The orbital angular momentum carried by single photons represents a promising resource in the quantum information field. In this paper we report the characterization in the quantum regime of a recently introduced optical device, known as q-plate. Exploiting the spin-orbit coupling that takes place in the q-plate, it is possible to transfer coherently the information from the polarization to the orbital angular momentum degree of freedom, and viceversa. Hence the q-plate provides a reliable bi-directional interface between polarization and orbital angular momentum. As a first paradigmatic demonstration of the q-plate properties, we have carried out the first experimental Hong-Ou-mandel effect purely observed in the orbital angular momentum degree of freedom. © 2009 SPIE.
Quantum interference by coherence transfer from orbital angular momentum of photons / Nagali, Eleonora; Sciarrino, Fabio; Sansoni, Linda; DE MARTINI, Francesco; L., Marrucci; B., Piccirillo; E., Karimi; E., Santamato. - 7355:(2009), pp. 735507-735507-11. (Intervento presentato al convegno Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing II tenutosi a Prague; Czech Republic) [10.1117/12.821083].
Quantum interference by coherence transfer from orbital angular momentum of photons
NAGALI, ELEONORA;SCIARRINO, Fabio;SANSONI, LINDA;DE MARTINI, Francesco;
2009
Abstract
The orbital angular momentum carried by single photons represents a promising resource in the quantum information field. In this paper we report the characterization in the quantum regime of a recently introduced optical device, known as q-plate. Exploiting the spin-orbit coupling that takes place in the q-plate, it is possible to transfer coherently the information from the polarization to the orbital angular momentum degree of freedom, and viceversa. Hence the q-plate provides a reliable bi-directional interface between polarization and orbital angular momentum. As a first paradigmatic demonstration of the q-plate properties, we have carried out the first experimental Hong-Ou-mandel effect purely observed in the orbital angular momentum degree of freedom. © 2009 SPIE.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
