Scalable multimode entanglement based on efficient squeezing of propagation eigenmodes

Continuous-variable encoding of quantum information in the optical domain has recently yielded large temporal and spectral entangled states instrumental for quantum computing and quantum communication. We introduce a protocol for the generation of spatial multipartite entanglement based on phase-matching of a propagation eigenmode in a monolithic photonic device: the array of quadratic nonlinear waveguides. We theoretically demonstrate in the spontaneous parametric downconversion regime the generation of large multipartite entangled states useful for multimode quantum networks. Our protocol is remarkably simple and robust as it does not rely on specific values of coupling, nonlinearity or length of the sample.
Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, title modified and new results added. Accepted for publication in Physical Review Research