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Photonics
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Advanced Research in Quantum Optics
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Advanced Research in Quantum Optics

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Quantum Photonics and Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 7152

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Wei Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics Technologies and Devices, Institute of Opto-Electronics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
Interests: quantum sensing; quantum network; quantum devices; gravitational wave detection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Quantum metrology provides a route to conquer the measurement sensitivity limitation imposed by quantum noise in photonic sensors. Since being recognized in the 1980s, quantum metrology has been demonstrated in many photonic platforms, such as atomic ensembles, solid-state spin, optomechanical, ultracold atoms, superconducting circuits, and molecule systems. Due to the large size of the majority of photonic platforms, it is difficult to predict which platforms will become most useful. Using quantum coherence or quantum entanglement, the quantum advantage has been observed in measuring numerous physical quantities, including gravitational wave, magnetic field, electric field, displacement, rotation, temperature, pressure, time, and frequency. However, the measurement sensitivity and accuracy of current photonic sensors are not enough to estimate ultraweak physical quantities; the stability and integration of the whole systems should be further improved before bringing quantum sensors into market.

This Special Issue aims to develop new principles, new methods, and new photonic systems for quantum metrology that exceed the standard quantum limit and achieve quantum advantages in more practical scenarios. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • High-quality nonclassical state;
  • Multimode entangled state;
  • Integrated quantum optics;
  • Quantum enhanced sensors;
  • Distribute quantum sensing;
  • Quantum network;
  • High-sensitive optomechanical sensors;
  • Laser intensity noise suppression;
  • Ultra-narrow linewidth lasers;
  • Rydberg atomic electrometry;
  • High-precision magnetometer;
  • Quantum Lidar;
  • Atomic clocks;
  • Gravitational wave detection.

Dr. Wei Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • quantum optics
  • quantum sensing
  • quantum network

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 2813 KB  
Article
Realization of Laser Frequency Stabilization and Continuous Broadband Tuning via Sideband PDH Locking
by Zhuxiong Ye, Shu Liu, Mingkang Han, Jia Feng, Mustafa Shah, Yongze Zhao, Pengjun Wang, Liangchao Chen, Wei Han, Zengming Meng and Lianghui Huang
Photonics 2026, 13(5), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13050426 - 26 Apr 2026
Viewed by 110
Abstract
We demonstrate a sideband Pound–Drever–Hall (SPDH) locking scheme that enables the simultaneous narrow-linewidth stabilization and continuous broadband frequency tuning of a laser referenced to an ultra-stable cavity. The method employs dual-frequency modulation applied to a fiber electro-optic modulator, where high-frequency modulation generates tunable [...] Read more.
We demonstrate a sideband Pound–Drever–Hall (SPDH) locking scheme that enables the simultaneous narrow-linewidth stabilization and continuous broadband frequency tuning of a laser referenced to an ultra-stable cavity. The method employs dual-frequency modulation applied to a fiber electro-optic modulator, where high-frequency modulation generates tunable sidebands and low-frequency modulation provides the error signal. We experimentally stabilize a 922 nm seed laser to the cavity and achieve a laser linewidth of 85(1) kHz with frequency noise suppression of up to 25 dB. The residual amplitude modulation (RAM) remains below 0.08% across the full tuning range. In addition, we demonstrate a continuous frequency tuning range of 1.4 GHz for a frequency-doubled 461 nm laser, with scan rates up to 317 MHz/s, while preserving stable locking to the cavity. This approach avoids complex waveform generation and provides a simple and robust solution for broadband laser frequency control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
11 pages, 43881 KB  
Article
DMD-Based Programmable Beam Shaping for Optical Potential Engineering
by Feifan Zhao, Fangde Liu, Yunda Li, Mingqing Yuan, Xinjiang Yao, Jiahao Wang, Zhuxiong Ye, Liangchao Chen, Lianghui Huang, Pengjun Wang, Wei Han and Zengming Meng
Photonics 2026, 13(4), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13040372 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Precise control of optical intensity distributions is important for beam shaping, optical trapping, and optical potential engineering. We implement a digital micromirror device (DMD)-based programmable beam-shaping platform for generating high-fidelity optical intensity distributions with user-defined geometries. The approach combines precise system calibration, Fourier-plane [...] Read more.
Precise control of optical intensity distributions is important for beam shaping, optical trapping, and optical potential engineering. We implement a digital micromirror device (DMD)-based programmable beam-shaping platform for generating high-fidelity optical intensity distributions with user-defined geometries. The approach combines precise system calibration, Fourier-plane spatial filtering via an optimized pinhole, and an iterative intensity feedback algorithm to transform imperfect Gaussian input beams into flat-top, lattice, and composite intensity distributions. The feedback loop typically converges within seven iterations, producing highly uniform flat-top profiles with 98.7% uniformity (corresponding to a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.3%). Systematic studies identify the optimal Fourier-plane aperture that balances diffraction suppression with optical throughput. These results demonstrate a practical route to programmable beam shaping and optical intensity control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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20 pages, 1882 KB  
Article
Quantum-Enhanced Imaging Model Based on Squeezed States
by Chunrong Peng, Yanxiang Xie and Kui Liu
Photonics 2026, 13(3), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13030244 - 2 Mar 2026
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Aided by quantum sources, quantum metrology helps enhance measurement precision. Here, we construct a theoretical model for quantum imaging based on squeezed states and present the corresponding numerical results. Through discretization and quantum Fisher information theory, we investigate the two-point resolution and spatial [...] Read more.
Aided by quantum sources, quantum metrology helps enhance measurement precision. Here, we construct a theoretical model for quantum imaging based on squeezed states and present the corresponding numerical results. Through discretization and quantum Fisher information theory, we investigate the two-point resolution and spatial multi-parameter estimation of optical fields with unknown spatial distributions. We calculate and compare imaging results based on squeezed vacuum states, coherent states, and squeezed coherent states; our results show that squeezed coherent states yield greater quantum Fisher information, which can effectively improve imaging quality. In addition, we analyze the influence of imaging basis functions, degree of squeezing, quantum correlations, and other factors on imaging performance. The proposed quantum imaging model and computational method can be extended to more complex scenarios, such as multi-mode squeezed-state imaging schemes and incoherent imaging systems. In the future, this approach is expected to find applications in practical imaging systems, including Raman microscopy and stimulated Brillouin scattering imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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13 pages, 779 KB  
Article
Enhanced Signal of Sum Sideband via Parametric Interactions in a Mechanical PT-Symmetric System
by Hui Zheng, Zihan Du and Aixi Chen
Photonics 2026, 13(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13020187 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 317
Abstract
We investigate a double-probe-field-driven cavity optomechanical system with a degenerate optical parametric amplifier (OPA). When the system is in a mechanical PT-symmetric case, we study the generation mechanism of the sum sideband and how to enhance the generation efficiency of the sum sideband [...] Read more.
We investigate a double-probe-field-driven cavity optomechanical system with a degenerate optical parametric amplifier (OPA). When the system is in a mechanical PT-symmetric case, we study the generation mechanism of the sum sideband and how to enhance the generation efficiency of the sum sideband by controlling parametric interactions. Our model consists of two directly coupled PT-symmetric mechanical resonators, which are coupled to a Fabry–Pérot cavity equipped with an optical parametric amplifier. Research indicates that in a PT-symmetric mechanical resonator, there exist special exceptional points (EPs). Near EPs, the generation efficiency of the sum sideband is significantly enhanced. Notably, the introduction of an OPA can remarkably boost the efficiency of sum sideband generation (SSG) and establish a new sideband matching condition for the upper sum sideband. We conduct a detailed analysis of the dependence of SSG on system parameters, such as mechanical coupling strength, OPA nonlinear gain, OPA pump light field phase, and probe field frequency detuning. The research reveals that even with a weak driving field, a significantly enhanced efficiency of SSG can be achieved by adjusting the OPA gain coefficient and phase. This research offers new insights into enhancing or regulating light propagation in nonlinear optomechanical devices and holds potential for applications in high-precision measurement and optical communication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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9 pages, 2178 KB  
Article
High-Bandwidth Intensity-Difference Squeezed State at 895 nm Based on Four-Wave Mixing
by Rong Ma, Wen Zhang, Xiaowei Wu, Xiaoqin Qu and Xiaolong Su
Photonics 2025, 12(11), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111073 - 30 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 716
Abstract
As an essential quantum resource, the intensity-difference squeezed state based on four-wave mixing (FWM) in atomic vapor is widely applied in quantum information processing. In particular, a high intensity-difference squeezing bandwidth is vital for the realization of high-speed information processing. However, limited by [...] Read more.
As an essential quantum resource, the intensity-difference squeezed state based on four-wave mixing (FWM) in atomic vapor is widely applied in quantum information processing. In particular, a high intensity-difference squeezing bandwidth is vital for the realization of high-speed information processing. However, limited by the bandwidth of photodetectors, broadband intensity-difference squeezed state based on this system has not yet been reported. Here, we developed a transimpedance broadband balanced homodyne detector at 895 nm, achieving a bandwidth greater than 100 MHz and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio of 15 dB with 4 mW optical power. Utilizing this detector in a nondegenerate FWM process based on cesium vapor, we experimentally achieved broadband intensity-difference squeezing with a bandwidth of 100 MHz, which yielded a maximum squeezing of −7.17 ± 0.8 dB between 20 and 40 MHz. Meanwhile, using this detector, we experimentally investigated the cavity-enhanced FWM process, achieving a squeezing level of −6.07 ± 0.5 dB within a 4 MHz frequency range, which is limited by the cavity bandwidth. This work provides a reliable detection tool and experimental foundation for the research and application of broadband squeezed light sources based on FWM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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8 pages, 5376 KB  
Article
Efficient Loading of an Yb MOT on the 1S0 → 1P1 Transition
by Zhufang Zhao, Shunxiang Wang, Jun Jian, Quanxin Zhang, Wenliang Liu, Jizhou Wu, Yuqing Li and Jie Ma
Photonics 2025, 12(11), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111064 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1042
Abstract
We demonstrate efficient loading of an Yb three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (3D MOT) on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition. The experiment employs a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D MOT) as an efficient cold atom source. Through optimization of the 2D MOT, [...] Read more.
We demonstrate efficient loading of an Yb three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (3D MOT) on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition. The experiment employs a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D MOT) as an efficient cold atom source. Through optimization of the 2D MOT, auxiliary Zeeman slower, and push beam parameters that govern atomic capture, we achieve an atomic loading rate of 5 × 106 atoms/s in the 3D MOT, with approximately ∼107 trapped atoms. Our experimental results confirm the successful transfer of a substantial number of atoms from the 2D region to the science chamber via the push beam, providing an experimental foundation for subsequent implementation of narrow-line MOT and two-color MOT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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20 pages, 719 KB  
Article
Entanglement Dynamics of Two Giant Atoms Embedded in a One-Dimensional Photonic Lattice with a Synthetic Gauge Field
by Vassilios Yannopapas
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060612 - 14 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1767
Abstract
We investigate the entanglement dynamics of two giant atoms coupled to a one-dimensional photonic lattice with synthetic chirality. The atoms are connected to multiple lattice sites in a braided configuration and interact with a structured photonic reservoir featuring direction-dependent hopping phases. By tuning [...] Read more.
We investigate the entanglement dynamics of two giant atoms coupled to a one-dimensional photonic lattice with synthetic chirality. The atoms are connected to multiple lattice sites in a braided configuration and interact with a structured photonic reservoir featuring direction-dependent hopping phases. By tuning the atomic detuning and the synthetic gauge phase, we identify distinct dynamical regimes characterized by decoherence-free population exchange, damped oscillations, long-lived revivals, and excitation trapping. Using a combination of time-domain simulations and resolvent-based analysis, we show how interference and band structure effects lead to the emergence of bound states, quasi-bound states, and phase-dependent entanglement dynamics. We compare the initial states with localized and delocalized atomic excitations, demonstrating that pre-existing entanglement can enhance the robustness against decoherence or accelerate its loss, depending on the system parameters. These results highlight the utility of synthetic photonic lattices and nonlocal emitter configurations in tailoring quantum coherence, entanglement, and information flows in structured environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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21 pages, 2362 KB  
Article
Non-Markovian Dynamics of Giant Atoms Embedded in an One-Dimensional Photonic Lattice with Synthetic Chirality
by Vassilios Yannopapas
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060527 - 22 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1588
Abstract
In this paper we investigate the non-Markovian dynamics of a giant atom coupled to a one-dimensional photonic lattice with synthetic gauge fields. By engineering a complex-valued hopping amplitude, we break reciprocity and explore how chiral propagation and phase-induced interference affect spontaneous emission, bound-state [...] Read more.
In this paper we investigate the non-Markovian dynamics of a giant atom coupled to a one-dimensional photonic lattice with synthetic gauge fields. By engineering a complex-valued hopping amplitude, we break reciprocity and explore how chiral propagation and phase-induced interference affect spontaneous emission, bound-state formation, and atom–field entanglement. The giant atom interacts with the lattice at multiple, spatially separated sites, leading to rich interference effects and decoherence-free subspaces. We derive an exact expression for the self-energy and perform real-time Schrödinger simulations in the single-excitation subspace, for the atomic population, von Neumann entropy, field localization, and asymmetry in emission. Our results show that the hopping phase ϕ governs not only the directionality of emitted photons but also the degree of atom–bath entanglement and photon localization. Remarkably, we observe robust bound states inside the photonic band and directional asymmetry, due to interference from spatially separated coupling points. These findings provide a basis for engineering non-reciprocal, robust, and entangled light–matter interactions in structured photonic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Quantum Optics)
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