Noise limits on two-photon interferometric sensing

Scott, H., Branford, D., Westerberg, N. , Leach, J. and Gauger, E. M. (2021) Noise limits on two-photon interferometric sensing. Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, 104(5), 053704. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevA.104.053704)

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Abstract

When a photon interferes with itself while traversing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the output port where it emerges is influenced by the phase difference between the interferometer arms. This allows for highly precise estimation of the path length difference (delay) but is extremely sensitive to phase noise. By contrast, a delay between the arms of the two-photon Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer directly affects the relative indistinguishability of the photon pair, affecting the rate of recorded coincidences. This likewise allows for delay estimation, notably less precise but with the advantage of being less sensitive to perturbations of the photons' phase. Focusing on two-photon input states, we here investigate to what degree of noise Mach-Zehnder interferometry retains its edge over Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometry. We also explore the competing benefits of different two-photon inputs for a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and under what parameter regimes each input performs best.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by UK EPSRC Grants EP/R030413/1 and EP/T00097X/1. NW wishes to acknowledge support from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leach, Mr Jonathan and Westerberg, Dr Niclas
Authors: Scott, H., Branford, D., Westerberg, N., Leach, J., and Gauger, E. M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:2469-9926
ISSN (Online):2469-9934
Published Online:09 November 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 American Physical Society
First Published:First published in Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics 104(5): 053704
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
305567QuantIC - The UK Quantum Technoogy Hub in Quantum Enhanced ImagingMiles PadgettEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/T00097X/1P&S - Physics & Astronomy