Tunable photon blockade in a whispering-gallery-mode microresonator coupled with two nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how the photon statistical properties in a nonlinear whispering-gallery-mode microresonator can be controlled by adjusting nanoparticle positions, enabling switching between different photon blockade regimes for quantum information applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method to control photon blockade in a microresonator by tuning nanoparticle positions, revealing new ways to manipulate photon statistics.

Findings

Controllable switching between unconventional and conventional photon blockade.

Optimal nanoparticle positions and Kerr effect strength for strong antibunching.

Achievement of two-photon blockade near an exceptional point.

Abstract

We have theoretically studied the photon statistical properties in a nonlinear whispering-gallery-mode microresonator coupled with two nanoparticles. By tuning the relative position of two nanoparticles, the photon statistical features of the system can be modified remarkably. Interestingly, a controllable switching between unconventional and conventional photon blockade can be realized by manipulating the angular positions of two nanoparticles. We also investigate the influence of the Kerr effect on the second order correlation function and find that there is an optimal choice for the relative position of two nanoparticles and the strength of Kerr effect that can generate strong antibunching. Furthermore, under the strong driving, two photon blockade can be achieved when the system is close to an exceptional point. Our work may provide an effective way to control photon statistical characteristics and have potential applications in quantum information science.