Brazilian Twin Photons 32nd anniversary

Abstract

We present a historical review of the development and impact of spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in Brazil, marking over three decades since the first twin-photon experiments were performed in the country. This article traces the pioneering efforts that initiated the field, highlighting key experiments, institutions, and researchers who contributed to its growth. We discuss seminal works that established SPDC as a fundamental tool in the Brazilian Quantum Optics community, including studies on spatial correlations, entanglement, and decoherence. By presenting a curated sequence of experiments, we offer an overview of how Brazilian research in twin-photon systems has explored profound concepts through fundamental demonstrations, leading to significant international impact. This review also highlights the formation of a strong scientific community and its ongoing efforts to turn fundamental knowledge into quantum applications.