Efficient Quantum Frequency Conversion for Advanced Optical Communications

SRICO proposes to develop novel and practical methods to produce a flexible, robust and highly efficient, low-loss quantum frequency conversion device based on periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN). The focus of the program will be to optimize the device design and operating parameters to achieve less than 1.5 dB end-to-end loss while maintaining nearly 100% conversion efficiency and reducing noise from spurious processes such as Raman scattering. Waveguides fabricated by diffusion of titanium transmit both TE and TM modes with low loss and support Type II nonlinear interactions Devices as long as 70mm could be fabricated due to the low losses in Ti diffused PPLN waveguides to produce a narrow spectral width of 0.2nm. Using appropriate choice of the poling period, the operating temperature of the PPLN device and the pump wavelength, the PPLN structure will be capable of converting any wavelength in the 400-800 nm range to any wavelength in the telecommunications C-band and vice-versa. In Phase I, SRICO will fabricate, test and evaluate devices, and will identify, both through preliminary experimental data as well as computer modeling, a roadmap towards optimizing the devices, in terms of raw performance as well as mass production feasibility.