Opto-mechanical design and assembly

Introduction

Entangled photon pairs are a key resource for a number of applications of quantum physics, such as quantum teleportation [1] and quantum cryptography [2]. A vital step towards the global-scale implementation of such applications via ground-to-satellite and inter-satellite links is the development of robust, space-proof entangled photon sources (EPS). In a simple description, entangled photons can be considered a pair of particles which are intimately correlated. In fact, they are part of the same quantum state: any measurement on one of them affects the state of the other. Photon pairs can be entangled in a number of degrees of freedom (e.g. time, energy, momentum, polarization), whereby polarization entanglement is the most established for applications in free-space optics. In this case, both photons are anti-correlated in their polarizations, i.e. measuring one particular polarization for one photon yields a perpendicular polarization state for the partner photon – the two photons are entangled irrespectively of their spatial separation (Einstein referred to this as spooky action at a distance). To date, the best-developed method for the generation of photon pairs in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in second-order nonlinear crystals. In the SPDC process, a high energy pump beam (=405nm) spontaneously can produce a pair of photons at lower energy (=810nm).

The efficient generation of photon pairs requires very strict characteristics on the illuminating beam, such e.g. its size, shape, and polarization state. For these photon pairs to be entangled in their polarizations there must be a superposition of two distinct pair-generation possibilities each with orthogonally polarized photon pairs. To achieve this with a single nonlinear crystal we have chosen a set-up based on Sagnac interferometer [3]. Thus, beams must travel equal optical paths along both sides and focus on the crystal at the same point.

Opto-mechanical design and environmental considerations

The scope of applicability of the present device is the higher handicap. The compatibility of an entangled photon source with space environment is one of the key factors in the development of this kind of source. The design of the device must be compact, robust and efficient.

The complexity of the device is mostly due to robustness imposed by the application. Each optical and mechanical element must be able to be positioned with positioning tolerances below the micrometre limit. Besides, after positioning, all elements must remain without moving more than one micrometre even exposed to the launch acceleration. Therefore, all components must be strongly fixed. In Fig. 3a depicts a detail of the EPS, the Sagnac block and one pigtailed optical fibre holder.

Additionally, temperature variations are also very important. Laser diode emission wavelength is highly dependent on temperature. Two Peltier modules are used to assure stable operation temperature. We show in Fig. 3b the Peltier in charge of controlling the LD temperature. It is connected to the LD by several tapes of copper.

Assembly of the Entangled Photon Source

The assembly of the EPS has been performed by modules. Firstly, the EPS tube was assembled lens by lens until obtaining the desired focal point. The EPS tube must be accurately aligned.