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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
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Classical-to-quantum transition with broadband four-wave mixing
Rafi Z Vered1, Yaakov Shaked1, Yelena Ben-Or1
1Physics Department and BINA Center for Nano-technology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.
Physical Review Letters
|February 28, 2015
Summary
Researchers observed the transition from quantum to classical light behavior using a novel two-photon interference technique. This study bridges the gap between single photons and classical light, revealing quantum collapse and revival phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Nonlinear optics
- Quantum information science
Background:
- Understanding the transition from quantum correlations to classical coherence is a fundamental challenge in quantum optics.
- Experimental observation of this crossover is hindered by the need for techniques covering an ultrawide dynamic range of photon flux.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biphoton correlations across the classical-to-quantum transition.
- To demonstrate a method for observing the crossover from quantum to classical light behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing broadband four-wave mixing to generate light with a wide dynamic range of photon flux (~80 dB).
- Employing a two-photon interference effect to distinguish between classical and quantum correlations.
- Analyzing interference contrast dependence on internal loss.
Main Results:
- Successfully observed biphoton correlations over an 80 dB dynamic range, spanning the quantum-classical transition.
- Demonstrated the quantum-classical nature of light by analyzing interference contrast.
- Observed quantum collapse and revival of interference when four-wave mixing gain becomes imaginary.
Conclusions:
- The study provides experimental evidence for the crossover from quantum to classical light behavior.
- The developed two-photon interference technique is effective for probing quantum-classical transitions.
- The findings offer insights into the fundamental nature of light and quantum correlations.
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