High-rate subgigahertz-linewidth bichromatic entanglement source for quantum networking

Abstract

The generation of entangled photon pairs, which are compatible with quantum devices and standard telecommunication channels are critical for the development of long-range fiber quantum networks. Aside from wavelength, bandwidth matching, and high fidelity of produced pairs are necessary for high interfacing efficiency. High-rate, robust entanglement sources that satisfy all these conditions remain an outstanding experimental challenge. In this work, we study an entanglement source based on four-wave mixing in a diamond configuration in a warm rubidium vapor. We theoretically and experimentally investigate an alternative operating regime and demonstrate an entanglement source, which produces highly nondegenerate 795- and 1324-nm photon pairs. With this source we are able to achieve in-fiber pair-generation rates greater than ${10}^{7}/\mathrm{s}$, orders of magnitude higher than previously reported atomic entanglement sources. Additionally, given our source's native compatibility with telecom infrastructure and atomic systems, it is a step towards scalable quantum networks.