Simultaneous dual-band entangled photon pair generation using a silicon photonic microring resonator

Abstract

Traditional entangled photon pair generation apparatus, such as periodically-poled nonlinear crystals or microstructured fibers, require special and complex device structures to permit spontaneous nonlinear interactions at different wavelengths to occur simultaneously. This makes it difficult to design a single device that can, for example, generate high-quality, high-brightness photon pairs at both the 1310 and 1550 nm wavelength bands. Such flexibility will be useful in reconfiguring quantum communications to co-exist with data and telecommunications networks in popular use today. We show that a simple, appropriately-designed silicon microring device can achieve this objective, and explain the design and measurements of photon pair generation including coincidences-to-accidentals ratio and Franson interferometry of energy-time entanglement.