Efficient detection of multidimensional single-photon time-bin superpositions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple, efficient method using a single photon detector and the temporal Talbot effect to detect multidimensional time-bin superpositions in quantum light, enabling advanced quantum information tasks.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel approach for detecting multidimensional time-bin superpositions with off-the-shelf components, advancing quantum measurement capabilities.

Findings

Successful experimental detection of multidimensional time-bin superpositions.

Utilization of the temporal Talbot effect for quantum state measurement.

Potential applications in quantum communication and quantum state tomography.

Abstract

The ability to detect quantum superpositions lies at the heart of fundamental and applied aspects of quantum mechanics. The time-frequency degree of freedom of light enables encoding and transmitting quantum information in a multi-dimensional fashion compatible with fiber and integrated platforms. However, the ability to efficiently detect time-frequency superpositions is not yet available. Here we show, that multidimensional time-bin superpositions can be detected using a single time-resolved photon detector. Our approach uses off-the shelf components and is based on the temporal Talbot effect -- a time-frequency counterpart of the well-know near field diffraction effect. We provide experimental results and discuss the possible applications in quantum communication, quantum information processing, and time-frequency quantum state tomography.