Active feed-forward delay line enables scalable synchronized single-photon generation from SPDC sources
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[Submitted on 15 Jun 2026]
Lightly toasted, lightly seasoned, mostly correct.
Summary
This paper demonstrates a method for quasi-deterministic single-photon generation using a free-space-fiber hybrid delay line with active feed-forward control. The technique synchronizes multiple photon-generation events from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) sources, addressing the probabilistic limitation that hinders synchronized multi-photon state generation. Using narrow-band, telecom-wavelength photons from a monolithic cavity SPDC source, the system achieves synchronization across 20 time bins, yielding a sixfold enhancement in synchronized rates with only marginal increases in higher-order photon-number contributions.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledQuasi-deterministic single-photon generation is a key requirement for many photonic quantum technologies.
Photon sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) are widely used for producing high-quality photons; however, the probabilistic nature of the process limits the generation of synchronized multi-photon states.
Here, we demonstrate temporal synchronization of multiple photon-generation events using a free-space-fiber hybrid delay line with feed-forward control, enabling fast and efficient switching and scalable operation.
Narrow-band, telecom-wavelength photons compatible for fiber transmission are heralded from a monolithic cavity SPDC source and synchronized across 20 time bins.
This yields a sixfold enhancement in synchronized rates and enables multi-photon synchronization, with only a marginal increase of higher-order photon-number contributions.
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