Observation of spectral interference for any path difference in an interferometer.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Interferometry

Background:

• Michelson interferometers are fundamental optical tools.
• Spectral interference typically depends on path difference and spectral width.
• Weak value amplification is a quantum measurement technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate spectral interference in a Michelson interferometer.
• To investigate the role of polarization in optical interferometry.
• To explore the application of weak value amplification in optical experiments.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Michelson interferometer setup.
• Introducing a polarization degree of freedom.
• Employing a weak value amplification scenario.

Main Results:

• Observed spectral interference irrespective of temporal path difference.
• Observed spectral interference irrespective of input pulse spectral width.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of weak value amplification in this context.

Conclusions:

• Spectral interference in a Michelson interferometer is achievable under conditions independent of path delay and spectral bandwidth.
• Polarization and weak value amplification are key to this observation.
• This finding opens new avenues for optical measurements and quantum sensing.