Two-photon interferences of weak coherent lights

TL;DR

This paper investigates two-photon interference of phase-randomized weak coherent states, analyzing experimental results and clarifying the quantum versus classical nature of the interference effects at the single-photon level.

Contribution

It provides a detailed experimental analysis of TPI with weak coherent pulses, comparing classical and quantum interpretations, and enhances understanding of TPI in quantum communication.

Findings

Interference can be explained by classical intensity correlation.

Quantum interference involves two-photon state superposition.

Results support the quantum nature of TPI at the single-photon level.

Abstract

Multiphoton interference is an important phenomenon in modern quantum mechanics and experimental quantum optics, and it is fundamental for the development of quantum information science and technologies. Over the last three decades, several theoretical and experimental studies have been performed to understand the essential principles underlying such interference and to explore potential applications. Recently, the two-photon interference (TPI) of phase-randomized weak coherent states has played a key role in the realization of long-distance quantum communication based on the use of classical light sources. In this context, we investigated TPI experiments with weak coherent pulses at the single-photon level and quantitatively analyzed the results in terms of the single- and coincidence-counting rates and one- and two-photon interference-fringe shapes. We experimentally examined the Hong-Ou-Mandel-type TPI of phase-randomized weak coherent pulses to compare the TPI effect with that of correlated photons. Further experiments were also performed with two temporally- and spatially separated weak coherent pulses. Although the observed interference results, including the results of visibility and fringe shape, can be suitably explained by classical intensity correlation, the physics underlying the TPI effect needs to be interpreted as the interference between the two-photon states at the single-photon level within the utilized interferometer. The results of this study can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the TPI of coherent light at the single-photon level.