arXiv subjects

Raghavan G

Publications and source records attributed to Raghavan G.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Experimental Evaluation of Passive Polarization Compensation Techniques for Fiber-Distributed Polarization-Entangled Photons

Entanglement distribution through optical fibers is essential for quantum communication networks; however, fiber transmission can alter photon polarization and modify the observed correlations of polarization-entangled states, necessitating polarization compensation to recover the desired entangled state in the measurement basis. Here, we experimentally evaluate two passive polarization compensation techniques: a free-space Quarter-Half-Quarter (QHQ) waveplate configuration and an in-fiber three-paddle Fiber Polarization Controller (FPC). The polarization transformation along each downconverted-photon path is independently compensated through a systematic path-by-path optimization procedure. Using both techniques, we recover high-quality polarization correlations and entanglement, with visibilities exceeding $93\%$ in three mutually unbiased bases and fidelities above $94.5\%$. The results demonstrate comparable restoration using free-space waveplate-based and fiber-based control, establishing a systematic framework for laboratory and short-reach quantum communication links.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

On-demand generation of all four Bell states using a single PPKTP entangled photon source

We present a compact, automated, high-brightness entangled photon source capable of generating all four Bell states with high fidelity. The system utilizes a type-0 quasi-phase-matched PPKTP crystal embedded within a polarization Sagnac interferometer. We introduce a switching scheme based on the controlled, motorized translation of the nonlinear crystal. This device is capable of generating any one of the Bell states on-demand. Experimentally, we demonstrate that translating the crystal from the interferometer's balanced position repeatedly toggles the state between $|\phi^+ \rangle$ and $|\phi^- \rangle$ (as well as $|\psi^+ \rangle$ and $|\psi^- \rangle$) at regular intervals of $122 \pm 14 ~\mu m$. Subsequently, a half-wave plate (HWP) in the idler arm transitions between the quantum states $|\phi^{\pm}\rangle$ and $|\psi^{\pm}\rangle$. While the non-collinear geometry imposes an upper limit on the translation range as verified via EMCCD imaging, the source however, displays very little change of intensity in the operational window. State purity and entanglement are certified through quantum state tomography (QST), visibility measurements, Bell state measurements (BSM), and CHSH inequality violations, confirming that the source is robust and provides a repeatable, high-fidelity output.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Realization of doubly inhomogeneous waveplates for structuring of light beams

Waveplates having spatially varying fast-axis orientation and retardance provide an elegant and easy way to locally manipulate different attributes of light beams namely, polarization, amplitude and phase, leading to the generation of exotic structured light beams. The fabrication of such doubly inhomogeneous waveplates (d-plates) is more complex, compared to that of singly inhomogeneous waveplates (s-plates) having uniform retardance, which can be easily fabricated by different means such as photoalignment of liquid crystals, metasurfaces etc. Here, exploiting the SU(2) formalism, we establish analytically that any d-plate can be equivalently implemented using a pair of quarter-wave s-plates and a half-wave s-plate. An important advantage of this method is that it gives the flexibility to realize a whole family of distinct d-plates using the same triplet of s-plates. To underline the scope of this method, we propose novel d-plates for spatially tailoring the phase and complex amplitudes of light beams. Towards complex amplitude shaping, we present a generic method for carving out higher-order eigenmodes of light using a d-plate in conjugation with a polarizer. A generalized q-plate-like gadget, for imparting a polarization-dependent phase profile to a scalar light beam, is proposed as a demonstration of phase-polarization interplay. For these two illustrations, the corresponding three-s-plate gadget is constructed, and its functioning is validated with extensive numerical simulations. The main result and its illustrations are generic and agnostic to the way the s-plates are fabricated and we believe they carry the potential to push the current state of the art in interdisciplinary applications involving structured light beams.

physics.optics↗