Quantum optical devices based on four-wave mixing in hot rubidium vapor

In this paper, we briefly review the recent experimental progresses in quantum optics based on four-wave mixing (FWM) processes in hot rubidium vapor, particularly our two recent experiments in quantum information. We have experimentally produced strong quantum correlations between three bright beams generated by two cascaded FWM processes. The intensity difference squeezing with the cascaded system is enhanced to (−7.0±0.1)dB from the (−5.5±0.1)dB/(−4.5±0.1)dB with only one FWM process. Also, this system can be easily extended to multiple modes using multiple FWM processes. Besides, we have also successfully realized a cascade all-optical transistor (AOT), which is driven by a very weak light beam about 800 photons in total. The required probe power for achieving a switching efficiency of 50% can be as low as 180 pW, and it can manipulate a light beam with power of 5.0×10⁶ times more, which proves the cascade of the AOT. Both experiments may find wide applications in quantum information and optical communication.