Quantum optical measurement with tripartite entangled photons generated by triple parametric down-conversion

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Parametric down-conversion (PDC) is a nonlinear optical process creating photon pairs.
• Quantum coherence between signal beams can be induced using multiple PDC sources and idler path indistinguishability.
• Previous schemes demonstrated quantum spectroscopy and imaging with undetected idler photons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an extended triple stimulated parametric down-conversion (SPDC) scheme for quantum optical measurements.
• To investigate the creation of W-type tripartite entangled signal photons.
• To enable quantum optical measurements of sample properties using undetected idler photons.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an extended triple stimulated parametric down-conversion scheme.
• Inducing coherences and path-indistinguishabilities between correlated idler beams and vacuum fields.
• Analyzing the effect of vacuum field indistinguishability and zero-point field energy on interferometry.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated an efficient method for creating a coherent state of W-type entangled signal photons.
• Showcased the scheme's capability for quantum optical measurements with undetected photons.
• Highlighted the significance of vacuum field indistinguishability and zero-point energy.

Conclusions:

• The extended triple SPDC scheme is an ideal and efficient method for generating W-type entangled photons.
• This technique is crucial for advancing quantum optical measurements in spectroscopy and microscopy.
• The scheme facilitates measurements with undetected photons, enhancing sensitivity and resolution.