Indistinguishability-induced classical-to-nonclassical transition of photon statistics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how photon indistinguishability can induce a transition from classical to nonclassical photon statistics, providing insights for quantum coherence and information applications.

Contribution

It experimentally shows the photon statistical transition driven by indistinguishability, highlighting its role in quantum coherence control.

Findings

Photon indistinguishability causes a transition from classical to nonclassical statistics.

Measurement of second-order coherence confirms the statistical change.

Photon indistinguishability is crucial for multipartite quantum coherence.

Abstract

Photon statistics is one of the key properties of the photon state for the study of quantum coherence and quantum information techniques. Here, we discuss the photon indistinguishability induced bunching effect which can significantly change photon statistics. Through the measurement of the second-order degree of coherence of a mixed photon state composed of a single-photon state and a weak coherent state, the statistical transition from a classical behavior to a nonclassical behavior is experimentally demonstrated by modifying the indistinguishability of the two-photon states. The study will help us to understand and control the photon statistics with a method for quantum optical coherence and quantum information applications. It also indicates that the photon indistinguishability is a key parameter for multipartite quantum coherence.