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Compared with well-developed free space polarization converters, polarization conversion between TE and TM modes in the waveguide is generally considered to be caused by shape birefringence, like curvature, morphology of waveguide cross section and scattering. Here, we study the polarization conversion mechanism in 1-THz-FSR X-cut lithium niobate microrings with multiple-resonance condition, that is the conversion can be implemented by birefringence of waveguides, which will also introduce an avoided-mode crossing. In the experiment, we find that this mode crossing results in severe suppression of one sideband in local nondegenerate four-wave mixing and disrupts the cascaded four-wave mixing on this side. Simultaneously, we propose one two-dimensional method to simulate the eigenmodes (TE and TM) in X-cut microrings, and the mode crossing point. This work will provide one approach to the design of polarization converters and simulation for monolithic photonics integrated circuits, and may be helpful to the studies of missed temporal dissipative soliton formation in X-cut lithium niobate rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical fiber networks need to transmit various types of client data with different requirements of bandwidth, reach, latency, and capacity by interconnecting backbone, metro, and local access networks. Since the optimal modulation format usually differs, it should be efficiently converted at the intermediate node connecting different networks. Among the multilevel modulation format, 8-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (8QAM) is a candidate for terrestrial networks thanks to the good balance between spectral efficiency and transmission distance. In this paper, we propose modulation format conversion systems from binary phase shift keying (BPSK) to 8QAM using coherent interference in delay interferometer and its reverse conversion system using four-wave mixing in a single highly nonlinear fiber. Conversion performances are numerically evaluated based on bit error rate, constellation diagrams, 8QAM and BPSK propagation lengths, and parameters in electrical signal regeneration. As a result, error-free format conversion is achieved for both conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the spatial characteristics of orbital angular momentum, vortex fields can be applied in the fields of quantum storage and quantum information. We study the realization of spatially modulated vortex fields based on four-wave mixing in a four-level atomic system with a diamond structure. The intensity and spiral phase of the vortex field are effectively transferred to the generated four-wave mixing field. By changing the detuning of the probe field, the phase and intensity of the generated vertex four-wave mixing field can be changed. When the probe field takes a large detuning value, the spatial distribution of the intensity and phase of the vertex four-wave mixing field can be effectively tuned by adjusting the Rabi frequency or detuning value of the coupled field. At the same time, we also provide a detailed explanation based on the dispersion relationship, and the results agree well with our simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we suggest a theoretical model for the exchange of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) state of laser fields in a real cold atomic system for realization in an experimental setup. By using four-wave mixing (FWM) processes, we study the spatial dependence of the new weak generated signal light under electromagnetically induced transparency conditions when one of the laser lights becomes an optical vortex. We discuss the spatial dependence of FWM processes via experimental parameters for different conditions of the OAM of vortex light. We have found that the intensity and phase distributions of the new generated light depends strongly on the OAM number of the optical vortex light. Moreover, we investigate the absorption spectrum of the new generated signal light for different OAM of the optical vortex light. Our obtained results may have potential applications in quantum information science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-port feedback has been theoretically studied and proved to be effective in enhancing the degree of entanglement of the output beams for a four-wave mixing process. Here, to further consider the loss effects and phase delays, we use a model that is closer to practical implementation. By reasonably tuning the feedback coefficients, we find that a higher degree of entanglement and higher power of the output beams can be achieved, and a loose requirement for phase-locking accuracy can be obtained. This scheme may have promising applications in practical quantum computation and quantum communication.

Nonlinear waveguides with two distinct domains of anomalous dispersion can support the formation of molecule-like two-color pulse compounds. They consist of two tightly bound subpulses with frequency loci separated by a vast frequency gap. Perturbing such a two-color pulse compound triggers periodic amplitude and width variations, reminiscent of molecular vibrations. With increasing strength of perturbation, the dynamics of the pulse compound changes from harmonic to nonlinear oscillations. The periodic amplitude variations enable coupling of the pulse compound to dispersive waves, resulting in the resonant emission of multi-frequency radiation. We demonstrate that the location of the resonances can be precisely predicted by phase-matching conditions. If the pulse compound consists of a pair of identical subpulses, inherent symmetries lead to degeneracies in the resonance spectrum. Weak perturbations lift existing degeneracies and cause a splitting of the resonance lines into multiple lines. Strong perturbations result in more complex emission spectra, characterized by well separated spectral bands caused by resonant Cherenkov radiation and additional four-wave mixing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multipartite quantum steering has important applications in secure quantum communication networks. In this work, three different energy-level cascaded four-wave mixing (FWM) processes are proposed to generate quadripartite quantum steering. The covariance matrix among different modes combination is constructed. The properties of quantum steering of the three cascaded models were studied. The results show that all three model structures can achieve various types of quantum steering, and the steerability varies with the amplitude gain of the FWM processes. The results provide a theoretical basis for the experimental generation of multipartite quantum steering and a significant reference for secure quantum communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high degree of freedom and novel nonlinear phenomena of multimode fiber are attracting attention. In this work, we demonstrate a spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber laser, which relies on microfiber knot resonance (MKR) via dissipative four-wave-mixing (DFMW) to achieve high-repetition-rate pulses. Apart from that, DFMW mode locking with switchable central wavelengths can also be obtained. It was further found that high pulse energy induced nonlinear effect of the dominant mode-locking mechanism transforming from DFMW to nonlinear Kerr beam cleaning effect (NL-KBC). The experimental results are valuable for further comprehending the dynamic characteristics of spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber lasers, facilitating them much more accessible for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate the four wave mixing (FWM) and normal mode splitting (NMS) in coupled double quantum dots cavity system in the presence of a third-order Kerr nonlinear χ (3) medium. The FWM generated in the system has narrow spectral width and this can be tuned by nonlinear medium strength, the coupling strength between two coupled quantum dots and pump strength. Further, we study NMS that can also be tuned by various physical parameters and show that energy exchange between different modes is possible. The proposed model have potential applications in the field of quantum information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mid-infrared optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) offer a compelling route for accessing the ‘molecular fingerprint’ region and, thus, can find intensive applications such as precision spectroscopy and trace gas detection. Yet it still remains rather a challenge to realize broadband mid-infrared OPOs within a single cavity, usually limited by strict phase-matching conditions for wide spectral coverage and available pump power for adequate frequency generation. Here, we report the mid-infrared parametric oscillation spanning from 3.4 to 8.2 μ m, based on four-wave mixing in a high- Q MgF2 microresonator with optimized dispersion. The center wavelength at 4.78 μ m is determined by the continuous tunable quantum cascade laser source, which contributes to effective expansion towards longer wavelength, as well as systemic miniaturization with smaller pump module. Such results could not only shed light on new ultimates of crystal and other microresonators, but also inspire explorations on their growing potentials in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise light manipulation in optical media has been important for developing new communication protocols, particle tracking and control, environmental sensing and quantum computing, to cite a few applications. Here, we explore the nonlinear light-matter interactions of Hermite-Gaussian (HG) beams with a rubidium vapor. We analytically and numerically predict the possibility of generating a nearly pure optical HG mode as a result of the four-wave mixing of two different HG modes. In contrast, four-wave mixing of other linear solutions of the paraxial wave equation in a third-order nonlinear medium results in the up-converted beam consisting of a superposition of multiple modes. In addition, we identify a large family of solutions of the paraxial wave equation, including cylindrical and elliptical modes, that can be generated in the process of the four-wave mixing by precisely adjusting the weights of the input HG beams. This study may find applications in the development of new classical and quantum optical sources, with more spatial versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coupled oscillators are prevalent in nature and fundamental to fields as disparate as astrophysics, photonics, the mechanical sciences, and geophysics. Theory has identified singularities in the response of coupled oscillators, known as exceptional points (EPs), that are associated with non-Hermitian operators and lie at the transition between weak and strong coupling of the oscillator. Although several EPs have been reported or predicted to exist in nanophotonic resonators and Feshbach resonances, for example, tuning the phase of two interfering atomic or molecular coherences near an EP has not been demonstrated previously. We report the observation of an EP associated with a pair of interfering atomic coherences in Rb, oscillating at 386.3 and 384.2 THz, and confirm the theoretical prediction of an abrupt phase shift of ∼π/4 as the EP is traversed by independently varying two experimental parameters. Pairs (and trios) of coupled coherences in thermal Rb atoms are established among the 7s1/2, 5d5/2, 5p3/2, and 5s1/2 states in pump–probe experiments with <200 fs laser pulses, and observed directly in the temporal and spectral domains through the ensuing quantum beating in the ∼2–36 THz interval. Interference between the (5d5/2–5p3/2) and (5p3/2–5s1/2) coherences is mediated by the 5p3/2 state and detected through quantum beating in the vicinity of the (5d5/2–5p3/2)–(5p3/2–5s1/2) difference frequency of 2.11 THz which is monitored by a parametric four-wave mixing process. Phase of this composite atomic oscillator is first controlled by varying the mean Rb–Rb nearest neighbor distance (⟨R⟩) in a thermalized vapor. A discontinuous transition of (0.8 ± 0.2) ∼ π/4 radians in the phase of the coupled oscillator occurs when ⟨R⟩ is varied over the ∼80–90 nm interval, a phase shift associated with the transformation of a broadband, dissipative oscillator (characterized by a Fano interference window) into a strongly-coupled system resonant at 2.1 THz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the performance of subcarrier-wave quantum key distribution (SCW QKD) in the presence of classical channels of optical transport network utilizing dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). We consider the impact of spontaneous Raman scattering noise as well as the four-wave mixing and channel isolation efficiency. We calculate quantum bit error rate as well as the secure key generation rate of SCW-QKD protocol for different parameters of DWDM system and quantum channel allocations. Our calculations show, that quantum channel allocation at the wavelength of 1310 nm is preferable to allocation at C-band due to lower nonlinear noise, despite fiber's larger attenuation at this wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we control the negative refractive index of a four-level left-handed medium by applying different waveforms to excite the atomic system. The control field is a few-cycle strong pulse described by a double exponential function, and its modified forms, a Gaussian field, and a tan-hyperbolic pulse. The considered four-level system was fully analyzed in terms of the density matrix formalism under the rotating wave approximation, and the refractive index for various control fields was obtained. Hence, under specific conditions, the tunneling, and the modulation of the negative refractive index are achieved for various shaped waveforms. Such strong-shaped laser pulses open the way to fully control the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-noise frequency conversion of single photons is a critical tool in establishing fibre-based quantum networks. We show that a single photonic crystal fibre can achieve frequency conversion by Bragg-scattering four-wave mixing of source photons from an ultra-broad wavelength range by engineering a symmetric group velocity profile. Furthermore, we discuss how pump tuning can mitigate realistic discrepancies in device fabrication. This enables a single highly adaptable frequency conversion interface to link disparate nodes in a quantum network via the telecoms band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the inherent limits of traditional single wave imaging for nondestructive testing, the multi-wave focusing and imaging method is thoroughly studied. This method makes the compressional waves and shear waves focused in both emission and reception processes, which strengthens the focusing energy and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of received signals. A numerical model is developed to study the characteristics of a multi-wave focusing field. It is shown that the element width approaching 0.8 wavelengths of shear waves can keep a balance between the radiation energy of two waves, which can achieve a desirable multi-wave focusing performance. And an experiment using different imaging methods for a linear phased array is performed. It can be concluded that due to the combination of the propagation and reflection characteristics of two waves, the multi-wave focusing and imaging method can significantly improve the imaging distinguishability of defects and expand the available sweeping range to a sector of –65° to 65°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrowband single photons that couple well to atomic ensembles could prove essential for future quantum networks, but the efficient generation of such photons remains an outstanding challenge. We realize a spatially-multiplexed heralded source of single photons that are inherently compatible with the commonly employed D2 line of rubidium. Our source is based on four-wave mixing in hot rubidium vapor, requiring no laser cooling or optical cavities, and generates single photons with high rate and low noise. We use Hong–Ou–Mandel interference to verify the indistinguishability of the photons generated in two different (multiplexed) channels. We further demonstrate a five-fold tunability of the photons' temporal width. The experimental results are well reproduced by a theoretical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically investigate the four-wave mixing (FWM) spectrum in a dual-cavity hybrid optomechanical system, which is made up of one optical cavity with an ensemble of two-level atoms and another with a mechanical oscillator. In this work, we propose that the hybrid dual-cavity optomechanical system can be employed as a highly sensitive mass sensor due to the fact that the FWM spectrum generated in this system has a narrow spectral width and the intensity of the FWM can be easily tuned by controlling the coupling strength (cavity–cavity, atom–cavity). More fascinatingly, the dual-cavity hybrid optomechanical system can also be used as an all-optical switch in view of the easy on/off control of FWM signals by adjusting the atom-pump detuning to be positive or negative. The proposed schemes have great potential applications in quantum information processing and highly sensitive detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distant-neighbor quantum-mechanical method is used to study the nonlinear optical wave mixing in graphene nanoflakes (GNFs), including sum- and difference-frequency generation, as well as four-wave mixing. Our analysis shows that molecular-scale GNFs support quantum plasmons in the visible spectrum region, and significant enhancement of nonlinear optical wave mixing is achieved. Specifically, the second- and third-order wave-mixing polarizabilities of GNFs are dramatically enhanced, provided that one (or more) of the input or output frequencies coincide with a quantum plasmon resonance. Moreover, by embedding a cavity into hexagonal GNFs, we show that one can break the structural inversion symmetry and enable otherwise forbidden second-order wave mixing, which is found to be enhanced by the quantum plasmon resonance too. This study reveals that the molecular-sized graphene could be used in the quantum regime for nanoscale nonlinear optical devices and ultrasensitive molecular sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase sensitive amplifiers (PSA), contrary to usual phase insensitive amplifiers (PIA), are in principle capable to achieve noiseless amplification, i.e. exhibit a quantum-limited noise figure (NF) of 0 db. When implemented using four-wave mixing (FWM) in a non-linear fibre, extra waves can be generated by undesired FWM processes, which may introduce extra input ports for vacuum fluctuations, thus potentially degrading the NF. In this situation, we give here a general analytical quantum derivation of the PSA NF, valid for an arbitrary number of nonlinearly coupled modes. This expression is usable as soon as a linear input-output relation can be found for the annihilation and creation operators of the involved modes. It predicts that the noise level depends on the number of interacting waves. We illustrate the usefulness of this expression in the case of six waves, corresponding to four interacting quantum modes. In this example the signal NF is degraded by 0.4 db, compared to 10 db obtained for PIA operation of the same scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unambiguous determination of the electric field of arbitrary ultrashort pulses is the key for time and frequency standards, attosecond science, and precision spectroscopy. However, a single-step technique that can simultaneously and directly characterize the spectrum, spectral phase, and the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) information of an arbitrary ultrashort pulse remains elusive. This technological roadblock hinders the current field from studying non-repeating single-shot events, since ultrashort laser pulses are often unstable. Here, we introduce a single-step reference-free technique through polarization interfering electric field with phase inverted electric field (PIE-PIE) to directly measure arbitrary ultrashort pulses in single-shot operation without using any retrieval algorithm. PIE-PIE utilizes highly efficient spectral phase conjugation based on four-wave-mixing. The ability to fully determine the spectrum, spectral phase, and CEP of relatively low intensity single-shot pulses will revolutionize ultrafast sciences and enable studies of arbitrary non-repeating ultrafast events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report experimental and theoretical results of two symmetrical signals of degenerate four-wave mixing generated in rubidium vapor. Both nonlinear signals are induced by two almost copropagating laser beams, with and wave-vectors, and detected simultaneously in the and directions. In each direction, we observe a single peak when the two beams are tuned on the closed transition 85Rb 5S1/2(F = 3) → 5P3/2(F = 4). The excitation spectra reveal a small frequency separation between the two peaks, which is explained when propagation effects are taken into account. Furthermore, our theoretical analysis shows that a correct description of the frequency position of each peak is achieved with a variable refractive index for both lasers, in which the scanning laser experiences an anomalous window in the refractive index near resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate wide-range linewidth-tuning of a narrow-linewidth laser in the C-band up to 40 GHz through cascaded four-wave mixing (CFWM) based phase modulation amplification. Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) severely limits the power scaling of narrow-linewidth lasers. Continuous tuning of the linewidth or temporal coherence of the laser to mitigate SBS is conventionally achieved through external phase modulation with white noise or other RF waveforms. However, the range of linewidth tuning is limited by the bandwidth and power of the electro-optic modulator. We overcome this through the use of FWM as a linewidth multiplier. To achieve linewidth multiplication, two tunable pumps line-broadened in electro-optic phase modulators with white noise are power scaled and propagated through highly nonlinear fiber. We achieve linewidth tuning up to ∼4 GHz using control of the noise waveform, while CFWM achieves a 10× multiplication of linewidth up to 40 GHz at a fixed wavelength. Linewidth tuning can be further scaled through power scaling or cascading multiple nonlinear stages. The proposed technique would be useful in nonlinearity control in narrow-linewidth laser amplifiers, high-resolution optical imaging, LIDAR, and infrared spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the physics of two-dimensional semiconductors was revived by the discovery of the class of transition metal dichalcogenides. In these systems excitons dominate the optical response in the visible range and open many perspectives for nonlinear spectroscopy. To describe the coherence and polarization dynamics of excitons after ultrafast excitation in these systems, we employ the Bloch equation model of a two-level system extended by a local field describing the exciton–exciton interaction. We calculate four-wave mixing (FWM) signals and analyze the dependence of the temporal and spectral signals as a function of the delay between the exciting pulses. Exact analytical results obtained for the case of ultrafast (δ-shaped) pulses are compared to numerical solutions obtained for finite pulse durations. If two pulses are used to generate the nonlinear signal, characteristic spectral line splittings are restricted to short delays. When considering a three-pulse excitation the line splittings, induced by the local field effect, persist for long delays. All of the found features are instructively explained within the Bloch vector picture and we show how the exciton occupation dynamics govern the different FWM signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report generation of spectrally bright vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and deep UV (DUV) coherent radiations at the wavelengths of 192 nm, 198 nm and 204 nm. These DUV/VUV radiations originate from resonant four-wave mixing assisted by quantum coherence in tunnel-ionized CO molecules. The electronic coherence is created when the pump pulses resonantly excite electronic transitions of CO+. The technique allows for the selective switch of DUV/VUV wavelengths provided by the abundant energy levels of molecular ions. The developed source can have arbitrary polarization states by manipulating the polarization of the pump pulse. It also exhibits a spectral bandwidth of 5∼7 cm−1, a divergence angle of 3∼5 mrad, a pulse duration of ∼10 ps, and a photon flux of ∼1010 photons/s. The superior temporal and spectral properties give rise to a broadband Raman comb in the DUV/VUV region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study transverse dynamics of the optical field, generated in a single-frequency laser of moderate Fresnel number. The existence of steadily rotating vortex clusters generated spontaneously in laser with degenerate in frequency cavity is demonstrated numerically and experimentally in laser-like two-wave-mixing photorefractive oscillator with plane-mirror cavity and controlled aperture. The observed rotational dynamics of two-, three- and four-vortex clusters is explained within the framework of the general nonlinear pattern forming model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energetic correlations and their dynamics govern the fundamental properties of condensed matter materials. Ultrafast multidimensional spectroscopy in the mid infrared is an advanced technique to study such coherent low-energy dynamics. The intrinsic many-body phenomena in functional solid-state materials, in particular few-layer samples, remain widely unexplored to this date, because complex and weak sample responses demand versatile and sensitive detection. Here, we present a novel setup for ultrafast multidimensional spectroscopy with noncollinear geometry and complete field resolution in the 15–40 THz range. Electric fields up to few-100 kV cm ^−1 drive coherent dynamics in a perturbative regime, and an advanced modulation scheme allows to detect nonlinear signals down to a few tens of V cm ^−1 entirely background-free with high sensitivity and full control over the geometric phase-matching conditions. Our system aims at the investigation of correlations and many-body interactions in condensed matter systems at low energy. Benchmark measurements on bulk indium antimonide reveal a strong six-wave mixing signal and map ultra-fast changes of the band structure with access to amplitude and phase information. Our results pave the way towards the investigation of functional thin film materials and few-layer samples.

We report the quantum correlated triple beams via cascaded four-wave mixing (CFWM) amplified in single hot atomic vapor. Experimentally, we show that strong quantum correlation of three light beams, among them any two’s quantum correlation is characterized by the maximum value of intensity-difference squeezing (IDS) about −7.8 ± 0.3 dB. We found there is IDS between two idler beams, because two pairs of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen injections potentially exist in our system. Besides, CFWM can emit three-mode beams at three different frequencies, in which these beams can be well separated in the spatial domain. Moreover, much difference with other methods, the injecting probe field can manipulate the gain and IDS of output three-mode light beams, which is resulting from competition relationship between cascaded two four-wave mixing processes. More interestingly, Autler–Townes splitting of gain peaks of output signals due to dressing effect of pumping fields, will lead to the evolution of measured two- and three-mode IDS from single-mode to multi-mode at frequency domain. This result will provide a multimode quantum resource which can potentially realize multimode entanglement and quantum networks.

We study the Fano interference from different phase transitions of Eu3+:YPO4 and Pr3+:YPO4 crystals through simultaneous detection of bright and dark states. For this study, we employed tetragonal (T), hexahedral (H), and (H + T)-phases of YPO4 crystals. The Fano interfering bright and dark states are classified based on dressed spontaneous parametric four-wave mixing, dressed multi-order fluorescence, and hybrid signal regimes. Further, the Fano interference between conti-nuous and discrete states can be controlled from partly-(constructive–destructive)-interference through a phase transition, nonlinear phase, and dressing. The (H + T)-phase Pr3+:YPO4 suggests more obvious Fano interference in contrast to T- or H-phase Pr3+:YPO4. We report that the Pr3+:YPO4 and Eu3+:YPO4 demonstrates the dressed multi-level- and dressed single-level Fano interference, respectively, with further three types of Fano interference that can be distinguished at different time delays. The experimental measurement agrees with theoretical simulations. Such results may be used for the design of new types of quantum electronic or spintronic devices such as Fano-transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the Fano interference from different phase transitions of Eu3+:YPO4 and Pr3+:YPO4 crystals through simultaneous detection of bright and dark states. For this study, we employed tetragonal (T), hexahedral (H), and (H + T)-phases of YPO4 crystals. The Fano interfering bright and dark states are classified based on dressed spontaneous parametric four-wave mixing, dressed multi-order fluorescence, and hybrid signal regimes. Further, the Fano interference between conti-nuous and discrete states can be controlled from partly-(constructive–destructive)-interference through a phase transition, nonlinear phase, and dressing. The (H + T)-phase Pr3+:YPO4 suggests more obvious Fano interference in contrast to T- or H-phase Pr3+:YPO4. We report that the Pr3+:YPO4 and Eu3+:YPO4 demonstrates the dressed multi-level- and dressed single-level Fano interference, respectively, with further three types of Fano interference that can be distinguished at different time delays. The experimental measurement agrees with theoretical simulations. Such results may be used for the design of new types of quantum electronic or spintronic devices such as Fano-transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of multiple small-angle Coulomb scattering, or intrabeam scattering (IBS) is routinely observed in electron storage rings over the typical damping time scale of milliseconds. So far, IBS has not been observed in single pass electron accelerators because charge density orders of magnitude higher than in storage rings would be needed. We show that such density is now available at high brightness electron linacs for free-electron lasers (FELs). We report measurements of the beam energy spread in the FERMI linac in the presence of the microbunching instability, which are consistent with a revisited IBS model for single pass systems. We also show that neglecting the hereby demonstrated effect of IBS in the parameter range typical of seeded VUV and soft x-ray FELs, results in too conservative a facility design, or failure to realise the accessible potential performance. As an example, an optimization of the FERMI parameters driven by an experimentally benchmarked model, opens the door to the extension of stable single spectral line emission to the water window (2.3–4.4 nm), with far-reaching implications for experiments in a variety of disciplines, ranging from physics and chemistry to biology and material sciences, and including nonlinear x-ray optics based on the four-wave-mixing approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation of nonclassical light suitable for interaction with atoms corresponds to a crucial goal pursued across the broad quantum optics community. We present the generation of nonclassical photon pairs using the process of spontaneous four-wave mixing in warm atomic vapor with an unprecedentedly high degree of nonclassical photon correlations. We show how the unique combination of excitation of atoms in the proximity of the vapor cell viewport, single excitation laser beam, double-Λ energy level scheme, auxiliary optical pumping, and particular optical filtering setups, allow for the spectral bandwidth of generated nonclassical light fields of up to 560 ± 20 MHz and low two-photon noise. We provide a quantitative analysis of particular noise mechanisms which set technological and fundamental limits on the observable photon correlations. The overall technological simplicity of the presented scheme together with the availability of spectrally matched quantum memories implementable with warm atomic vapors promises the feasibility of realization of GHz bandwidth on-demand nonclassical light sources and efficient quantum communication nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of photon-pairs with controllable spectral correlations is crucial in quantum photonics. Here we present the design of a photonic crystal fiber to generate widely-spaced four-wave mixing bands with spectral correlations that can be tuned through the thermo-optic effect after being infiltrated with heavy water. We present a theoretical study of the purity of the signal and idler photons generated as a function of temperature, pump spectral linewidth and the length of the fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron energy relaxation time τ is one of the key physical parameters for electronic materials. In this study, we develop a new technique to measure τ in a semiconductor via monochrome picosecond (ps) terahertz (THz) pump and probe experiment. The special THz pulse structure of Chinese THz free-electron laser (CTFEL) is utilized to realize such a technique, which can be applied to the investigation into THz dynamics of electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices. We measure the THz dynamical electronic properties of high-mobility n-GaSb wafer at 1.2 THz, 1.6 THz, and 2.4 THz at room temperature and in free space. The obtained electron energy relaxation time for n-GaSb is in line with that measured via, e.g., four-wave mixing techniques. The major advantages of monochrome ps THz pump–probe in the study of electronic and optoelectronic materials are discussed in comparison with other ultrafast optoelectronic techniques. This work is relevant to the application of pulsed THz free-electron lasers and also to the development of advanced ultrafast measurement technique for the investigation of dynamical properties of electronic and optoelectronic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality lithium niobate (LN) thin-film microresonators provide an ideal platform for on-chip nonlinear optical applications. The strict phase-matching condition should be satisfied for an efficient nonlinear optical process, which requires dispersion engineering with an LN microresonator. However, this is challenging in single microresonator, resulting from the fabrication error. Here, we demonstrate strong nonlinear effects in a photonic molecule (PM) structure composed of two strongly coupled lithium niobate microdisks. The size mismatch of the microdisks enables phase matching by employing coupling-induced frequency splitting to compensate for the material and geometric dispersion. With a continuous wave excitation, rich nonlinear optical phenomena including cascaded four-wave mixing and stimulated Raman scattering were observed around the second harmonic signal. Meanwhile, an ultra-high four-wave mixing absolute conversion efficiency of 14% as obtained when the second harmonic signal power is at microwatts level. The LN PM is of great potential for applications in nonlinear integrated photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate the frequency-nondegenerate and frequency degenerate squeezed lights with a four-wave mixing process (4WM) driven by two pump fields crossing at a small angle. Different from a 4WM process driven by a single pump field, the refractive index of the corresponding probe field, np, can be converted to a value that is greater than 1 or less than 1 by an angle adjustment. In the new region with np < 1, the bandwidth of the gain is relatively large due to the slow change in the refractive index with the two-photon detuning. In this region with an exchange of the roles of the pump and probe beams, the frequency degenerate and spatial nondegenerate twin beams can be generated, which has potential application in quantum information and quantum metrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the experimental results of hybrid four-wave mixing and fluorescence signals from nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. The fluorescence signals are slowed owing to dark state. The observed delay time of light slowing due to interconversion between NV− and NV0 is about 6.4 μs. The relative intensities of read-out signals change with the wavelength and power of writing pulse. Based on light slowing, we present the model of all-optical time division multiplexing. The intensity ratio in different demultiplexed channels is modulated by the wavelength and power of control field. It has potential applications in quantum communication and all-optical network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe possibilities of spontaneous, degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) processes in spin–orbit coupled Bose–Einstein condensates. Phase matching conditions (i.e., energy and momentum conservation laws) in such systems allow one to identify four different configurations characterized by involvement of distinct spinor states in which such a process can take place. We derived these conditions from first principles and then illustrated dynamics with direct numerical simulations. We found, among others, the unique configuration, where both probe waves have smaller group velocity than pump wave and proved numerically that it can be observed experimentally under proper choice of the parameters. We also reported the case when two different FWM processes can occur simultaneously. The described resonant interactions of matter waves is expected to play an important role in the experiments of BEC with artificial gauge fields. Beams created by FWM processes are an important source of correlated particles and can be used in the experiments testing quantum properties of atomic ensembles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the generation of the coherent 420 nm laser via parametric four-wave mixing process in Rb vapor. A single 778 nm laser with circular polarization is directly injected into a high-density atomic vapor, which drives the atoms from the 5S1/2 state to the 5D5/2 state with monochromatic two-photon transition. The frequency up-conversion laser is generated by the parametric four-wave mixing process under the phase matching condition. This coherent laser is firstly certified by the knife-edge method and a narrow range grating spectrometer. Then the generated laser power is investigated in terms of the power and frequency of the incoming beam as well as the density of the atoms. Finally, a 420 nm coherent laser with power of 19 μW and beam quality of , is obtained with optimal experimental parameters. This novel laser shows potential prospects in the measurement of material properties, information storage, and underwater optical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report experimental evidence of degenerate mirrorless lasing in the forward direction under excitation of a dilute atomic Rb vapor with a single linearly polarized cw laser light resonant with cycling Fe > Fg atomic D2 transitions. Light polarized orthogonally to the laser light is generated for the input light intensity exceeding a threshold value of ∼3 mW cm−2. Application of a transverse magnetic field directed along the input light polarization reveals a sharp ∼20 mG wide magnetic resonance centered at B = 0. Increasing the incident light intensity from 3 to 300 mW cm−2, the generated light undergoes rapid amplitude increase followed by a decline and resonance broadening. Such nonlinear behavior of the observed magnetic resonance is attributed to the population inversion on optical transitions between magnetic sublevels established under linearly polarized excitation. We present observations that indicate that a combination of nonlinear-optical effects occurs in this system, including degenerate mirrorless lasing and four-wave mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally investigate the gain spectrum for a pair of conjugated beams through stimulated degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) using Cs vapor. The experimental results showed that the DFWM can only occur when the angular momentum of the ground state is larger than or equal to that of the excited state (Fg ≥ Fe) for the Fg → Fe transition. It was considered that, in all Zeeman sublevels, qualitative theoretical analysis shows that the stable ground-state Zeeman coherence and significant atom population on initial pumped sublevels for an N-type transition loop are necessary for DFWM. The highest gain occurred in the case of Fg = Fe. Finally, the gain against various experimental parameters is also studied, and a pair of frequency-degenerate conjugated beams with gain over 10 is obtained in a wide range of pump detuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By designing and fabricating a series of dual-interferometer coupled silicon microrings, the coupling condition of the pump, signal, and idler beams can be engineered independently and then we carried out both the continuous-wave and pulse pumped four-wave mixing experiments to verify the dependence of conversion efficiency on the coupling conditions of the four interacting beams, respectively. Under the continuous-wave pump, the four-wave mixing efficiency gets maximized when both the pump and signal/idler beams are closely operated at the critical coupling point, while for the pulse pump case, the efficiency can be enhanced greatly when the pump and converted idler beams are all overcoupled. These experiment results agree well with our theoretical calculations. Our design provides a platform for explicitly characterizing the four-wave mixing under different pumping conditions, and offers a method to optimize the four-wave mixing, which will facilitate the development of on-chip all-optical signal processing with a higher efficiency or reduced pump power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four-wave-mixing (FWM) process is examined by using density matrix formalism in a periodically-driven atomic medium. Numerical result shows that FWM signals can be controlled by selecting different dynamic parameters of the probe field and strengths of the inner-dressing fields. It is also shown that the controllable FWM process is dominantly influenced by the evolution of atomic population difference and two-photon coherence. This dynamic and inner-dressing control of FWM is probably used for optimizing the optical nonlinear process and information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the impact of nonlocal response in metallic nanostructures on four-wave mixing (FWM) process in nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces which consist of Au nanostrips coupled with Au film spaced by an ultrathin dielectric film. When the dielectric film is linear and FWM only from the Au nanostructures, the FWM efficiency of around two orders of magnitude enhancement is obtained when the nonlocal effect of Au, not the traditionally local Drude model of Au, is considered. However, when the dielectric film is nonlinear and FWM from the Au nanostructures is negligible, the almost half FWM response from the nonlinear metasurface under the nonlocal, not the local model, of Au is confirmed. These results are both ascribed to the different local electric field distributions near the surface of Au nanostructures and in the gap at the local and nonlocal response of Au. The results have an important significance to design ultra-compacted integrated nonlinear optical devices or to explain the experimental measurements of nonlinear response involving plasmonic nanostructures of ultra-small gaps.

Narrowband single photons that couple well to atomic ensembles could prove essential for future quantum networks, but the efficient generation of such photons remains an outstanding challenge. We realize a spatially-multiplexed heralded source of single photons that are inherently compatible with the commonly employed D2 line of rubidium. Our source is based on four-wave mixing in hot rubidium vapor, requiring no laser cooling or optical cavities, and generates single photons with high rate and low noise. We use Hong–Ou–Mandel interference to verify the indistinguishability of the photons generated in two different (multiplexed) channels. We further demonstrate a five-fold tunability of the photons’ temporal width. The experimental results are well reproduced by a theoretical model.

We describe possibilities of spontaneous, degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) processes in spin–orbit coupled Bose–Einstein condensates. Phase matching conditions (i.e., energy and momentum conservation laws) in such systems allow one to identify four different configurations characterized by involvement of distinct spinor states in which such a process can take place. We derived these conditions from first principles and then illustrated dynamics with direct numerical simulations. We found, among others, the unique configuration, where both probe waves have smaller group velocity than pump wave and proved numerically that it can be observed experimentally under proper choice of the parameters. We also reported the case when two different FWM processes can occur simultaneously. The described resonant interactions of matter waves is expected to play an important role in the experiments of BEC with artificial gauge fields. Beams created by FWM processes are an important source of correlated particles and can be used in the experiments testing quantum properties of atomic ensembles.

High-quality lithium niobate (LN) thin-film microresonators provide an ideal platform for on-chip nonlinear optical applications. The strict phase-matching condition should be satisfied for an efficient nonlinear optical process, which requires dispersion engineering with an LN microresonator. However, this is challenging in single microresonator, resulting from the fabrication error. Here, we demonstrate strong nonlinear effects in a photonic molecule (PM) structure composed of two strongly coupled lithium niobate microdisks. The size mismatch of the microdisks enables phase matching by employing coupling-induced frequency splitting to compensate for the material and geometric dispersion. With a continuous wave excitation, rich nonlinear optical phenomena including cascaded four-wave mixing and stimulated Raman scattering were observed around the second harmonic signal. Meanwhile, an ultra-high four-wave mixing absolute conversion efficiency of 14% as obtained when the second harmonic signal power is at microwatts level. The LN PM is of great potential for applications in nonlinear integrated photonics.

We show that, under certain circumstances, an optical field in a two-mode squeezed vacuum (TMSV) state can propagate through a lossy atomic medium without degradation or evolution. Moreover, the losses give rise to that state when a different state is initially injected into the medium. Such a situation emerges in a Λ-type atomic system, in which both optical transitions are driven by strong laser fields that are two-photon resonant with the respective signal modes. Then the interactions of the two signal modes with the ground-state atomic coherence interfere destructively, thereby ensuring the preservation of the TMSV with a particular squeezing parameter. This mechanism permits unified interpretation of recent experimental results and predicts new phenomena.

Modulation instability, following the classical Lighthill criterion, appears if nonlinearity and dispersion make opposite contributions to the wave frequency, e.g. in the framework of the one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). Several studies of the wave instabilities in optical fibers revealed four wave mixing instabilities that are not covered by the Lighthill criterion and require use of the generalized NLSE. We derive an extended criterion, which applies to all four wave interactions, covers arbitrary dispersion, and depends neither on the propagation equation nor on the slowly varying envelope approximation.

Plasmonic waveguides are an essential element of nanoscale coherent sources, including nanolasers and four-wave mixing (FWM) devices. Here we report how the design of the plasmonic waveguide needs to be guided by the ultimate application. This contrasts with traditional approaches in which the waveguide is considered in isolation. We find that hybrid plasmonic waveguides, with a nonlinear material sandwiched between the metal substrate and a high-index layer, are best suited for FWM applications, whereas metallic wedges are preferred in nanolasers. We also find that in plasmonic nanolasers high-index buffer layers perform better than more traditional low-index buffers.