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Takesue, H., Nam, S. W., Zhang, Q., Hadfield, R. H., Honjo, T., Tamaki, K., et al. (2007). Quantum key distribution over a 40-dB channel loss using superconducting single-photon detectors. Nat. Photon., 1, 343–348.
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Kosako, T., Kadoya, Y., & Hofmann, H. F. (2010). Directional control of light by a nano-optical Yagi–Uda antenna. Nat. Photon., 4, 312–315.
Abstract: The plasmon resonance of metal nanoparticles can direct light from optical emitters in much the same way that radiofrequency antennas direct the emission from electrical circuits. Recently, rapid progress has been made in the realization of single-element antennas for optical waves. Because most of these devices are designed to optimize the local near-field coupling between the antenna and an emitter, the possibility of modifying the spatial radiation pattern has not yet received as much attention. In the radiofrequency regime, a typical antenna design for high directivity is the Yagi–Uda antenna, which essentially consists of a one-dimensional array of antenna elements driven by a single feed element. By fabricating a corresponding array of nanoparticles, similar radiation patterns can be obtained in the optical regime. Here, we present the experimental demonstration of directional control of radiation from a nano-optical Yagi–Uda antenna composed of appropriately tuned gold nanorods.
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Kono, J. (2011). Coherent terahertz control. Nat. Photon., 5, 5–6.
Abstract: Spin and charge terahertz excitations in solids are promising for implementing future technologies such as spintronics and quantum computation, but coherently controlling them has been a significant challenge. Researchers have now manipulated coherent spin waves in an antiferromagnet using the intense magnetic field of ultrashort terahertz pulses.
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Paiella, R. (2011). Terahertz quantum cascade lasers: Going ultrafast. Nat. Photon., 5, 253–255.
Abstract: A new asynchronous coherent optical sampling method allows for the direct visualization of actively mode-locked quantum cascade laser pulses at terahertz wavelengths.
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Santori, C., & Beausoleil, R. G. (2012). Quantum memory: Phonons in diamond crystals. Nat. Photon., 6, 10–12.
Abstract: The demonstration that quantum information can be stored in a bulk-diamond crystal in the form of an optically excited phonon gives researchers a new type of mechanical solid-state quantum memory to explore.
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Xu, X. A., & Wong, C. W. (2012). Quantum optics: Correlations on a chip. Nat. Photon., 6, 75–76.
Abstract: Researchers have developed a semiconductor structure capable of supporting quantum correlations between photons and strong single-photon nonlinearities, thus paving the way for the development of chip-based devices for quantum secure communications and quantum information processing.
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Hase, M., Katsuragawa, M., Constantinescu, A. M., & Petek, H. (2012). Frequency comb generation at terahertz frequencies by coherent phonon excitation in silicon. Nat. Photon., 6, 243–247.
Abstract: High-order nonlinear light–matter interactions in gases enable the generation of X-ray and attosecond light pulses, metrology and spectroscopy1. Optical nonlinearities in solid-state materials are particularly interesting for combining optical and electronic functions for high-bandwidth information processing2. Third-order nonlinear optical processes in silicon have been used to process optical signals with bandwidths greater than 1 GHz (ref. 2). However, fundamental physical processes for a silicon-based optical modulator in the terahertz bandwidth range have not yet been explored. Here, we demonstrate ultrafast phononic modulation of the optical index of silicon by irradiation with intense few-cycle femtosecond pulses. The anisotropic reflectivity modulation by the resonant Raman susceptibility at the fundamental frequency of the longitudinal optical phonon of silicon (15.6 THz) generates a frequency comb up to seventh order. All-optical >100 THz frequency comb generation is realized by harnessing the coherent atomic motion of the silicon crystalline lattice at its highest mechanical frequency.
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Gao, J., McMillan, J. F., & Wong, C. W. (2012). Nanophotonics: Remote on-chip coupling. Nat. Photon., 6(1), 7–8.
Abstract: Scientists have demonstrated strongly coupled photon states between two distant high-Q photonic crystal cavities connected by a photonic crystal waveguide. Remote dynamic control over the coupled states could aid the development of delay lines, optical buffers and qubit operations in both classical and quantum information processing.
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Pile, D. (2012). How many bits can a photon carry. Nat. Photon., 6(1), 14–15.
Abstract: Quantum physics offers a way to enhance the amount of information a photon can carry, with potential applications in optical communication, lithography, metrology and imaging.
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Lydersen, L., Wiechers, C., Wittmann, C., Elser, D., Skaar, J., & Makarov, V. (2010). Hacking commercial quantum cryptography systems by tailored bright illumination. Nat. Photon., 4(10), 686–689.
Abstract: The peculiar properties of quantum mechanics allow two remote parties to communicate a private, secret key, which is protected from eavesdropping by the laws of physics. So-called quantum key distribution (QKD) implementations always rely on detectors to measure the relevant quantum property of single photons. Here we demonstrate experimentally that the detectors in two commercially available QKD systems can be fully remote-controlled using specially tailored bright illumination. This makes it possible to tracelessly acquire the full secret key; we propose an eavesdropping apparatus built of off-the-shelf components. The loophole is likely to be present in most QKD systems using avalanche photodiodes to detect single photons. We believe that our findings are crucial for strengthening the security of practical QKD, by identifying and patching technological deficiencies.
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Khasminskaya, S., Pyatkov, F., Słowik, K., Ferrari, S., Kahl, O., Kovalyuk, V., et al. (2016). Fully integrated quantum photonic circuit with an electrically driven light source. Nat. Photon., 10(11), 727–732.
Abstract: Photonic quantum technologies allow quantum phenomena to be exploited in applications such as quantum cryptography, quantum simulation and quantum computation. A key requirement for practical devices is the scalable integration of single-photon sources, detectors and linear optical elements on a common platform. Nanophotonic circuits enable the realization of complex linear optical systems, while non-classical light can be measured with waveguide-integrated detectors. However, reproducible single-photon sources with high brightness and compatibility with photonic devices remain elusive for fully integrated systems. Here, we report the observation of antibunching in the light emitted from an electrically driven carbon nanotube embedded within a photonic quantum circuit. Non-classical light generated on chip is recorded under cryogenic conditions with waveguide-integrated superconducting single-photon detectors, without requiring optical filtering. Because exclusively scalable fabrication and deposition methods are used, our results establish carbon nanotubes as promising nanoscale single-photon emitters for hybrid quantum photonic devices.
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Capmany, J., Gasulla, I., & Sales, S. (2011). Microwave photonics: Harnessing slow light. Nat. Photon., 5(12), 731–733.
Abstract: Slow-light techniques originally conceived for buffering high-speed digital optical signals now look set to play an important role in providing broadband phase and true time delays for microwave signals.
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Novotny, L., & van Hulst, N. (2011). Antennas for light. Nat. Photon., 5(2), 83–90.
Abstract: Optical antennas are devices that convert freely propagating optical radiation into localized energy, and vice versa. They enable the control and manipulation of optical fields at the nanometre scale, and hold promise for enhancing the performance and efficiency of photodetection, light emission and sensing. Although many of the properties and parameters of optical antennas are similar to their radiowave and microwave counterparts, they have important differences resulting from their small size and the resonant properties of metal nanostructures. This Review summarizes the physical properties of optical antennas, provides a summary of some of the most important recent developments in the field, discusses the potential applications and identifies the future challenges and opportunities.
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Akalin, T. (2012). Terahertz sources: Powerful photomixers. Nat. Photon., 6(2), 81.
Abstract: An efficient continuous-wave source of terahertz radiation that combines the outputs from two near-infrared semiconductor lasers in a novel photomixer looks set to benefit applications in spectroscopy and imaging.
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He, R., Sazio, P. J. A., Peacock, A. C., Healy, N., Sparks, J. R., Krishnamurthi, M., et al. (2012). Integration of gigahertz-bandwidth semiconductor devices inside microstructured optical fibres. Nat. Photon., 6(3), 174–179.
Abstract: The prospect of an all-fibre optical communications network in which light can be generated, modulated and detected within the fibre itself without the need for discrete optoelectronic devices is an appealing one. However, to become a reality, this approach requires the incorporation of optoelectronic materials and functionalities into silica fibres to create a new breed of semiconductor-fibre hybrid devices for performing various tasks. Here, we report the integration of precisely doped semiconductor materials and high-quality rectifying semiconductor junctions into microstructured optical fibres, enabling high-speed, in-fibre functionalities such as photodetection at telecommunications wavelengths. These semiconductor-fibre hybrid devices exhibit a bandwidth of up to 3 GHz and seamless coupling to standard single-mode optical fibres.
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