High-Performance Telecom-Wavelength Biphoton Source from a Hot Atomic Vapor Cell

Telecom-band quantum light sources are critical to the development of long-distance quantum communication technologies. A high-performance telecom-wavelength biphoton source from a hot 87Rb atomic vapor cell is reported. Time-correlated biphotons are generated from the cascade-type 5S1/2-5P3/2-4D5/2 transition of 87Rb via a spontaneous four-wave mixing process. The maximum value gSI(2)(tau)$g_{{\mathrm{SI}}}<^>{( 2 )}( \tau )$ of biphoton cross-correlation to be 44(3) is achieved, under the condition of a high optical depth of 112(3), including two-photon absorption, with a spectral width of approximately 300 MHz. The coincidence count rate of biphoton is estimated to be of the order of 38 000 cps mW-1. It is believed that the telecom-wavelength biphoton source from an atomic vapor cell can be applied in long-distance quantum networks and practical quantum repeaters based on atom-photon interactions. Introducing a groundbreaking achievement in the field of quantum optics and communication, the research unveils a high-performance telecom-wavelength biphoton source from a hot 87Rb atomic vapor cell. With its remarkable advantages of compatibility with existing telecom networks, seamless long-distance communication, exceptional efficiency, and minimal noise, the work paves the way for the realization of optical-fiber-based quantum communications and networks.image

Automated summary

A high-performance telecom-wavelength biphoton source from a hot 87Rb atomic vapor cell is reported, achieving a maximum biphoton cross-correlation of 44 under high optical depth and a spectral width of approximately 300 MHz, with an estimated coincidence count rate of 38,000 cps mW-1.