Generation of a continuous-variable quadripartite cluster state multiplexed in the spatial domain

As a highly entangled quantum network, the cluster state has the potential for greater information capacity and use in measurement-based quantum computation. Here, we report generating a continuous-variable quadripartite “square” cluster state of multiplexing orthogonal spatial modes in a single optical parametric amplifier (OPA), and further improve the quality of entanglement by optimizing the pump profile. We produce multimode entanglement of two first-order Hermite–Gauss modes within one beam in a single multimode OPA and transform it into a cluster state by phase correction. Furthermore, the pump-profile dependence of the entanglement of this state is explored. Compared with fundamental mode pumping, an enhancement of approximately 33% is achieved using the suitable pump-profile mode. Our approach is potentially scalable to multimode entanglement in the spatial domain. Such spatial cluster states may contribute to future schemes in spatial quantum information processing.