University of Illinois

Duke University

Paul G Kwiat

Daniel J Gauthier

Colin P Lualdi

Kristina Meier

Spencer Johnson

Aaron Pace VanDevender

Methods and systems are provided to generate and use pairs of highly nondegenerate frequency-entangled photons for Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometric measurement of local or remote samples. The use of highly nondegenerate frequency-entangled photon pairs enables ultra-high spatial resolutions even in the presence of background noise, dispersive intermediate media and/or dispersive or multi-interface targets, and high probe photon losses. The use of highly nondegenerate, narrow-band, frequency-entangled photon pairs for interferometric measurement of distance also allows the interferometer to be calibrated more easily for the two (or more) discrete narrow bands of wavelengths represented by the photon pairs. The use of narrow-band nondegenerate frequency-entangled photon pairs also permits improved noise rejection and increased fidelity in coincidence detection.

Precision quantum-interference-based non-local contactless measurement

A system, and methods, for transmitting quantum states between a first node and a second node, or among more than two nodes. Each node is characterized by an instantaneous spatial position, and the instantaneous spatial position of the second node is repositionable within a frame of reference associated with the first node. A hovering drone is adapted either for running a quantum key transmission protocol in secure communication with the first node, and/or for running a quantum key reception protocol in secure communication with the second node. Either drone may serve as a relay of optical data between a base station and another drone. Secure communication among more than two nodes may be reconfigured.

Reconfigurable free-space quantum communication system

A system, and methods, for transmitting encrypted information as a quantum transmission between a first node and a second node, or among more than two nodes. Each node is characterized by an instantaneous spatial position, and the instantaneous spatial position of the second node is repositionable within a frame of reference associated with the first node. A hovering drone is adapted either for running a quantum key transmission protocol in secure communication with the first node, and/or for running a quantum key reception protocol in secure communication with the second node. Either drone may serve as a relay of optical data between a base station and another drone. Secure communication among more than two nodes may be reconfigured.

Reconfigurable free-space quantum cryptography system

A method and apparatus for switching at least one wavelength component of an optical signal beam from a first state to a second state. The phase characterizing the optical signal component is incremented by interaction with one or more escort beams in a non-linear medium thereby switching the state of the optical signal component on the basis of its incremented phase. Multiple escort beams may also be employed to switch different wavelength components of the signal. The method may be employed to achieve high speed, and substantially transparent, switching of phase, intensity or polarization of a signal.

Growing community of inventors

Savoy, IL, United States of America

Paul G Kwiat