A Simple "Quantum Interrogation" Method

TL;DR

This paper introduces a straightforward quantum interrogation technique using evanescent wave sensing, enabling detection of objects unsuitable for traditional interferometry with high efficiency and broad applicability.

Contribution

It presents a non-interferometric quantum interrogation method based on evanescent waves, expanding detection capabilities beyond traditional interferometric approaches.

Findings

Effective detection of non-black, diffracting objects

High efficiency of the proposed method

Applicable to objects unsuitable for interferometers

Abstract

A simple non-interferometric "quantum interrogation" method is proposed which uses evanescent wave sensing with frustrated total internal reflection on a surface. The simple method has the advantage over the original interferometric Elitzur-Vaidman method of being able to detect objects that are neither black nor non-diffracting and that are such that they cannot be introduced into an arm of an interferometer for whatever reason (e.g. its size, sensitivity, etc.). The method is intrinsically of high efficiency.