Photon Pair Source based on PPLN-Waveguides for Entangled Two-Photon Absorption

Tobias Bernd Gäbler, Patrick Hendra, Nitish Jain, Markus Gräfe

Abstract

Fluorescence excitation by absorption of entangled photon pairs offers benefits compared to classical imaging techniques, such as the attainment of higher signal levels at low excitation power while simultaneously mitigating phototoxicity. However, current entangled photon pair sources are unreliable for fluorescence detection. In order to address this limitation, there is a need for ultra-bright entangled photon pair sources. Among the potential solutions, sources utilizing nonlinear waveguides emerge as promising candidates to facilitate fluorescence excitation through entangled photons. In this paper, a source consisting of a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide is developed and its key characteristics are analyzed. To demonstrate its suitability as key component for imaging experiments, the entangled two-photon absorption behavior of Cadmium Selenide Zinc Sulfide quantum dot solutions is experimentally investigated.