Observation of localized multi-spatial-mode quadrature squeezing in four-wave mixing

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the generation of localized multi-spatial-mode quadrature squeezing using four-wave mixing in hot vapor, enabling quantum-enhanced imaging with multiple independently squeezed regions across the transverse profile.

Contribution

It introduces a method to produce a bichromatic multi-spatial-mode squeezed state with localized quadrature squeezing at many points, advancing quantum imaging capabilities.

Findings

75 independently squeezed regions observed

Localized quadrature squeezing confirmed across the transverse profile

Potential for practical quantum imaging applications

Abstract

Quantum states of light can improve imaging whenever the image quality and resolution are limited by the quantum noise of the illumination. In the case of a bright illumination, quantum enhancement is obtained for a light field composed of many squeezed transverse modes. A possible realization of such a multi-spatial-mode squeezed state is a field which contains a transverse plane in which the local electric field displays reduced quantum fluctuations at all locations, on any one quadrature. Using nondegenerate four-wave mixing in a hot vapor, we have generated a bichromatic multi-spatial-mode squeezed state and showed that it exhibits localised quadrature squeezing at any point of its transverse profile, in regions much smaller than its size. We observe 75 independently squeezed regions. This confirms the potential of this technique for producing illumination suitable for practical quantum imaging.