Observation of time correlation function of multimode two-photon pairs on a rubidium D2 line

We report on the generation of a type-I multimode two-photon state on a rubidium D,, line (780 nm) using periodically poled KTiOPO4 crystals. With a degenerate optical parametric oscillator Car below threshold, we observe an oscillatory correlation function; the cross correlation between two photons shows a cavity band-width of about 7.8 MHz. We also use a Fabry-Perot etalon to filter its most longitudinal modes and observe its time correlation function. The experimental data are well fitted to theoretical curves. This system could be utilized for demonstrating storage and retrieval of narrow-band photons in Rh atomic ensembles, which is important for long-distance quantum communication. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America