Strain-optic active control for quantum integrated photonics

Abstract

We present a practical method for active phase control on a photonic chip that has immediate applications in quantum photonics. Our approach uses strain-optic modification of the refractive index of individual waveguides, effected by a millimeter-scale mechanical actuator. The resulting phase change of propagating optical fields is rapid and polarization-dependent, enabling quantum applications that require active control and polarization encoding. We demonstrate strain-optic control of non-classical states of light in silica, showing the generation of 2-photon polarisation N00N states by manipulating Hong-Ou-Mandel interference. We also demonstrate switching times of a few microseconds, which are sufficient for silica-based feed-forward control of photonic quantum states.

7 pages, 5 figures. Updated to be consistent with published version

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• Large scale quantum walks by means of optical fiber cavities
• An integrated quantum photonic sensor based on Hong-Ou-Mandel interference
• A micro-opto-mechanical glass interferometer for megahertz modulation of optical signals
• Detection of two-mode spatial quantum states of light by electro-optic integrated directional couplers