Two-photon quantum walk in a multimode fiber

Sci Adv. 2016 Jan 29;2(1):e1501054. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.1501054. eCollection 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Multiphoton propagation in connected structures-a quantum walk-offers the potential of simulating complex physical systems and provides a route to universal quantum computation. Increasing the complexity of quantum photonic networks where the walk occurs is essential for many applications. We implement a quantum walk of indistinguishable photon pairs in a multimode fiber supporting 380 modes. Using wavefront shaping, we control the propagation of the two-photon state through the fiber in which all modes are coupled. Excitation of arbitrary output modes of the system is realized by controlling classical and quantum interferences. This report demonstrates a highly multimode platform for multiphoton interference experiments and provides a powerful method to program a general high-dimensional multiport optical circuit. This work paves the way for the next generation of photonic devices for quantum simulation, computing, and communication.

Keywords: Random medium; Transmission matrix; multimode fiber; photon pairs; quantum interferences; quantum walks; scattering medium; spatial light modulator; wavefront shaping.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Optical Fibers*
  • Photons*
  • Quantum Theory*