Observation of quantum frequency conversion

Abstract

Quantum frequency conversion, a process with which an input beam of light can be converted into an output beam of a different frequency while preserving the quantum state, is experimentally demonstrated for the first time. Nonclassical intensity correlation (\ensuremath{\simeq}3 dB) between two beams at 1064 nm is used as the input quantum property. When the frequency of one of the beams is converted from 1064 to 532 nm, nonclassical intensity correlations (\ensuremath{\simeq}1.5 dB) appear between the up-converted beam and the remaining beam. Our measurements are in excellent agreement with the quantum theory of frequency conversion. The development of tunable sources of novel quantum light states seems possible.