Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for defining an impairment profile along a polarization quantum channel such as in terms of modal loss and decoherence. The disclosed impairment profile or characterization methods may be used as part of a tool such as to inform a network operator of a weakest span of the communication channel, thus facilitating optimal signal routing decisions.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems, apparatus and methods for characterizing evanescent coupling parameters of a waveguide coupled to a resonator through variation of their relative positions. Various embodiments extend a local coupling approach with novel fitting capabilities that robustly determine the bare resonator modes and coupling parameters with quantified residual error and coupling parameter uncertainty estimates.

Abstract: A novel methodology for characterizing and calibrating an entangled photon distribution system is disclosed. The entangled photon distribution system includes at least a source of entangled photon pairs, two photon detectors which detect photons among two channels and a controller. The methodology includes: for at least two different operational setting levels of the source of entangled photon pairs, measuring count rates for photons detected by the two photon detectors, individually and coincidently; fitting the measured individual and coincidence count rate data for the at least two different operational setting levels with theoretical models of detection probability; and determining operational parameters of the system from the fitting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that compensate for the polarization dependent loss (PDL) of fiber-optic quantum channels. Compensation is accomplished by inserting a compensating PDL into another quantum channel carrying entangled photons that are entangled with photons in the first channel having losses that are to be compensated for. By selecting the optimum magnitude and orientation for the compensating PDL, compensation for the PDL in the first channel is maximized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that compensate for the polarization dependent loss (PDL) of fiber-optic quantum channels. Compensation is accomplished by inserting a compensating PDL into another quantum channel carrying entangled photons that are entangled with photons in the first channel having losses that are to be compensated for. By selecting the optimum magnitude and orientation for the compensating PDL, compensation for the PDL in the first channel is maximized.

Abstract: A novel methodology for characterizing and calibrating an entangled photon distribution system is disclosed. The entangled photon distribution system includes at least a source of entangled photon pairs, two photon detectors which detect photons among two channels and a controller. The methodology includes: for at least two different operational setting levels of the source of entangled photon pairs, measuring count rates for photons detected by the two photon detectors, individually and coincidently; fitting the measured individual and coincidence count rate data for the at least two different operational setting levels with theoretical models of detection probability; and determining operational parameters of the system from the fitting.

Abstract: A system for machining a component with complex contour. The machining system includes a coolant flow nozzle with an interior passage with a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape, and a second portion having a second cross-sectional shape, with the second cross-sectional shape selected so that fluid discharged from the nozzle has a selected cross-sectional shape. A method of fabricating a coolant flow nozzle with an interior passage that has a varying cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.

Abstract: A system for machining a component with complex contour. The machining system includes a coolant flow nozzle with an interior passage with a first portion having a first cross-sectional shape, and a second portion having a second cross-sectional shape, with the second cross-sectional shape selected so that fluid discharged from the nozzle has a selected cross-sectional shape. A method of fabricating a coolant flow nozzle with an interior passage that has a varying cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.