Thorlabs' EDU-QOP1(/M) Quantum Optics Educational Kit includes all the components* needed for students to investigate the quantum properties of light first-hand in an open and accessible environment.
From the type-I BBO crystal used to generate photon pairs to the state-of-the-art single-photon detectors, all optical elements in this kit employ free-space optics to show where and when the measurement occurs. Detailed step-by-step alignment instructions using an additional visible laser that mimics the single-photon emission cone ensure short setup times for each experiment. An important goal of the kit is to educate people about what constitutes a non-classical light source.
- Designed for Educational, Demonstration, and Classroom Use
- Complete Photonics Kit Includes Hardware, Tools, and Software (Computer Not Included)
- Extensive Manual and Teaching Materials Provided
- Easy to Assemble and Use
- Choose from Educational Kits Containing Imperial or Metric Components
Image above: The kit contains several methods and parts that ensure a student-friendly alignment process, including an axicon. With the alignment laser, the axicon generates a light cone with the same opening angle as the photon-pairs, thus helping greatly in alignment. This image shows how the aligned detectors stand in the laser light cone.
Image above: EDU-QOP1Quantum Optics Kit Shown with B60120AX Breadboard (Not Included)
Image above: An Overview of the Kit, Set Up for the Single-Photon Quantum-Eraser Experiment
Quantum Optics Educational Kit Details
- Build a Heralded Single-Photon Source Using Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion (SPDC)
- Learn Coincidence Counting Techniques to Distinguish Classical from Non-Classical Light Sources
- Analyze the Polarization State of Single Photons
- Show How a Single Photon Interferes with Itself in a Michelson Interferometer
- Demonstrate the Particle/Wave Duality of Light in the Context of the Quantum Eraser Experiment
Polarization-Entanglement Extension Kit Details
- Build a Heralded Single-Photon Source with Polarization-Entangled Pairs of Photons
- Perform a Bell Test to Show the Non-Locality of Reality
- Learn how to Adjust the Phase of the Entangled State and Study its Influence on the Bell Test
- Analyze how Walk-Off Effects Mask Entanglement and how to Counteract Them with Compensation Crystals
Thorlabs' EDU-QOPA1(/M) Polarization-Entanglement Extension Kit includes all the components needed to generate pairs of polarization-entangled photons using the EDU-QOP1(/M) Quantum Optics Kit. The crossed type-I BBO crystal pair can be swapped with the base kit crystal, preserving the alignment of the base kit. Students investigate the strong correlation of polarization-entangled photons and prove the non-locality of reality via a Bell test. To ensure high count rates and convincing results, we include compensation crystals to counteract temporal and spatial walk-off effects. Note that this kit is not a standalone kit because parts from the EDU-QOP1(/M) Quantum Optics Kit are required.
*The EDU-QOP1(/M) Kit must be mounted on an optical table or breadboard, which is not included in this kit. If your lab does not already have a suitable one, we recommend the B2448FX (B60120AX) optical breadboard with the AV5(/M) damping feet, available for purchase separately. Note:The EDU-QOPA1(/M) Polarization-Entanglement Extension Kit is not a standalone kit; parts from the EDU-QOP1(/M) Educational Quantum Optics Kit (sold above) are required to build a complete Bell-test setup.
Thorlabs Educational Products
Thorlabs' line of educational products aims to promote physics, optics, and photonics by covering many classic experiments, as well as emerging fields of research. Each educational kit includes a manual that contains both detailed setup instructions and extensive teaching materials. These lab kits are being offered at the price of the included components, with the educational materials offered for free.
Laser Safety
Thorlabs' EDU-QOP1(/M) and EDU-QOPA1(/M) kits use the L405P20 laser diode, which requires that all users be trained and follow all necessary safety protocols, including wearing the LG3 laser safety glasses shipped with the kit.
Learn more by watching the Thorlabs webinar here.