Encoding quantum phase-space with classical wireless microwave constellation

Abstract: This paper develops a theoretical framework for enabling seamless transfer of digital information from classical microwave domain to the quantum optical domain in wireless-to-optical converters. A quantum mechanical network model is introduced to characterize microwave-to-optical digital information mapping in antenna-coupled electro-optic modulator-based converters. Design guidelines are discussed to maximize the information mapping strength. The derived model is then extended to show phase-space encoding of optical coherent-states with classical wireless microwave constellation. Further, the challenge of inter-symbol overlap in the encoded quantum optical phase-space due to quadrature fluctuations is highlighted. The possibility of erroneous phase-space encoding due to quadrature fluctuations is pointed out, followed by a potential mitigation technique. The presented framework also lays the groundwork for encoding other non-classical states of light such as squeezed states, and hence forms the basis for bridging classical microwave and quantum optical links in the near future.