Optimization of two-photon wave function in parametric down conversion by adaptive optics control of the pump radiation

Pump-shaping of non-collinear and non-degenerate entangled photons

Free-space quantum key distribution is gaining increasing interest as a leading platform for long range quantum communication. However, the sensitivity of quantum correlations to scattering induced by turbulent atmospheric links limits the performance of such systems. Recently, a method for compensating for the scattering of entangled photons was demonstrated, allowing for real-time optimization of their quantum correlations. In this Letter, we demonstrate the use of wavefront shaping for compensating for the scattering of non-collinear and non-degenerate entangled photons. These results demonstrate the applicability of wavefront shaping schemes for protocols utilizing the large bandwidth and emission angle of the entangled photons.

Real-time shaping of entangled photons by classical control and feedback

Quantum technologies hold great promise for revolutionizing photonic applications such as cryptography. Yet, their implementation in real-world scenarios is challenging, mostly because of sensitivity of quantum correlations to scattering. Recent developments in optimizing the shape of single photons introduce new ways to control entangled photons. Nevertheless, shaping single photons in real time remains a challenge due to the weak associated signals, which are too noisy for optimization processes. Here, we overcome this challenge and control scattering of entangled photons by shaping the classical laser beam that stimulates their creation. We discover that because the classical beam and the entangled photons follow the same path, the strong classical signal can be used for optimizing the weak quantum signal. We show that this approach can increase the length of free-space turbulent quantum links by up to two orders of magnitude, opening the door for using wavefront shaping for quantum communications.

An efficient, tunable, and robust source of narrow-band photon pairs at the 87Rb D1 line

We present an efficient and robust source of photons at the ⁸⁷Rb D1-line (795 nm) with a narrow bandwidth of δ = 226(1) MHz. The source is based on non-degenerate, cavity-enhanced spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a monolithic optical parametric oscillator far below threshold. The setup allows for efficient coupling to single mode fibers. A heralding efficiency of η_heralded = 45(5) % is achieved, and the uncorrected number of detected photon pairs is 3.8 × 10³/(s mW). For pair generation rates up to 5 × 10⁵/s, the source emits heralded single photons with a normalized, heralded, second-order correlation function g c(2)<0.01. The source is intrinsically stable due to the monolithic configuration. Frequency drifts are on the order of δ/20 per hour without active feedback on the emission frequency. We achieved fine-tuning of the source frequency within a range of >2 GHz by applying mechanical strain.

Handheld Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope

Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) has enabled in vivo visualization and enhanced understanding of retinal structure and function. Current generation AOSLOs have a large footprint and are mainly limited to imaging cooperative adult subjects. To extend the application of AOSLO to new patient populations, we have designed the first portable handheld AOSLO (HAOSLO) system. By incorporating a novel computational wavefront sensorless AO algorithm and custom optics, we have miniaturized our HAOSLO to weigh less than 200 grams. HAOSLO imaged the cones closest to the fovea with a handheld probe in adults and captured the first AO-enhanced image of cones in infants.

Optimizing single-mode collection from pointlike sources of single photons with adaptive optics

The collection efficiency of light from a point-like emitter may be extremely poor due to aberrations induced by collection optics and the emission distribution of the source. Analyzing the aberrant wavefront (e.g., with a Shack-Hartmann sensor) and correcting accordingly can be infeasible on the single-photon level. We present a technique that uses a genetic algorithm to control a deformable mirror for correcting wavefront aberrations in single-photon signals from point emitters. We apply our technique to both a simulated point source and a real InAs quantum dot, achieving coupling increases of up to 50% and automatic reduction of system drift.

Towards correcting atmospheric beam wander via pump beam control in a down conversion process

Correlated photon pairs produced by a spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) process can be used for secure quantum communication over long distances including free space transmission over a link through turbulent atmosphere. We experimentally investigate the possibility to utilize the intrinsic strong correlation between the pump and output photon spatial modes to mitigate the negative targeting effects of atmospheric beam wander. Our approach is based on a demonstration observing the deflection of the beam on a spatially resolved array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPAD-array).

Wavefront sensorless adaptive optics optical coherence tomography for in vivo retinal imaging in mice

We present wavefront sensorless adaptive optics (WSAO) Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) for in vivo small animal retinal imaging. WSAO is attractive especially for mouse retinal imaging because it simplifies optical design and eliminates the need for wavefront sensing, which is difficult in the small animal eye. GPU accelerated processing of the OCT data permitted real-time extraction of image quality metrics (intensity) for arbitrarily selected retinal layers to be optimized. Modal control of a commercially available segmented deformable mirror (IrisAO Inc.) provided rapid convergence using a sequential search algorithm. Image quality improvements with WSAO OCT are presented for both pigmented and albino mouse retinal data, acquired in vivo.

Wavefront sensorless modal deformable mirror correction in adaptive optics: optical coherence tomography

We present a method for optimization of optical coherence tomography images using wavefront sensorless adaptive optics. The method consists of systematic adjustment of the coefficients of a subset of the orthogonal Zernike bases and application of the resulting shapes to a deformable mirror, while optimizing using image sharpness as a merit function. We demonstrate that this technique can compensate for aberrations induced by trial lenses. Measurements of the point spread function before and after compensation demonstrate near diffraction limit imaging.