Homodyne detection with on-off detector systems

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework for homodyne detection using on-off (click) detectors, addressing imperfections and enabling phase-sensitive quantum light measurements with practical, imperfect detection systems.

Contribution

It introduces a detection model for homodyne measurement with on-off detectors, bridging the gap between ideal phase-sensitive detection and real-world imperfect systems.

Findings

Detection model successfully describes homodyne detection with click detectors

Nonclassicality criteria are derived and shown to be observable

The approach accounts for typical imperfections in practical setups

Abstract

Phase-sensitive properties of light play a crucial role in a variety of quantum optical phenomena, which have been mostly discussed in the framework of photoelectric detection theory. However, modern detection schemes, such as arrays of on-off detectors, are not based on photoelectric counting. We demonstrate that the theory of homodyning with such click counting detectors can be established by using a proper detection model. For practical applications, a variety of typically occurring imperfections are rigorously analyzed and directly observable nonclassicality criteria are studied. Fundamental examples demonstrate the general functionality of our technique. Thus, our approach of homodyne detection with on-off detector systems is able to bridge the gap between imperfect detection and the phase resolution demands for modern applications of quantum light.