Synchronized source of indistinguishable photons for quantum networks

Abstract

We present a source of indistinguishable photons at telecom wavelength, synchronized to an external clock, for the use in distributed quantum networks. We characterize the indistinguishability of photons generated in independent parametric down-conversion events using a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer, and show non-classical interference with coalescence, C = 0.83(5). We also demonstrate the synchronization to an external clock within sub-picosecond timing jitter, which is significantly shorter than the single-photon wavepacket duration of ≈ 35 ps. Our source enables scalable quantum protocols over multi-node, long-distance optical networks using network-based clock recovery systems.