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We suggest a scheme to reconstruct the covariance matrix of continuous variable two-mode states using a single homodyne detector and a few polarization elements. Our method can be used to fully characterize the bipartite Gaussian entangled states obtained at the output of a (nondegenerate) optical parametric amplifier driven below threshold, as well as to extract relevant informations on generic bipartite states made of two frequency degenerate but orthogonally polarized modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a theoretical model of multimode quantum correlations in bright frequency combs generated in continuous-wave regime by microresonators above threshold. Our analysis shows how these correlations emerge from cascading four-wave mixing processes fed by the input pump as well as the generated bright beams. Logarithmic negativity criterion is employed to quantify entanglement between partitions of modes, demonstrating the transition from a bipartite regime just above the oscillation threshold to the multipartite one at higher input pump powers. Due to its generality, our model can be safely used to describe other kinds of non-linear χ (3) cavities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, we present a universal approach enabling the full characterization of the quantum properties of a multimode optical system in terms of squeezing and morphing supermodes. These are modes undergoing a continuous evolution that allow uncoupling the system dynamics in terms of statistically independent physical observables. This dynamical feature, never considered so far, enables the description and investigation of an extremely broad variety of key resources for experimental quantum optics, ranging from optical parametric oscillators to silicon-based microring resonators, as well as optomechanical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realization of an ultra-fast source of heralded single photons emitted at the wavelength of 1540 nm is reported. The presented strategy is based on state-of-the-art telecom technology, combined with off-the-shelf fiber components and waveguide non-linear stages pumped by a 10 GHz repetition rate laser. The single photons are heralded at a rate as high as 2.1 MHz with a heralding efficiency of 42%. Single-photon character of the source is inferred by measuring the second-order autocorrelation function. For the highest heralding rate, a value as low as 0.023 is found. This not only proves negligible multi-photon contributions but also represents one of the best measured values reported to date for heralding rates in the MHz regime. These performances, associated with a device-like configuration, are key ingredients for both fast and secure quantum communication protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-photon entangled states, i.e., states describing two optical paths sharing a single photon, constitute the simplest form of entanglement. Yet they provide a valuable resource in quantum information science. Specifically, they lie at the heart of quantum networks, as they can be used for quantum teleportation, swapped, and purified with linear optics. The main drawback of such entanglement is the difficulty in measuring it. Here, we present and experimentally test an entanglement witness allowing one to say whether a given state is path entangled and also that entanglement lies in the subspace, where the optical paths are each filled with one photon at most, i.e., refers to single-photon entanglement. It uses local homodyning only and relies on no assumption about the Hilbert space dimension of the measured system. Our work provides a simple and trustworthy method for verifying the proper functioning of future quantum networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]