Which-way information in a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer

Potocek, V. and Ferenczi, G. (2015) Which-way information in a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, 92(2), 023829. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevA.92.023829)

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Abstract

Recently, A. Danan et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] performed a much-discussed experiment in which which-way information was obtained from the light in a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer by weak measurement. The presented analysis using the two-state vector formalism drew the conclusions that the photons followed disconnected paths. We analyze this experiment using standard quantum optical methods and arrive at analytical expressions that match the experimental results without the need for such disconnected photon paths. We also propose a simple amendment to the experiment capable of displaying new phenomena, highlighting the advantages of our description.

Item Type:Articles (Other)
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Potocek, Dr Vaclav
Authors: Potocek, V., and Ferenczi, G.
Subjects:Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Group:Quantum Theory
Journal Name:Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:1050-2947
ISSN (Online):1094-1622
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 American Physical Society
First Published:First published in Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics 92(2):023829
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
549872Challenges in Orbital Angular MomentumMiles PadgettEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/I012451/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY