Scattering of two photons from two distant qubits: Exact solution

TL;DR

This paper provides an exact analytical solution for inelastic two-photon scattering from two distant qubits in a 1D transmission line, revealing non-Markovian effects like strong interference and photon bunching.

Contribution

It introduces an exact solution to a complex scattering problem and uncovers non-Markovian phenomena in two-photon interactions with distant qubits.

Findings

Demonstrates non-Markovian effects in two-photon scattering

Identifies inelastic generalization of Hong–Ou–Mandel effect

Shows photon (anti-)bunching dependent on momentum

Abstract

We consider the inelastic scattering of two photons from two qubits separated by an arbitrary distance $R$ and coupled to a one-dimensional transmission line. We present an exact, analytical solution to the problem, and use it to explore a particular configuration of qubits which is transparent to single-photon scattering, thus highlighting non-Markovian effects of inelastic two-photon scattering: Strong two-photon interference and momentum dependent photon (anti-)bunching. This latter effect can be seen as an inelastic generalization of the Hong--Ou--Mandel effect.