Nonlinear and Quantum Optics in a Fiber

Eric Zhu

Qian Group, Photonics

Abstract:

Nonlinear optics is the study of how different optical frequencies mix in a medium to generate new optical frequencies. Frequency-mixing phenomena can be generally divided into upconversion and downconversion processes, where the generated light is either of a higher or lower frequency compared to the input optical frequencies (respectively).

In this talk, I will survey the work we have done with a novel nonlinear optical medium, the poled fiber. Highlights will include upconversion processes such as second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation, and spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC). With SPDC, a process akin to photon ‘fission’, single photon pairs are generated that share temporal, spectral, and polarization correlations that cannot be explained by classical optics. Strategies for measuring these correlations are demonstrated, and potential applications given.

Biography:

Eric Zhu is a native of Toronto, and earned all three of his degrees from the University of Toronto. He has a bachelor’s of applied science degree in engineering physics (EngSci), a master’s degree in electrical engineering, and recently defended successfully his PhD thesis in quantum optics (though he has not yet convocated). In his spare time, he enjoys crossword puzzles and playing, watching, and talking about tennis. ​