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 3480

Special Issue 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

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Keywords

  • quantum optics
  • quantum sensing
  • quantum network

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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 313
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 1S01P1 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 494
Abstract
We demonstrate efficient loading of an Yb three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (3D MOT) on the 1S01P1 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 1S01P1 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 2 | Viewed by 1249
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 2 | Viewed by 1089
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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