Generation of Paired Photons with Controllable Waveforms

Abstract

We describe experiments and theory showing the generation of counterpropagating paired photons with coherence times of about 50 ns and waveforms that are controllable at a rudimentary level. Using cw lasers, electromagnetically induced transparency and cold ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms we generate paired photons into opposing single-mode optical fibers at a rate of $\sim 12000$ pairs per second.