Producing bright quantum optical states using laser-plasma interaction

We investigate the generation of high-flux quantum optical states—such as entangled photon pairs and squeezed states—through the interaction of high-intensity lasers with plasma. Unlike conventional media, plasma can endure significantly higher pump intensities without thermal degradation, enabling ultrafast and highly nonlinear optical processes. Moreover, its high electron density allows for spectral extension into the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and even x-ray regimes.

Our presentation will focus on two key mechanisms: relativistic four-wave mixing (FWM) and plasma wave-mediated FWM, each offering distinct advantages for quantum state generation. We will also highlight strategies for mitigating classical noise and demonstrate how plasma-based systems, when combined with quantum optical techniques, exhibit exceptional resilience to thermal noise—achieving noise suppression levels exceeding 40 dB below the quantum vacuum.



[1] Kenan Qu, and Nathaniel J. Fisch, Ultra-strong Quantum Squeezing Mediated by Plasma Waves, arXiv:2507.12288 (2025).

[2 ]Kenan Qu, and Nathaniel J. Fisch, Producing entangled photon pairs and quantum squeezed states in plasmas, Phys. Rev. E 110, 065211 (2024).

[3] Antonino Di Piazza and Kenan Qu, Control of nonlinear Compton scattering in a squeezed vacuum, in preparation (2025).