Spin-orbit mode transfer via a classical analog of quantum teleportation

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a classical analog of quantum teleportation using a laser beam, transferring polarization states to transverse modes through coherent operations, highlighting potential new optical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method to emulate quantum teleportation with classical light, using non-separable modes to transfer polarization states to transverse modes.

Findings

Successful experimental transfer of polarization to transverse modes

Use of non-separable modes as an analog of entanglement

Potential for novel optical applications based on classical entanglement

Abstract

We translate the quantum teleportation protocol into a sequence of coherent operations involving three degrees of freedom of a classical laser beam. The protocol, which we demonstrate experimentally, transfers the polarisation state of the input beam to the transverse mode of the output beam. The role of quantum entanglement is played by a non-separable mode describing the path and transverse degrees of freedom. Our protocol illustrates the possibility of new optical applications based on this intriguing classical analogue of quantum entanglement.