Interaction-Free All-Optical Switching via Quantum-Zeno Effect

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new all-optical switching method that is interaction-free, leveraging the quantum-Zeno effect to prevent photon loss and decoherence, suitable for quantum technologies.

Contribution

It presents a novel interaction-free switching scheme based on the quantum-Zeno effect, applicable to $\\chi^{(2)}$ waveguides, with device designs for traveling-wave and Fabry-Perot configurations.

Findings

Optimal performance with coherent dynamical evolution

Less efficient switching via rapid dissipation channels

Scheme overcomes photon-loss limits in optical switching

Abstract

We propose a novel interaction-free scheme for all-optical switching which does not rely on the physical coupling between signal and control waves. The interaction-free nature of the scheme allows it to overcome the fundamental photon-loss limit imposed by the signal-pump coupling. The same phenomenon protects photonic-signal states from decoherence, making devices based on this scheme suitable for quantum applications. Focusing on $\chi^{(2)}$ waveguides, we provide device designs for traveling-wave and Fabry-Perot switches. In both designs, the performance is optimal when the signal switching is induced by coherent dynamical evolution. In contrast, when the switching is induced by a rapid dissipation channel, it is less efficient.