Plug-&-play generation of non-Gaussian states of light at a telecom wavelength

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a practical, stable, and reconfigurable method for generating non-Gaussian quantum states of light at telecom wavelengths using plug-&-play fiber components, advancing quantum optics technology.

Contribution

It introduces a fully fiber-based, plug-&-play approach for non-Gaussian state generation, enabling easier integration with existing telecom infrastructure.

Findings

Successful heralded preparation of Schrödinger cat states

All experimental stages use off-the-shelf fiber components

Demonstrates stability and reconfigurability of the setup

Abstract

This work marks an important progress towards practical quantum optical technologies in the continuous variable regime, as it shows the feasibility of experiments where non-Gaussian state generation entirely relies on plug-&-play components from guided-wave optics technologies. This strategy is demonstrated experimentally with the heralded preparation of low amplitude Schr\"odinger cat states based on single-photon subtraction from a squeezed vacuum. All stages of the experiment are based on off-the-shelf fiber components. This leads to a stable, compact, and easily re-configurable realization, fully compatible with existing fibre networks and, more in general, with future out-of-the-laboratory applications.