Simple synchronization of independent picosecond photon sources for quantum communication experiments

TL;DR

This paper presents a synchronization method for independent picosecond photon sources, enabling quantum communication by maintaining photon indistinguishability despite timing jitter.

Contribution

The authors introduce a synchronization system that tolerates large timing jitter, facilitating the use of independent photon sources in quantum communication experiments.

Findings

Achieved synchronization with large timing jitter tolerance

Maintained photon indistinguishability over centimeter-scale coherence lengths

Enhanced feasibility for quantum communication over long distances

Abstract

An essential requirement for the future of quantum communication is the capability to create undistinguishable photons at distant locations. The main challenge is to control the various sources of timing jitter in order to conserve temporal undistinguishability. We report on a system that enables a large tolerance against such jitter by using synchronized sources of photons with coherence lengths on the order of centimeters.