https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:2008029
Heralded single photon sources: a route towards quantum communication technology and photon standards
School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, 3010
Victoria, Australia
Received:
15
November
2006
Accepted:
26
November
2007
Published online:
9
April
2008
Single photon counting, based on single photon sources and detectors, is a key ingredient for certain applications aiming at new quantum information technologies. Quantum cryptography, quantum radiometry, distributed quantum computing, as well as adjacent technologies such as biomedical and astronomical imaging, and low power classical communication also rely on single-photon technology. This paper reviews the present status of single photon sources and related counting measurement techniques, based on correlated (or heralded) photons in parametric down-conversion, and their possible impact on the above mentioned technologies, as well as an assessment for photon standards in the future.
PACS: 42.62.Eh – Metrological applications; optical frequency synthesizers for precision spectroscopy / 03.67.Dd – Quantum cryptography / 42.50.Dv – Nonclassical states of the electromagnetic field, including entangled photon states; quantum state engineering and measurements / 42.70.Mp – Nonlinear optical crystals
© EDP Sciences, 2008
