QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

Quantum optics experiments frequently involve interfering single photons and coherent states. In the case of multi-photon experiments this requires that all photons are frequency degenerate. We report a simple and practical approach to generate coherent states that can be readily tuned to any wavelength required, for example by non-degenerate photon pair creation.

Feedback loops are central to most classical control procedures. A controller compares the signal measured by a sensor (system output) with the target value or set-point. It then adjusts an actuator (system input) to stabilize the signal around the target value. Generalizing this scheme to stabilize a micro-system’s quantum state relies on quantum feedback, which must overcome a fundamental difficulty: the sensor measurements cause a random back-action on the system. An optimal compromise uses weak measurements, providing partial information with minimal perturbation.