General simulation method for spontaneous parametric down- and parametric up-conversion experiments

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive simulation method for SPDC experiments that accurately models spectral and spatial counts, aiding in source characterization and application development.

Contribution

A novel first-principles simulation approach for SPDC that reproduces experimental results and can be extended to various quantum applications.

Findings

Accurately reproduces spectrally and spatially resolved counts

Enables virtual characterization of SPDC sources

Supports simulation of quantum sensing and imaging applications

Abstract

Spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) sources are an important technology for quantum sensing and imaging. We demonstrate a general simulation method, based on modeling from first principles, reproducing the spectrally and spatially resolved absolute counts of a SPDC experiment. By simulating additional processes and effects we accomplish good agreement with the experimental results. This method is broadly applicable and allows for the separation of contributing processes, virtual characterization of SPDC sources, and enables the simulation of many quantum based applications.