Experimental single-photon pulse characterization by electro-optic shearing interferometry

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a self-referencing spectral shearing interferometry technique to fully characterize the spectral-temporal mode structure of single photons, advancing quantum state measurement capabilities.

Contribution

The work introduces an experimental method for complete single-photon pulse-mode characterization using spectral shearing interferometry, with detailed calibration and analysis.

Findings

Successful experimental demonstration of the technique

High resolution in spectral-temporal mode measurement

Discussion of calibration and future improvements

Abstract

The ability to characterize the complete quantum state of light is essential for both fundamental and applied science. For single photons the quantum state is provided by the mode that it occupies. The spectral temporal mode structure of light has recently emerged as an essential means for quantum information science. Here we experimentally demonstrate a self-referencing technique to completely determine the pulse-mode structure of single photons by means of spectral shearing interferometry. We detail the calibration and resolution of the measurement and discuss challenges and critical requirements for future advances of this method.