Optical nonclassicality test based on third-order intensity correlations
File(s)1712.07259v1.pdf (530.16 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Rigovacca, L
Kolthammer, WS
Franco, C Di
Kim, MS
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We develop a nonclassicality criterion for the interference of three delayed,
but otherwise identical, light fields in a three-mode Bell interferometer. We
do so by comparing the prediction of quantum mechanics with those of a
classical framework in which independent sources emit electric fields with
random phases. In particular, we evaluate third-order correlations among output intensities as a function of the delays, and show how the presence of a correlation revival for small delays cannot be explained by the classical model of light. The observation of a revival is thus a nonclassicality signature, which can be achieved only by sources with a photon-number statistics that is highly sub-Poissonian. Our analysis provides strong evidence for the nonclassicality of the experiment discussed in [Menssen et al., PRL, 118, 153603 (2017)], and shows how a collective "triad" phase affects the interference of any three or more light fields, irrespective of their quantum or classical character.
but otherwise identical, light fields in a three-mode Bell interferometer. We
do so by comparing the prediction of quantum mechanics with those of a
classical framework in which independent sources emit electric fields with
random phases. In particular, we evaluate third-order correlations among output intensities as a function of the delays, and show how the presence of a correlation revival for small delays cannot be explained by the classical model of light. The observation of a revival is thus a nonclassicality signature, which can be achieved only by sources with a photon-number statistics that is highly sub-Poissonian. Our analysis provides strong evidence for the nonclassicality of the experiment discussed in [Menssen et al., PRL, 118, 153603 (2017)], and shows how a collective "triad" phase affects the interference of any three or more light fields, irrespective of their quantum or classical character.
Date Issued
2018-03-09
Date Acceptance
2018-02-14
Citation
Physical Review A, 2018, 97
ISSN
1050-2947
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review A
Volume
97
Copyright Statement
© 2018 American Physical Society
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
The Royal Society
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Identifier
http://arxiv.org/abs/1712.07259v1
Grant Number
317232
EP/K034480/1
WM140063
N/A
Subjects
quant-ph
quant-ph
physics.optics
Notes
11+1 pages, 4 figures
Article Number
ARTN 033809