Observation of quantum Talbot effect from a domain-engineered nonlinear photonic crystal

Abstract

The quantum Talbot effect is observed from a domain-engineered nonlinear photonic crystal dispensing with a real grating. We deduce and experimentally verify the quantum self-imaging formula which is related to the crystal's structure parameter and working wavelengths. A two-photon Talbot carpet is captured to characterize the Fresnel diffraction dynamics of entangled photons wherein the quantum fractional Talbot effect is specified. The compact and stable quantum Talbot effect can be considered as the contactless diagnosis of domain's homogeneity and developed for new types of entangled photon source and quantum technologies such as quantum lithography with improved performance.