High-resolution electro-optic sampling of biphoton states

Abstract

High temporal resolution detection for time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) is critical for a broad range of applications, such as sensing, bio-imaging and quantum information. To harness non-classical advantages, high temporal resolution TCSPC is necessary to capture the unique properties of quantum entanglement, in which the precise time delays between two photons are used to reconstruct the biphoton distribution. However, current state-of-the art, high-resolution TCSPC systems, such as superconducting nanowires, have large footprints and require cryogenic cooling to liquid helium temperatures. They are not well equipped to be conveniently mounted on a satellite or transported within a health care facility. Small footprint, simple, low energy consuming single photon detection systems are therefore needed in order for high temporal resolution TCSPC applications to move beyond the research laboratory.In this direction, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept experiment for improving the temporal resolution of single-photon and biphoton detection schemes that is simple, fiber-based, and readily chip integrable. The principle relies on electrooptic gating of fast single-photon and biphoton signals using a high-speed RF pulse which drives an electro optic intensity modulator. As such, the instrument response function (IRF) of the detection scheme takes on the temporal profile of the electro-optic gate. Experimentally, we improve the IRF of our detection scheme from ~1.54 ns to <100 ps, allowing high resolution detection of ultrafast single photon TCSPC signals as well as to observe nonlocal dispersion cancellation effects in ultrafast biphoton distributions. This technique could allow for practical and simplified access to rapid temporal dynamics at the single photon scale.