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Thermal noise and correlations in photon detection.
1Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, 320-47, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125-0000, USA. jonas@submm.caltech.edu
Applied Optics
|September 10, 2003
Summary
This study presents a new method for calculating thermal photon noise in complex optical systems with multiple detectors and light sources. The technique accounts for photon bunching correlations, crucial for understanding instrument sensitivity across different wavelengths.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Optical Engineering
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Standard thermal photon noise calculations are limited to single detectors and single-mode illumination.
- Photon fluctuations in thermal background radiation require more generalized models for complex systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rigorous technique for calculating thermal photon noise in arbitrary optical configurations.
- To incorporate multiple optical inputs, detectors, and multi-mode illumination into noise calculations.
- To analyze the impact of photon-bunching correlations on instrument sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes scattering matrices and noise correlation matrices.
- Applies fundamental principles of quantum optics.
- Calculates the covariance matrix of photon noise at detector outputs.
Main Results:
- A general formalism for calculating thermal photon noise in multimode detectors is established.
- The Hanbury Brown and Twiss photon-bunching correlations are explicitly included.
- Sensitivity differences between radio and optical interferometers are explained by these correlations.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique provides a comprehensive approach to thermal photon noise analysis.
- Photon-bunching correlations significantly impact the performance of optical instruments.
- Understanding these correlations is key to designing sensitive spectroscopic and interferometric systems.