of the system as well as phase characteristics closely adhere to the theoretical model.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Coupling of four-wave mixing and Raman scattering by ground-state atomic coherence

We demonstrate coupling of light resonant to transition between two excited states of rubidium and long-lived ground-state atomic coherence. In our proof-of-principle experiment a non-linear process of four-wave mixing is used to achieve light emission proportional to independently prepared ground-state atomic coherence. Strong correlations between stimulated Raman scattering light heralding generation of ground-state coherence and the four-wave mixing signal are measured and shown to survive the storage period, which is promising in terms of quantum memory applications. The process is characterized as a function of laser detunings.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Magneto-optical polarization rotation in a ladder-type atomic system for tunable offset locking

We demonstrate an easily tunable locking scheme for stabilizing frequency-sum of two lasers on a two-photon ladder transition based on polarization rotation in warm rubidium vapors induced by magnetic field and circularly polarized drive field. Unprecedented tunability of the two-photon offset frequency is due to strong splitting and shifting of magnetic states in external field. In our experimental setup we achieve two-photon detuning of up to 700 MHz.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2015

Multimode Raman light-atom interface in warm atomic ensemble as multiple three-mode quantum operations

We analyze the properties of a Raman quantum light-atom interface in long atomic ensemble and its applications as a quantum memory or two-mode squeezed state generator. We consider the weak-coupling regime and include both Stokes and anti-Stokes scattering and the effects of Doppler broadening in buffer gas assuming frequent velocity-averaging collisions. We find the Green functions describing multimode transformation from input to output fields of photons and atomic excitations. Proper mode basis is found via singular value decomposition for short interaction times. It reveals that triples of modes are coupled by a transformation equivalent to a combination of two beamsplitters and a two-mode squeezing operation. We analyze the possible transformations on an example of warm rubidium-87 vapor. The model we present bridges the gap between the Stokes only and anti-Stokes only interactions providing simple, universal description in a temporally and longitudinally multimode situation. Our results also provide an easy way to find an evolution of the states in a Schrödinger picture thus facilitating understanding and design.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Interference and nonlinear properties of four-wave-mixing resonances in thermal vapor: Analytical results and experimental verification

We develop a model to calculate nonlinear polarization in a nondegenerate four-wave mixing in diamond configuration which includes the effects of hyperfine structure and Doppler broadening. We verify the model against the experiment with $5^{2}S_{1/2}$, $5^{2}P_{3/2}$, $5^{2}D_{3/2}$ and $5^{2}P_{1/2}$ levels of rubidium 85. Treating the multilevel atomic system as a combination of many four-level systems we are able to express the nonlinear susceptibility of a thermal ensemble in a low-intensity regime in terms of Voigt-type profiles and obtain an excellent conformity of theory and experiment within this complex system. The agreement is also satisfactory at high intensity and the analytical model correctly predicts the positions and shapes of resonances. Our results elucidate the physics of coherent interaction of light with atoms involving higher excited levels in vapors at room temperature, which is used in an increasing range of applications.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

Spontaneous and parametric processes in warm rubidium vapours

Warm rubidium vapours are known to be a versatile medium for a variety of experiments in atomic physics and quantum optics. Here we present experimental results on producing the frequency converted light for quantum applications based on spontaneous and stimulated processes in rubidium vapours. In particular, we study the efficiency of spontaneously initiated stimulated Raman scattering in the Λ-level configuration and conditions of generating the coherent blue light assisted by multi-photon transitions in the diamond-level configuration. Our results will be helpful in search for new types of interfaces between light and atomic quantum memories.

physics.atom-ph↗