Ma Hai-Qiang

A random number generator based on quantum entangled photon pairs

A new scheme for a random number generator based on quantum entangled photon pairs is demonstrated. Signal photons produced by optical parametric down-conversion are detected at two single-photon detectors after transmission or reflection at a 50/50% beamsplitter, to form a truly random binary sequence. Their arrival is signalled by their twin idler photons, so that a cw laser source may be used instead of attenuated laser pulses. Coincidence measurement is employed to obtain the bit sequences, which are shown to fully satisfy the standard tests for randomness.

Afterpulsing characteristics of InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche diodes

InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are more and more available in many research fields. They are affected by afterpulsing which leads to a poor single photon detection probability. We present an InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode with an active quenching circuit on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). It can quench the avalanche rapidly and then reduce the afterpulse rate. Also this quenching circuit can operate in both free-running and gated modes. Furthermore, a new technique is introduced to characterize the influence of the higher order of afterpulses, which uses a program running on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) integrated circuit.

Single-Photon Detection at Telecom Wavelengths

A single-photon detector based on an InGaAs avalanche photodiode has been developed for use at telecom wavelengths. A suitable delay and sampling gate modulation circuit are used to prevent positive and negative transient pulses from influencing the detection of true photon induced avalanches. A monostable trigger circuit eliminates the influence of avalanche peak jitter, and a dead time modulation feedback control circuit decreases the afterpulsing. From performance tests we find that at the optimum operation point, the quantum efficiency is 12% and the dark count rate 1.5 x 10(-6) ns(-1), with a detection rate of 500 kHz.

A full quantum network scheme

We present a full quantum network scheme using a modified BB84 protocol. Unlike other quantum network schemes, it allows quantum keys to be distributed between two arbitrary users with the help of an intermediary detecting user. Moreover, it has good expansibility and prevents all potential attacks using loopholes in a detector, so it is more practical to apply. Because the fiber birefringence effects are automatically compensated, the scheme is distinctly stable in principle and in experiment. The simple components for every user make our scheme easier for many applications. The experimental results demonstrate the stability and feasibility of this scheme.

Performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector with the fan coupling antenna array

The performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) involving niobium nitride with the fan coupling antenna array is analyzed. The SNSPD has a high detection efficiency and counting rate. Hydrogen silsesquioxane and niobium nitride are filled in the gold grating deposited on the substrate in which the fan coupling antenna arrays are embedded. By changing the position of the fan coupling antenna array, the maximum area of optical intensity is obtained and the photon collection efficiency is increased by 26.5 times. The detection efficiency of SNSPD is improved without changing the detection speed. These parameters are important for designing a practical single-photon detector.

A dual-loop Sagnac interferometer

A new type of all-fibre Sagnac interferometer composed of two loops is proposed and analysed in detail. It can be used with a very long transmission line while maintaining excellent performance characteristics due to the automatic compensation of any birefringence effects in the trunk fibre. Preliminary experiments at 1310 nm wavelength with a 70 km long trunk fibre demonstrated an interference visibility as high as 98%, indicating that this scheme has promising potential applications.