High-Performance Quantum Frequency Conversion from Ultraviolet to Telecom Band

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a high-efficiency, low-noise quantum frequency converter from ultraviolet to telecom wavelengths using thin-film lithium niobate, enabling advanced quantum communication and networking.

Contribution

It introduces a novel short-wavelength-pumping QFC with optimized domain engineering and noise suppression, achieving record efficiency and ultra-low noise levels.

Findings

Achieved a record external efficiency of 28.8%.

Realized an ultra-low noise level of 35 counts per second.

Theoretical limit of normalized conversion efficiency is 839%/(W*cm^2).

Abstract

Quantum frequency conversion (QFC) is essential for bridging the spectral gap between stationary qubits and low-loss optical communication channels. In this work, we demonstrate a short-wavelength-pumping QFC with the first-order quasi-phase matching period of 3.07 um on thin-film lithium niobate, converting ultraviolet photons to the telecom C-band. By constructing a theoretical model that correlates the normalized conversion efficiency with domain defects in the short-period phase-matched waveguide, we found the critical tolerance of domain defects along the waveguide should be $\le 2$ (excluding the ends). Based on this, we achieved a theoretical limit normalized conversion efficiency of 839%/(W*cm^2) for the fundamental guided mode through fabrication optimization. Furthermore, we propose a robust noise suppression strategy for short-wavelength pumping by utilizing the counter-tuning behaviors of difference-frequency generation and spontaneous parametric down-conversion. By combining these advances with ultra-narrowband filtering, we achieve a record-high external efficiency of 28.8% and an ultra-low noise of 35 counts per second. This high-performance QFC connecting ultraviolet and telecom bands satisfies the stringent requirements for long-lived remote ion-ion entanglement in scalable quantum networks [W.-Z. Liu et al., Nature (2026)].