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Measurement of Quantum Interference in a Silicon Ring Resonator Photon Source
Published on: April 4, 2017
Measurement of photon indistinguishability to a quantifiable uncertainty using a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer
Peter J Thomas1, Jessica Y Cheung, Christopher J Chunnilall
1National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom. peter.thomas@npl.co.uk
Applied Optics
|April 15, 2010
Summary
We developed a method to measure photon indistinguishability using the Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference technique, providing an accurate uncertainty. This quantifies experimental factors impacting HOM visibility for quantum applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Quantum information science
- Photonics
Background:
- Photon indistinguishability is crucial for quantum computing and communication.
- The Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference technique is a standard method for observing quantum interference.
- Quantifying indistinguishability with associated uncertainty is essential for reliable quantum experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a robust method for quantifying photon indistinguishability using the HOM technique.
- To identify factors influencing HOM visibility and their impact on indistinguishability.
- To derive a measurement equation accounting for non-ideal interferometer performance.
Main Methods:
- Developed a measurement equation to quantify photon indistinguishability and associated uncertainty.
- Accounted for non-ideal interferometer performance within the derived equation.
- Experimentally evaluated each term in the equation and estimated uncertainties.
Main Results:
- The derived measurement equation successfully quantifies photon indistinguishability.
- Identified and evaluated experimental factors affecting HOM visibility.
- Achieved a measured photon indistinguishability of 0.954 ± 0.036 for photon pairs from parametric downconversion.
Conclusions:
- The presented method provides a reliable way to estimate photon indistinguishability with uncertainty.
- The approach allows for the identification of key experimental parameters affecting quantum interference.
- This work contributes to the precise characterization of quantum states for advanced quantum technologies.
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