Topologically Protected Polarization Quantum Entanglement on a Photonic Chip

Abstract

Quantum entanglement, as the strictly non-classical phenomenon, is the kernel of quantum computing and quantum simulation, and has been widely applied ranging from fundamental tests of quantum physics to quantum information processing. Meanwhile, the topological phase is found inherently capable of protecting physical fields from unavoidable fabrication-induced disorder, which inspires the potential application of topological protection to quantum states. Here, we present the experimental demonstration of topologically protected quantum entangled states on a photonic chip. The process tomography shows that quantum entanglement can be well preserved by the topological states even when the chip material introduces disorder and relative polarization rotation in phase space. Our work links the fields of materials, topological science and quantum physics, opening the door to wide applications of topological enhancement in quantum regime.