Generation and Detection of Continuous Variable Quantum Vortex States via Compact Photonic Devices
David Barral,
Daniel Balado,
Jesús Liñares
Affiliations
David Barral
Optics Area, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Optics and Optometry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n (Campus Universitario Sur), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia E-15782, Spain
Daniel Balado
Optics Area, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Optics and Optometry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n (Campus Universitario Sur), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia E-15782, Spain
Jesús Liñares
Optics Area, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Optics and Optometry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n (Campus Universitario Sur), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia E-15782, Spain
A quantum photonic circuit with the ability to produce continuous variable quantum vortex states is proposed. This device produces two single-mode squeezed states which go through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer where photons are subtracted by means of weakly coupled directional couplers towards ancillary waveguides. The detection of a number of photons in these modes heralds the production of a quantum vortex. Likewise, a measurement system of the order and handedness of quantum vortices is introduced and the performance of both devices is analyzed in a realistic scenario by means of the Wigner function. These devices open the possibility of using the quantum vortices as carriers of quantum information.
