Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Terahertz Electrooptic Modulation of Single-Photon Level Pulses

    Nicolas Couture1,2, Frédéric Bouchard1,*, Alicia Sit1, Guillaume Thekkadath1, Duncan England1, Philip J. Bustard1, and Benjamin J. Sussman1,2

    • *Contact author: frederic.bouchard@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 153602 – Published 9 October, 2025

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/2hq3-t534

    Abstract

    The manipulation of visible and near-infrared light at the single-photon level plays a key role in quantum communication systems where information is encoded into photonic degrees of freedom. In practical implementations, it is important to achieve this manipulation with high speeds, low loss, and low noise. In this Letter, we propose the use of terahertz electric fields as a pump source for electro-optic modulation of single photons in bulk media. We demonstrate spectral modulations of single photons in the form of frequency translation and bandwidth manipulations as the terahertz field imparts linear and quadratic phases on the photons at various time delays within 1 ps. Our results show frequency translations exceeding 500 GHz at multi-THz modulation speeds and loss levels of ≈1  dB, complementing the current state-of-the-art electro-optic modulation techniques limited to speeds up to 100 GHz. The proposed approach leverages recent developments in terahertz generation techniques, introducing new avenues to manipulate nonclassical light in an unexplored regime for quantum photonics.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation