Characterizing Entangled Photon Source Performance as a Function of Temperature

Author(s):

Atiyya A Davis, Thomas A Searles, Brian T Kirby, and Daniel E Jones

Abstract:

Quantum network users require knowledge of their entangled photon source performance, the types of noise photons that are output by their source, and the regimes that their sources must be operated in to maximize entanglement quality. Here, we describe a method to characterize the behavior of an entangled photon source as a function of temperature, power, and frequency. We provide an analysis of the entangled photon source performance by performing quantum state tomography and by measuring the coincidence to accidental ratio. We find that noise photons due to Raman scattering and spectral broadening of the pump caused by self-phase modulation significantly reduce the performance of the source in certain operating regimes. In addition, we determine what temperature, power, and output channels should be used to maximize the entanglement quality of the source.