2 Jun 2024 | Vitaliy Sultanov, Aljaž Kavčič, Emmanuil Kokkinakis, Nerea Sebastián, Maria V. Chekhova, Matjaž Humar
Researchers have demonstrated the first successful generation of entangled photons via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal (FNLC), achieving efficiency comparable to the best nonlinear crystals. The study shows that electric fields can tune the generation of entangled photons, enabling broadband, polarization-tunable photon pair generation. The FNLC's unique properties allow for reconfigurable quasi-phase-matching, enabling dynamic control of the generated quantum state. The results suggest that FNLCs could outperform traditional nonlinear optical materials in terms of functionality, brightness, and tunability. The work opens new possibilities for quantum technologies, including quantum state engineering, quantum key distribution, and quantum-enhanced sensing. The FNLC's ability to self-assemble into complex structures and its compatibility with existing optical platforms make it a promising candidate for scalable quantum light sources. The study highlights the potential of liquid crystals in practical quantum technologies, offering a new approach to generating tunable quantum states with high efficiency and flexibility.Researchers have demonstrated the first successful generation of entangled photons via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal (FNLC), achieving efficiency comparable to the best nonlinear crystals. The study shows that electric fields can tune the generation of entangled photons, enabling broadband, polarization-tunable photon pair generation. The FNLC's unique properties allow for reconfigurable quasi-phase-matching, enabling dynamic control of the generated quantum state. The results suggest that FNLCs could outperform traditional nonlinear optical materials in terms of functionality, brightness, and tunability. The work opens new possibilities for quantum technologies, including quantum state engineering, quantum key distribution, and quantum-enhanced sensing. The FNLC's ability to self-assemble into complex structures and its compatibility with existing optical platforms make it a promising candidate for scalable quantum light sources. The study highlights the potential of liquid crystals in practical quantum technologies, offering a new approach to generating tunable quantum states with high efficiency and flexibility.