Analysis of photon triplet generation in pulsed cascaded parametric down-conversion sources

Abstract: We analyze the generation rates and preparation fidelities of photon triplet states in pulsed cascaded parametric down-conversion (PDC) under realistic experimental circumstances. As a model system, we assume a monolithically integrated device with negligible interface loss between the two consecutive PDC stages. We model the secondary down-conversion process in terms of a lossy channel and provide a detailed analysis of noise contributions. Taking variable pump powers into account, we estimate the impact of higher-order photon contributions and conversion processes on the achievable coincidence probabilities. At mean photon numbers of $\langle m\rangle\sim0.25$ photons per pulse behind the first PDC stage, we expect around $4.0$ genuine photon triplets per hour. Additionally, we discuss fundamental limitations of our model system as well as feasible improvements to the detectable photon triplet rate.