An Easier-To-Align Hong-Ou-Mandel Interference Demonstration

TL;DR

This paper presents an improved, easier method for demonstrating Hong-Ou-Mandel interference using a pre-aligned fiber-coupled beamsplitter and polarization control, making it more accessible for undergraduate labs.

Contribution

It introduces a simplified experimental setup for Hong-Ou-Mandel interference that reduces alignment complexity and enhances educational accessibility.

Findings

Successful demonstration of Hong-Ou-Mandel dip with simplified setup

Use of fiber-coupled beamsplitter reduces alignment difficulty

Polarization control enables adjustable photon distinguishability

Abstract

The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference experiment is a fundamental demonstration of nonclassical interference and a basis for many investigations of quantum information. This experiment involves the interference of two photons reaching a symmetric beamsplitter. When the photons are made indistinguishable in all possible ways, an interference of quantum amplitudes results in both photons always leaving the same beamsplitter output port. Thus, a scan of distinguishable parameters, such as the arrival time difference of the photons reaching the beamsplitter, produces a dip in the coincidences measured at the outputs of the beamsplitter. The main challenge for its implementation as an undergraduate laboratory is the alignment of the photon paths at the beamsplitter. We overcome this difficulty by using a pre-aligned commercial fiber-coupled beamsplitter. In addition, we use waveplates to vary the distinguishability of the photons by their state of polarization. We present a theoretical description at the introductory quantum mechanics level of the two types of experiments, plus a discussion of the apparatus alignment and list of parts needed.