Violations of a simple inequality for classical fields

The Franson Experiment as an Example of Spontaneous Breaking of Time-Translation Symmetry

We describe an explicit statistical model of local hidden variables that reproduces the predictions of quantum mechanics for the ideal Franson experiment and sheds light on the physical mechanisms that might be involved in the actual experiment. The crux of our model is the spontaneous breaking of time-translation gauge symmetry by the hidden configurations of the pairs of photons locked in time and energy involved in the experiment, which acquire a non-zero geometric phase through certain cyclic transformations.

Coherence and entanglement preservation of frequency-converted heralded single photons

We report on quantum frequency conversion of near-infrared photons from a wave-length of 854 nm to the telecommunication O-band at 1310 nm with 8 % overall conversion efficiency. Entangled photon pairs at 854 nm are generated via type-II spontaneous parametric down conversion. One photon is mixed with a strong pump field in a nonlinear ridge waveguide for its conversion to 1310 nm. We demonstrate preservation of first and second order coherence of the photons in the conversion process. Based on this we infer the coherence function of the two-photon state and compare it with the actual measured one. This measurement demonstrates preservation of time-energy entanglement of the pair. With 88 % visibility we violate a Bell inequality.

Classical bound for Mach-Zehnder superresolution

The employment of path-entangled multiphoton states enables measurement of phase with enhanced precision. It is common practice to demonstrate the unique properties of such quantum states by measuring superresolving oscillations in the coincidence rate of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Similar oscillations, however, have also been demonstrated in various configurations using classical light only; making it unclear what, if any, are the classical limits of this phenomenon. Here we derive a classical bound for the visibility of superresolving oscillations in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This provides an easy to apply, fundamental test of nonclassicality. We apply this test to experimental multiphoton coincidence measurements obtained using photon number resolving detectors. Mach-Zehnder superresolution is found to be a highly distinctive quantum effect.

Entangled photon holes

Most experimental demonstrations of entanglement require nonclassical states and correlated measurements of single-photon detection events. It is shown here that entanglement can produce a large decrease in the rate of two-photon absorption for a classical input state that can be observed using classical detectors. These effects can be interpreted as being due to the creation of entangled photon holes that are somewhat analogous to the holes of semiconductor theory.

Quantum cryptography using optical fibers

Quantum cryptography permits the transmission of secret information whose security is guaranteed by the uncertainty principle. An experimental system for quantum crytography is implemented based on the linear polarization of single photons transmitted by an optical fiber. Polarization-preserving optical fiber and a feedback loop are employed to maintain the state of polarization. Error rates of less than 0.5% are obtained.