Nonlinear Optics Using Intense Optical Coherent State Superpositions.

Superpositions of coherent light states are vital for quantum technologies. However, restrictions in existing state preparation and characterization schemes, in combination with decoherence effects, prevent their intensity enhancement and implementation in nonlinear optics. Here, by developing a decoherence-free approach, we generate intense femtosecond-duration infrared coherent state superpositions (CSSs) with a mean photon number orders of magnitude higher than the existing CSS sources. We utilize them in nonlinear optics to drive the second harmonic generation process in an optical crystal. We experimentally and theoretically show that the nonclassical nature of the intense infrared CSS is imprinted in the second-order autocorrelation traces. Additionally, theoretical analysis shows that the quantum features of the infrared CSS are also present in the generated second harmonic. The findings introduce the optical CSS into the realm of nonlinear quantum optics, opening up new paths in quantum information science and quantum light engineering by creating nonclassical light states in various spectral regions via nonlinear up-conversion processes.