Long-Distance, High Data-Rate Quantum Communication With Ultralow Loss Photonic Band Gap Fiber

摘要

We are pleased to report substantial progress across the entire cylindrical photonic bandgap fiber project. This project's main objective is the development of ultra low-loss hollow photonic bandgap fibers for quantum communications applications. Specifically, the following objectives have been met: the worlds first automated preform fabrication system for low loss photonic bandgap fibers was specified, designed, ordered, manufactured and installed. This system will enable the fabrication of fibers with low defect counts critical to the achievement of the program's objectives. A new material compatible with our fabrication process was identified leading to a substantial decrease in lattice period. Photonic bandgap fibers that exhibit the smallest lattice period ever reported, with individual layers that are 60nm in thickness have been drawn. Extended lengths of fibers with primary photonic bandgaps at 850nm and 1600nm were fabricated, the characterization and improvement of their properties is a major objective for the next year. Quantum interference was demonstrated through a short length of PBG fibers, a necessary condition for entangled photon transmission. A novel coupling technique using a spatial phase modulator has been developed this represents a critical step towards the realization of low loss fibers based on low loss TEO1 mode transmission. Finally we have created the world's first M-I-S fibers for dual electron photon transport and device applications.