Interferometric stabilization for a narrowband source of entangled photonsPušavec, Žiga (Avtor) Kaltenbaek, Rainer (Mentor) entanglementMichelson interferometernoise spectrumquantum communicationquantum opticsvibrationsstabilizationnonlinear opticsThe thesis investigates the vibrational noise affecting the stability of the narrowband source of entangled photons we are currently developing. We will use cavity-enhanced spontaneous parametric downconversion in combination with an adapted Michelson interferometer to produce polarization entangled photon pairs. Because the quality of the generated entanglement will directly depend on the quality of the interferometric stability achieved, we will have to implement an active stabilization of the interferometer and the cavities used. This thesis analyses the vibrational noise present in our lab to guide us in the practical implementation of these stabilization mechanisms. For that purpose, we have constructed an adapted Michelson interferometer of the same kind and similar dimensions as we will use in the actual source. After optimising the interference visibility we collected time traces of the interferometer output power under varying environmental conditions. Analysing the corresponding power density spectra allows us to pinpoint the source of individual noise peaks. This will be essential for the optimisation of the design and the performance of our entangled photon source. From the collected data we conclude that the piezoelectric elements we plan to use should be adequate for stabilising the source against the vibrations encountered in our lab. In particular, the amplitude of the path-length changes in the interferometer as well as the frequencies of the most prominent noise peaks are well within the available range of the piezoelectric elements we will use.20202020-10-13 11:31:13Magistrsko delo/naloga121509sl