Quantum fluctuations and noise in interferometry and photodetection: Applications in optical sensing and micromanipulation

TL;DR

This paper investigates the fundamental quantum noise sources affecting optical sensing and micromanipulation, emphasizing their origins in interference and photodetection processes to improve measurement sensitivity.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of quantum fluctuations and noise in optical measurement systems, highlighting their impact on sensing and manipulation accuracy.

Findings

Quantum noise originates from optical interference and photon detection processes.

Understanding noise sources enables improved sensitivity in optical sensing.

Implications for designing noise-reduction strategies in optical systems.

Abstract

Accurate optical sensing and micromanipulation requires sensitive measurements of the position, orientation, and dynamics of small particles--and sometimes even large objects--under consideration. The signals acquired in the process, including those needed for the feedback control of these particles and objects, are inevitably contaminated by quantum fluctuations and noise that accompany the physical processes of optical interference and photodetection (or photon counting). This paper explores the origins of signal fluctuation and quantum noise that are inevitably associated with such sensitive measurements.