Self-healing high-dimensional quantum key distribution using hybrid spin-orbit Bessel states

Using spatial modes for quantum key distribution (QKD) has become highly topical due to their infinite dimensionality, promising high information capacity per photon. However, spatial distortions reduce the feasible secret key rates and compromise the security of a quantum channel. In an extreme form such a distortion might be a physical obstacle, impeding line-of-sight for free-space channels. Here, by controlling the radial degree of freedom of a photon's spatial mode, we are able to demonstrate hybrid high-dimensional QKD through obstacles with self-reconstructing single photons. We construct high-dimensional mutually unbiased bases using spin-orbit hybrid states that are radially modulated with a non-diffracting Bessel-Gaussian (BG) profile, and show secure transmission through partially obstructed quantum links. Using a prepare-measure protocol we report higher quantum state self-reconstruction and information retention for the non-diffracting BG modes as compared to Laguerre-Gaussian modes, obtaining a quantum bit error rate (QBER) that is up to 3 times lower. This work highlights the importance of controlling the radial mode of single photons in quantum information processing and communication as well as the advantages of QKD with hybrid states.Comment: Published version, 15 pages, 6 figures, 2 table

Entanglement beating in free space through spin–orbit coupling

It is well known that the entanglement of a quantum state is invariant under local unitary transformations. This rule dictates, for example, that the entanglement of internal degrees of freedom of a photon remains invariant during free-space propagation. Here, we outline a scenario in which this paradigm does not hold. Using local Bell states engineered from classical vector vortex beams with non-separable degrees of freedom, the so-called classically entangled states, we demonstrate that the entanglement evolves during propagation, oscillating between maximally entangled (purely vector) and product states (purely scalar). We outline the spin–orbit interaction behind these novel propagation dynamics and confirm the results experimentally, demonstrating spin–orbit coupling in paraxial beams. This demonstration highlights a hitherto unnoticed property of classical entanglement and simultaneously offers a device for the on-demand delivery of vector states to targets, for example, for dynamic laser materials processing, switchable resolution within stimulated emission depletion (STED) systems, and a tractor beam for entanglement

Tunable vector beam decoder by inverse design for high-dimensional quantum key distribution with 3D polarized spatial modes

Spatial modes of light have become highly attractive to increase the dimension and, thereby, security and information capacity in quantum key distribution (QKD). So far, only transverse electric field components have been considered, while longitudinal polarization components have remained neglected. Here, we present an approach to include all three spatial dimensions of electric field oscillation in QKD by implementing our tunable, on-a-chip vector beam decoder (VBD). This inversely designed device pioneers the "preparation" and "measurement" of three-dimensionally polarized mutually unbiased basis states for high-dimensional (HD) QKD and paves the way for the integration of HD QKD with spatial modes in multifunctional on-a-chip photonics platforms.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure

All-sky Medium Energy Gamma-ray Observatory: Exploring the Extreme Multimessenger Universe

The All-sky Medium Energy Gamma-ray Observatory (AMEGO) is a probe class mission concept that will provide essential contributions to multimessenger astrophysics in the late 2020s and beyond. AMEGO combines high sensitivity in the 200 keV to 10 GeV energy range with a wide field of view, good spectral resolution, and polarization sensitivity. Therefore, AMEGO is key in the study of multimessenger astrophysical objects that have unique signatures in the gamma-ray regime, such as neutron star mergers, supernovae, and flaring active galactic nuclei. The order-of-magnitude improvement compared to previous MeV missions also enables discoveries of a wide range of phenomena whose energy output peaks in the relatively unexplored medium-energy gamma-ray band

Imprinting characteristics of droplet lenses on liquid-repelling surfaces into light

We propose an experimental method that allows the investigation of droplets on liquid-repelling surfaces. The described technique goes beyond the standard imaging approaches and reveals a plethora of spatial droplet information, which is usually unavailable. Liquid droplet lenses shape the transmitted light field of a Gaussian laser beam passing though them, thereby forming refracted three-dimensional (3D) light landscapes. We investigate numerically and experimentally these 3D landscapes which are customized depending on the droplet shape as well as its refractive index, and demonstrate the encoding of droplet information. This approach can also be applied for analyzing droplets showing high-speed dynamics, in order to reveal even minimal shape deviations. The developed technique complements and therefor extend the existing conventional tools for the investigation of the droplets formed on liquid-repelling surfaces

Dynamic modulation of Poincaré beams

Generation of complex Poincaré beams is enabled by amplitude and phase modulation accompanied by simultaneous spatially polarization structuring. A holographic system to tailor complex light fields and optical angular momentum structures forecasts promising applications in quantum communication and optical trapping. Experimental results are presented together with simulations of complex Poincaré beams embedding different types of polarization singularities. Additionally, parameters of the dynamic polarization modulation system are discussed and analyzed to demonstrate the enormous capability of the method

Analyzing light-structuring features of droplet lenses on liquid-repelling surfaces

The complete understanding of the formation of seemingly levitating droplets on liquid-repelling surfaces provides the basis for further development of applications requiring friction-free liquid transport. For the investigation of these droplets and, thereby, the underlying surface properties, standard techniques typically only reveal a fraction of droplet or surface information. Here, we propose to exploit the light-shaping features of liquid droplets when interpreted as thick biconvex elliptical lenses. This approach has the potential to decode a plethora of droplet information from a passing laser beam, by transforming the information into a structured light field. Here, we explore this potential by analyzing the three-dimensional intensity structures sculpted by the droplet lenses, revealing the transfer of the characteristics of the underlying liquid-repelling effect onto the light field. As illustrative complementary examples, we study droplet lenses formed on a non-wetting Taro (Colocasia esculenta) leaf surface and by the Leidenfrost effect on a heated plate. Our approach may reveal even typically "invisible" droplet properties as the refractive index or internal flow dynamics and, hence, will be of interest to augment conventional tools for droplet and surface investigation