Photon Pair Source based on PPLN-Waveguides for Entangled Two-Photon Absorption

Abstract

Fluorescence excitation by absorption of entangled photon pairs offers benefits compared to classical imaging techniques, such as the attainment of higher signal levels at low excitation power while simultaneously mitigating photo-toxicity. However, current entangled photon pair sources are unreliable for fluorescence detection. In order to address this limitation, there is a need for ultra-bright entangled photon pair sources. Among the potential solutions, sources utilizing nonlinear waveguides emerge as promising candidates to facilitate fluorescence excitation through entangled photons. In this paper, a source consisting of a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide was developed and its key characteristics analysed. To demonstrate its suitability as key component for imaging experiments, the entangled two-photon absorption behavior of CdSe/ZnS quantum dot solutions was experimentally investigated.