Summary
Arrays of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of light are a new form of structured light so far relatively unexplored in quantum information science. Unlike spin angular momentum of light, which is related to light’s polarization and covers two dimensions, OAM states, sometimes described as ‘donut beams’ due to the shape of the field intensity distribution in their cross section, are in principle an infinite dimensional system and can be used to carry much more information per photon. In this project, we generate arrays of entangled orbital angular momentum beams and explore the utility of the spatially entangled photons in quantum communication protocols, such as remote state preparation. In collaboration with Dmitry Pushin, David Cory, and Thomas Jennewein, we study the propagation of entangled OAM arrays and their self-imaging capabilities known as the Talbot Effect, which hold promise for developing a new method to measure OAM. As we learn to control the spatial patterns of these light beams we expect they may find application in sensing of periodic optical structures in materials.

Figure 1. Simulated and observed intensity distribution in orbital angular momentum arrays as they propagate over different fractional Talbot lengths
Related Content

Identifying the Potential of Quantum Dots to Detect and Disrupt Tau Protein Aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Specific tests for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis are currently unavailable, despite AD being the leading cause of dementia. One hallmark of AD progression is the aggregation of tau proteins into paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, which is accelerated by the hyperphosphorylation of Tau proteins. However, the mechanism by which the hyperphosphorylated tau accelerates protein […]
March 27, 2023

Topological Properties of Exciton-Polaritons in a Kagome Lattice as a Solid-state Quantum Simulator
Summary In this project, we build a solid-state quantum simulator for engineering a specific Hamiltonian. Quantum simulators are purpose-built devices with little to no need for error correction, thereby making this type of hardware less demanding than universal quantum computers. Our platform consists of exciton-polariton condensates in multiple quantum-wells sandwiched in a semiconductor Bragg […]
December 8, 2018

Novel Infrared Camera Based on Quantum Sensors for Biomedical Applications
Summary In this project we develop a novel infrared camera with low noise and high detection efficiency for biomedical applications of optical coherence tomography (OCT) using quantum materials. OCT is a technique used to image the back of the eye and allow for the diagnosis of detrimental eye conditions, for e.g., macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy […]
March 13, 2019

Building Blocks for Quantum Neuromorphic Computing: Superconducting Quantum Memcapacitors
Quantum neuromorphic computing (QNC) is a novel method that combines quantum computing with brain-inspired neuromorphic computing. Neuromorphic computing performs computations using a complex ensemble of artificial neurons and synapses (i.e., electrical circuits) to emulate the human brain. QNC may lead to a quantum advantage by realizing these components with quantum memory elements, or memelements, which […]
June 12, 2023