Quantum frequency combs and Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometry: the role of spectral phase coherence
The Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometer is a versatile tool for analyzing the joint properties of photon pairs, relying on a truly quantum interference effect between two-photon probability amplitudes. While the theory behind this form of two-photon interferometry is well established, the development of advanced photon sources and exotic two-photon states has highlighted the importance of quantifying precisely what information can and cannot be inferred from features in a Hong–Ou–Mandel interference trace. Here we examine Hong–Ou–Mandel interference with regard to a particular class of states, so-called quantum frequency combs, and place special emphasis on the role spectral phase plays in these measurements. We find that this form of two-photon interferometry is insensitive to the relative phase between different comb line pairs. This is true even when different comb line pairs are mutually coherent at the input of a Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometer and the fringe patterns display sharp temporal features. Consequently, Hong–Ou–Mandel interference cannot speak to the presence of high-dimensional frequency-bin entanglement in two-photon quantum frequency combs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR); National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1580144
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1606874
- Journal Information:
- Optics Express, Journal Name: Optics Express Vol. 27 Journal Issue: 26; ISSN 1094-4087
- Publisher:
- Optical Society of America (OSA)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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