Parametric Amplification and Noise Control in Time-Varying Media
ORAL
Abstract
Recently, time-varying media have garnered significant attention in quantum optics [1, 2, 3]. In these media, time-dependent variations break energy conservation, leading to the creation or annihilation of photon pairs with opposite momenta. This effect enables time-varying systems to function as parametric amplifiers for quantum states, such as the vacuum, as well as for classical coherent states [4, 5].
A common drawback in amplifiers, however, is the reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with increased gain, which is particularly problematic for weak signals—prevalent in quantum systems. This issue also exists when amplifying a single coherent wave within a time-varying medium.
In this talk, we delve into the time-varying amplification process within the quantum regime. We show that mixing a coherent signal with a coherent wave of opposite momentum simultaneously amplifies the signal and, surprisingly, enhances its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Moreover, we examine the impact of repeated mixing of the signal with a backward-propagating wave, applying an “instantaneous eigenstate” approach to gain deeper insight into the process.
[1] M. Lyubarov, Y. Lumer, A. Dikopoltsev, E. Lustig, Y. Sharabi, and M. Segev, “Amplified emission and lasing in photonic time crystals,” Science, vol. 377, no. 6604, pp. 425–428, 2022.
[2] J. B. Pendry, E. Galiffi, and P. A. Huidobro, “Photon conservation in trans-luminal metamaterials,” Optica, vol. 9, no. 7, pp. 724–730, 2022.
[3] I. Liberal, J. E. Vázquez-Lozano, and V. Pacheco-Peña, “Quantum antireflection temporal coatings: quantum state frequency shifting and inhibited thermal noise amplification,” Laser &
Photonics Reviews, vol. 17, no. 9, p. 2200720, 2023.
[4] W. H. Louisell, A. Yariv, and A. E. Siegman, “Quantum fluctuations and noise in parametric processes. i,” Physical Review, vol. 124, no. 6, p. 1646, 1961.
[5] D. Holberg and K. Kunz, “Parametric properties of fields in a slab of time-varying permittivity,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 183–194, 1966
A common drawback in amplifiers, however, is the reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with increased gain, which is particularly problematic for weak signals—prevalent in quantum systems. This issue also exists when amplifying a single coherent wave within a time-varying medium.
In this talk, we delve into the time-varying amplification process within the quantum regime. We show that mixing a coherent signal with a coherent wave of opposite momentum simultaneously amplifies the signal and, surprisingly, enhances its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Moreover, we examine the impact of repeated mixing of the signal with a backward-propagating wave, applying an “instantaneous eigenstate” approach to gain deeper insight into the process.
[1] M. Lyubarov, Y. Lumer, A. Dikopoltsev, E. Lustig, Y. Sharabi, and M. Segev, “Amplified emission and lasing in photonic time crystals,” Science, vol. 377, no. 6604, pp. 425–428, 2022.
[2] J. B. Pendry, E. Galiffi, and P. A. Huidobro, “Photon conservation in trans-luminal metamaterials,” Optica, vol. 9, no. 7, pp. 724–730, 2022.
[3] I. Liberal, J. E. Vázquez-Lozano, and V. Pacheco-Peña, “Quantum antireflection temporal coatings: quantum state frequency shifting and inhibited thermal noise amplification,” Laser &
Photonics Reviews, vol. 17, no. 9, p. 2200720, 2023.
[4] W. H. Louisell, A. Yariv, and A. E. Siegman, “Quantum fluctuations and noise in parametric processes. i,” Physical Review, vol. 124, no. 6, p. 1646, 1961.
[5] D. Holberg and K. Kunz, “Parametric properties of fields in a slab of time-varying permittivity,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 183–194, 1966
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Presenters
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Artuur Stevens
Katholieke University Leuven
Authors
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Artuur Stevens
Katholieke University Leuven
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Christophe Caloz
KU Leuven, Katholieke University Leuven