Fast generation and detection of spatial modes of light using an acousto-optic modulator
Abstract
Spatial modes of light provide a high-dimensional space that can be used to encode both classical and quantum information. Current approaches for dynamically generating and measuring these modes are slow, due to the need to reconfigure a high-resolution phase mask such as a spatial light modulator or digital micromirror device. The process of updating the spatial mode of light can be greatly accelerated by multiplexing a set of static phase masks with a fast, image-preserving optical switch, such as an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). We experimentally realize this approach, using a double-pass AOM to generate one of five orbital angular momentum states with a switching rate of up to 500 kHz. We then apply this system to perform fast quantum state tomography of spatial modes of light in a 2-dimensional Hilbert space by projecting the unknown state onto six spatial modes comprising three mutually unbiased bases. We are able to reconstruct arbitrary states in under 1 ms with an average fidelity of 96.9%.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1364/oe.404309
Entities
People
- Alexander Skerjanc
- Boris Braverman
- Nicholas M. Sullivan
- Robert W. Boyd
Organizations
- Canada Research Chair
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
- Office of Naval Research