NASA Glenn Research Center’s quantum metrology approach is to combine measurements and models. Measurement results and models are subsequently integrated with NASA’s aerospace competency needs to provide an understanding of how spaceflight components work together in quantum network architectures. Trade studies and device measurements are performed within NASA’s Quantum Metrology Laboratory (NQML) whereas dynamic quantum network modeling occurs via the NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite (NQCAS) simulation tool. In illustrating the synthesis of the network model and metrology for quantum network development, we have focused on the evaluation of a degenerate Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion (SPDC) source. Here we present an overview of Hong-Ou-Mandel and Joint Spectral Intensity measurements of the degenerate SPDC source. Results of these experiments are input into NQCAS to evaluate source suitability for entanglement swapping. This demonstrates the technology development approach of coupling of quantum measurement and free space quantum network models.
NASA is developing quantum metrology capabilities for potential space-based quantum components in future navigation and communications systems. Innate knowledge of component operation is key for the space qualification of these components. This paper focuses on the measurement and analysis of an important characteristic of an entanglement source, the joint spectrum. We describe a spectrometer based on dispersive optical fibers and present experimental measurements of the joint spectrum of a highly non-degenerate SPDC-based entanglement source that emits entangled photons in the near-infrared and telecommunications bands. How the analysis of such a joint spectrum could be applied to the modeling and simulation of entanglement swapping operations as possible extensions of quantum networks is examined. Lastly, we discuss how the separability of the two-photon state is quantified via Schmidt decomposition and how the degree of separability impacts the spectral purity of heralded single-photon emissions.
KEYWORDS: Aerospace engineering, New and emerging technologies, Space operations, Data communications, Telecommunications, Quantum key distribution, Mobile communications, Video, Space robots, Robotics
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is continuously working in furthering its space and aero communications capabilities required for the successful accomplishment of its aerospace missions. With the ever present demand for higher communication data rates and larger bandwidth required by future space exploration missions, optimization of the communications systems supporting such missions is necessary to ensure that critical scientific data and high definition video and imagery of human and robotic exploration is properly transmitted back to Earth. In the aeronautics side, the envisioned increase in aircraft volumes under the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystems could benefit from communications capabilities impervious to interference and free from spectrum limitations constraints. This work discusses examples of GRC’s ongoing technology development and integration efforts relevant to the aforementioned scenarios. In particular, the ability to increase the versatility, affordability, and reliability of ground-based optical receivers for space-to-ground communications will be presented. Our current activities on the development of highly secure airborne laser communications links augmented with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) will also be discussed, as well as scenarios in which optical communications could be beneficial to UAM/AAM. The status of efforts in quantum communications, high rate optical networks, and on the development of current efforts to demonstrate integrated Radio/optical communications (iROC) will also be addressed.
A periodically poled MgO – doped LiNbO3 (MgO:LN) non-degenerate photon pair source is utilized for spontaneous parametric down-conversion of 532 nm photons into time-energy entangled pairs of 794 and 1614 nm photons. The entangled photons are separated using previously detailed sorting optics, such that each wavelength is independently directed through one of two modified Mach-Zehnder interferometers – also known as a Franson interferometer – after which they are fiber-optically guided to high-efficiency photon detectors. Output from the detectors is sent to a high resolution time tagger, where coincidences between the entangled photons are recorded. By varying the length of the long path in one Mach-Zehnder interferometer, it is possible to observe high visibility sinusoidal fringes in the measured coincidence rates (while no variation is seen in single photon detection rates). These fringes – due to interference between the photon probability amplitudes – are indicative of a violation of the Bell inequality, and confirm inconsistencies with local hidden variable theory for the correlations of the time-energy entangled photon pairs.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Nanowires, Silicon, Avalanche photodetectors, Photodetectors, Quantum efficiency, Single photon detectors, Superconductors, Time correlated photon counting, Signal to noise ratio
Time-energy entangled photon pairs are created by a system consisting of a 1064 nm pump diode laser that is fiber coupled to a high generation rate photon pair source. The source is a dual element periodically poled Magnesium Oxide doped Lithium Niobate (MgO:LN) waveguide that upconverts 1064 nm photons to single 532 nm photons in the first stage. In the second stage, the green photons are down converted to time-energy entangled photon pairs at 794 nm and 1614 nm. The output photon pairs are guided by fiber to sorting optics where they are separated and sent into high-efficiency photon detectors. In particular, the 1614 nm photons are detected by a superconducting nanowire with efficiency near 85% and dead time less than 30 ns. Detector output electrical signals are sent to a time tagger with bin resolution as narrow as 25 ps for coincidence counting. The ultimate goal of this setup is to demonstrate a single-source, high efficiency, high data rate, low noise, quantum communication system to enable Earth-space quantum networks. Test results that characterize the time-energy entangled photon pair creation rates of our source will be presented, via measures of accidental and true coincidence rates versus pump current. To reduce noise (accidentals) as much as possible, and for better understanding of our overall quantum system path-efficiency, studies of fluorescence caused by our pump’s 1064 nm and 532 nm photons will be investigated and discussed. Finally, characteristic measurements of our superconducting nanowire detector, such as dead time and detection efficiency versus electrical bias, will be offered. Please verify that (1) all pages are present, (2) all figures are correct, (3) all fonts and special characters are correct, and (4) all text and figures fit within the red margin lines shown on this review document. Complete formatting information is available at http://SPIE.org/manuscripts Return to the Manage Active Submissions page at http://spie.org/submissions/tasks.aspx and approve or disapprove this submission. Your manuscript will not be published without this approval. Please contact author_help@spie.org with any questions or concerns.
Entangled photon pairs are created by a system consisting of a 1064 nm pump diode laser that is fiber coupled to a high generation rate photon pair source. The source is a dual element periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) waveguide that up-converts 1064 nm photons to single 532 nm photons in the first stage. In the second stage, the green photons are down converted to energy entangled photon pairs at 800 nm and 1600 nm. The output photon pairs are guided by fiber to sorting optics where they are separated and sent into high-efficiency photon detectors. In particular, the 1600 nm photons are detected by a superconducting nanowire with efficiency over 60% and dead time less than 50 ns. Detector output electrical signals are sent to a time tagger with bin resolution as narrow as 25 ps for coincidence counting. The ultimate goal of this setup is to demonstrate a singlesource, high efficiency, high data rate, quantum communication system to enable Earth-space quantum networks. Of particular interest is a source of entangled photons that is amenable to utilization in aircraft and spacecraft under rigorous flight and environmental conditions. Test results that characterize the entangled photon pair creation and detection capabilities of our system will be presented.
Jeffrey Wilson, Dalton Chaffee, Nathaniel Wilson, John Lekki, Roger Tokars, John Pouch, Tony Roberts, Philip Battle, Bertram Floyd, Alexander Lind, John Cavin, Spencer Helmick
A high generation rate photon-pair source using a dual element periodically-poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PP KTP) waveguide is described. The fully integrated photon-pair source consists of a 1064-nm pump diode laser, fiber-coupled to a dual element waveguide within which a pair of 1064-nm photons are up-converted to a single 532-nm photon in the first stage. In the second stage, the 532-nm photon is down-converted to an entangled photon-pair at 800 nm and 1600 nm which are fiber-coupled at the waveguide output. The photon-pair source features a high pair generation rate, a compact power-efficient package, and continuous wave (CW) or pulsed operation. This is a significant step towards the long term goal of developing sources for high-rate Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to enable Earth-space secure communications. Characterization and test results are presented. Details and preliminary results of a laboratory free space QKD experiment with the B92 protocol are also presented.
We investigate, design, and develop a prototype real-time synchronous receiver for the second-generation quantum communicator recently developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center. This communication system exploits the temporal coincidences between simultaneously fired low-power laser sources to communicate at power levels several orders of magnitude less than what is currently achievable through classical means, with the ultimate goal of creating ultra-low-power microsize optical communications and sensing devices. The proposed receiver uses a unique adaptation of the early-late gate method for symbol synchronization and a newly identified 31-bit synchronization word for frame synchronization. This receiver, implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), also provides a number of significant additional features over the existing non-real-time experimental receiver, such as real-time bit error rate (BER) statistics collection and display, and recovery and display of embedded textual information. It also exhibits an indefinite run time and statistics collection.
Rotor health monitoring and on-line damage detection have been increasingly gaining interest to manufacturers of
aircraft engines, primarily to increase safety of operation and lower the high maintenance costs. But health monitoring
in the presence of scatter in the loading conditions, crack size, disk geometry, and material property is rather
challenging. However, detection factors that cause fractures and hidden internal cracks can be implemented via
noninvasive types of health monitoring and or nondestructive evaluation techniques. These evaluations go further to
inspect materials discontinuities and other anomalies that have grown to become critical defects that can lead to failure.
To address the bulk of these concerning issues and understand the technical aspects leading to these outcomes, a
combined analytical and experimental study is being thought. Results produced from the experiments such as blade tip
displacement and other data collected from tests conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center's Rotordynamics
Laboratory, a high precision spin rig, are evaluated, discussed and compared with data predicted from finite element
analysis simulating the engine rotor disk spinning at various rotational speeds. Further computations using the
progressive failure analysis (PFA) approach with GENOA code [6] to additionally assess the structural response,
damage initiation, propagation, and failure criterion are also performed. This study presents an inclusive evaluation of
an on-line health monitoring of a rotating disk and an examination for the capability of the in-house spin system in
support of ongoing research under the NASA Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) program.
Photons were generated possessing orbital angular momentum (OAM) in the form of Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) laser modes. Three Mach-Zehnder interferometer systems, with the use of Dove prisms, were constructed to sort and detect the LG modes based on their OAM state. Successful generating, sorting, and detecting of LG modes is the first step towards information encoding and decoding via lasers. It is possible to generate many LG modes, which can be orthogonally decoded. With many modes to encode information with it is possible to transfer more than one bit of information with a single photon using LG encoding. An experimental test of this concept was performed by demonstrating the generation and sorting of LG modes with attenuated intensities averaging below one photon passing through the system at a time. In summary, generating, sorting, and low-power detecting of specific LG modes were all demonstrated.
The signal intensity as a function of range is considered for optical communication systems that utilize time-coincident pairs (or larger sets) of photons for information encoding. Two systems are examined: one that generates pairs of photons that have an entangled quantum state, and another where the pairs of photons are generated from a pair of pulsed photon sources. The signal intensity as a function of range is analyzed as a qualitative first-order approximation for these two techniques. For the first time, to this author's knowledge, it is shown that pairs of photons that share a quantum state, and hence have highly correlated momenta, can produce communication systems that have a high degree of noise immunity and are useful for ranges significantly beyond the collimated range of the transmitter, which up until now has been considered the maximum range. As an example, it is shown that a transmitter with a 1-m aperture and a pair of pulsed photon sources will be effective for about 200 km, while a transmitter with the same aperture and a quantum-entangled photon source will have an effective range greater than 60,000 km.
We present the results from a non-diffracting optical beam experiment that utilizes extremely low power levels (single-photon). The non-diffracting beam has a Bessel spatial distribution and demonstrates interesting single-photon self-interference effects such as spatial confinement. The single-photon Bessel beam is generated using two means: (1) an attenuated HeNe laser beam that statistically provides a single photon flux through the optical system, and (2) one photon from a pair of quantum entangled twin photons produced by spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a Beta Barium Borate (BBO) crystal pumped by a UV laser. The entangled nature of the single-photon Bessel beam using the SPDC source provides a high level of discrimination from ambient background noise photons that would otherwise severely limit the utility of such a technique to dark enclosures. The HeNe laser on the other hand, provides higher photon count rates and is more convenient to work with in contrast to the entangled photon source. We verify that a single-photon Bessel beam reforms itself beyond a circular obscuration by measuring the transmitted spatial distribution.
In this paper the sensitivity of embedded fiber optic sensors to changes in modal characteristics of plates is discussed. In order to determine the feasibility of embedded fiber Bragg gratings for the detection of modal shapes and modal frequencies, a comparison of holographically imaged modes and the detected dynamic strain from embedded fiber optic Bragg gratings is made. Time averaged optical holography is used for the detection of mechanical defects, or damage, in various aerospace components. The damage is detected by measuring an alteration in structural dynamics, which is visually apparent when using time-averaged holography. These shifts in the mode shapes, both in frequency of the resonance and spatial location of vibration nodes, are caused by changes in parameters that affect the structure's mechanical impedance, such as stiffness, mass and damping, resulting from cracks or holes. It is anticipated that embedded fiber optic sensor arrays may also be able to detect component damage by sensing these changes in modal characteristics. This work is designed to give an initial indication to the feasibility of damage detection through the monitoring of modal frequencies and mode shapes with fiber optic sensors.
Fiber optic Bragg gratings have been used for years to measure quasi-static phenomena. In aircraft engine applications there is a need to measure dynamic signals such as variable pressures. In order to monitor these pressures a detection system with broad dynamic range is needed. This paper describes an interferometric demodulator that was developed and optimized for this particular application. The signal to noise ratio was maximized through temporal coherence analysis. The demodulator was incorporated in a laboratory system that simulates conditions to be measured. Several pressure sensor configurations incorporating a fiber optic Bragg grating were also explored. The results of the experiments are reported in this paper.
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