High Fidelity Heralded On Demand Single Photon Source

ABSTRACT: To provide reliably secure communications, development of practical quantum optical devices for ground-to-space quantum key distribution is a necessity. The overall goal of this Air Force effort is to develop and deliver a single photon source based on heralding to indicate when a photon has been generated. The proposed device will produce single photons on demand with high efficiency, narrow linewidth, high rate, and sub-Poissonian statistics providing the key technology required for deployment of free space ground-to-ground and space-to-ground links and future construction of a global quantum network. The waveguide-based technology is compact, robust, and power efficient for deployment on space-based platforms to provide provably, unconditionally secure quantum encryption meeting Air Force demands. BENEFIT: Quantum-based communication is of prime interest to corporations and government agencies with high security requirements. In cases where classical schemes are not considered trustworthy, key distribution by courier is typically used. Unlike human courier networks, quantum cryptography has the ability to detect interception of the key, has greater reliability and operating costs, and is automatic and instantaneous. For long distance quantum communication to be practical, space-to-ground links are a necessity due to the current limitations of optical fiber and photon detectors in ground-to-ground links. A space-based implementation of the technology may also answer important questions in fundamental physics by testing the properties of quantum entanglements over much greater distances than ever before, and due to earth"s gravitational curvature may even provide an insight to the relationship between gravity and quantum physics. Additionally, the path to creating entangled photon sources that are as ubiquitous as diode lasers are today has implications in whole new arenas of economic development in addition to national security.