State reconstruction by on/off measurements

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simplified method for quantum state reconstruction of a field mode using only avalanche photodetectors, avoiding the need for phase discrimination, and serving as an alternative to quantum homodyne tomography.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel state reconstruction technique that requires only on/off measurements, simplifying implementation compared to traditional quantum homodyne tomography.

Findings

Successfully reconstructs Wigner function or density matrix

Uses only avalanche photodetectors without phase discrimination

Offers a simpler alternative to existing methods

Abstract

We demonstrate a state reconstruction technique which provides either the Wigner function or the density matrix of a field mode and requires only avalanche photodetectors, without any phase or amplitude discrimination power. It represents an alternative, of simpler implementation, to quantum homodyne tomography.