Ultra-bright source of polarization-entangled photons

Abstract

Using the process of spontaneous parametric down conversion in a novel two-crystal geometry, one can generate a source of polarization-entangled photon pairs which is orders of magnitude brighter than previous sources. We have measured a high level of entanglement between photons emitted over a relatively large collection angle, and over a 10-nm bandwidth. As a demonstration of the source intensity, we obtained a 242-$σ$ violation of Bell's inequalities in less than three minutes.

4 pages, 5 encapsulated Postscript figures. To appear in Physical Review A (Rapid Communication)