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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Hadfield, R. H. (2009). Single-photon detectors for optical quantum information applications. Nature Photonics, 3, 696–705.
Abstract: The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in interest in new single-photon detector technologies. A major cause of this trend has undoubtedly been the push towards optical quantum information applications such as quantum key distribution. These new applications place extreme demands on detector performance that go beyond the capabilities of established single-photon detectors. There has been considerable effort to improve conventional photon-counting detectors and to transform new device concepts into workable technologies for optical quantum information applications. This Review aims to highlight the significant recent progress made in improving single-photon detector technologies, and the impact that these developments will have on quantum optics and quantum information science.
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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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Kawano, Y., & Ishibashi, K. (2008). An on-chip near-field terahertz probe and detector. Nature Photon, 2(10), 618–621.
Abstract: The advantageous properties of terahertz waves, such as their transmission through objects opaque to visible light, are attracting attention for imaging applications. A promising approach for achieving high spatial resolution is the use of near-field imaging. Although this method has been well established in the visible and microwave regions, it is challenging to perform in the terahertz region. In the terahertz techniques investigated to date, detectors have been located remotely from the probe, which degrades sensitivity, and the influence of far-field waves is unavoidable. Here we present a new integrated detection device for terahertz near-field imaging in which all the necessary detection components — an aperture, a probe and a terahertz detector — are integrated on one semiconductor chip, which is cryogenically cooled. This scheme allows highly sensitive, high-resolution detection of the evanescent field alone and promises new capabilities for high-resolution terahertz imaging.
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Williams, B. S. (2007). Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers. Nature Photonics, 1, 517–525.
Abstract: Six years after their birth, terahertz quantum-cascade lasers can now deliver milliwatts or more of continuous-wave coherent radiation throughout the terahertz range — the spectral regime between millimetre and infrared wavelengths, which has long resisted development. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art and future prospects for these lasers, including efforts to increase their operating temperatures, deliver higher output powers and emit longer wavelengths.
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