In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have introduced a new form of quantum entanglement known as frequency-domain photon number-path entanglement. This development has the potential to impact various fields, including quantum sensing and secure communication networks.
The discovery builds upon the concept of spatial-domain photon number-path entanglement, which has been a key player in the realms of quantum metrology and information science. This concept involves photons arranged in a special pattern, known as NOON states, where they’re either all in one pathway or another. This arrangement enables groundbreaking applications like super-resolution imaging that surpasses traditional limits, the enhancement of quantum sensors, and the development of quantum computing algorithms designed for tasks requiring exceptional phase sensitivity.
Frequency-Domain Photon Number-Path Entanglement
In the new research, scientists have developed entangled states in the frequency domain, a concept akin to spatial-domain NOON states but with a significant twist: instead of photons being divided between two paths, they’re distributed between two frequencies. This advancement has led to the successful creation of a two-photon NOON state within a single-mode fiber, showcasing an ability to perform two-photon interference with double the resolution of its single-photon counterpart, indicating remarkable stability and potential for future applications.