Todd Pittman

Todd PittmanContact Information

todd.pittman@umbc.edu
410-455-8114
Physics, Rm 318

Quantum Information Group

Title

Professor

Education

Ph.D. Physics – UMBC, 1996
M.S. Physics – UMBC, 1992
B.S. Physics – Bucknell University, 1990

Previous Experience

Dr. Pittman was previously an experimental physicist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Professional Interests

My primary interests are in the areas of quantum information, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and foundations of quantum mechanics. My current research efforts involve experimental work on:

  • Quantum computing with single photon qubits: Linear Optics Quantum Computing (LOQC), photonic quantum logic gates, quantum memory devices, quantum communication systems, and other topics in quantum information processing.
  • Quantum Entanglement: Parametric Down-Conversion (PDC) sources, entangled photon pairs, “entangled photon holes” (EPH’s), macroscopic phase-entangled coherent states, and other non-classical states for quantum information processing.
  • Ultralow-power nonlinear optics: Nanowatt and “few-photon” level nonlinearities using sub-wavelength diameter tapered optical nanofibers (ONF’s) suspended in atomic alkali vapors (Rubidium) and noble gases (metastable Xenon), and high-finesse optical cavities filled with noble gases (metastable Xenon).

Selected Publications

  • “Fiber-coupled broadband quantum memory for polarization encoded photonic qubits”, Sandra Cheng, Carson Evans, and Todd Pittman npj Quantum Inf. 11, 163 (2025)
  • “Modifying quantum optical states by zero-photon subtraction”, C.M. Nunn, J.D. Franson, and T.B. Pittman, Phys. Rev. A 105, 033702 (2022)
  • “Ladder-type electromagnetically induced transparency using nanofiber-guided light in a warm atomic vapor,” D.E. Jones, J.D. Franson, and T.B. Pittman, Phys. Rev. A 92, 043806 (2015)
  • “Generation of entangled photon holes using quantum interference,” T.B. Pittman and J.D. Franson, Phys. Rev. A 74, 041801(R) (2006)
  • Experimental controlled-NOT gate for single photons in the coincidence basis, T.B. Pittman, M.J. Fitch, B.C. Jacobs, and J.D. Franson, Phys. Rev. A 68, 032316 (2003)
  • “Violation of Bell’s inequality with photons from independent sources,” T.B. Pittman and J.D. Franson, Phys. Rev. Lett 90, 240401 (2003)
  • “Can two-photon interference be considered the interference of two photons?,” T.B. Pittman, D.V. Strekalov, A. Migdall, M.H. Rubin, A.V. Sergienko, and Y.H. Shih, Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 1917-1920 (1996).

A complete list of publications can be found at
Todd Pittman’s publications and citations (Google Scholar)

A wide-angle view of a physics laboratory filled with complex scientific equipment. In the foreground, a large optical table is crowded with laser components, yellow fiber optic cables, and various small metallic mounts. Above the table, shelves hold stacked electronic devices, including oscilloscopes and power supplies, with a dense web of black wires hanging from the ceiling. A tall equipment rack stands to the right, and gas cylinders are visible in the background, illustrating a high-tech research environment.
Photograph of the Quantum Information Group research laboratory at UMBC.