Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Reviews of Modern Physics

Quantum effects in one-photon and two-photon interference

L. Mandeļ

Published Mar 1, 1999• 315 citations
Publisher

Abstract

After introducing some basic definitions, the article describes several optical interference experiments in which quantum effects appear. An analysis of these experiments leads to some new and improved measurement techniques and to a better understanding of the quantum state.
DOI
10.1103/revmodphys.71.s274

Related papers

PREPARATION AND MANIPULATION OF MODE-LOCKED TWO-PHOTON STATE

Y. J. Lu, F. HUANG, Z. Y. Ou

The article describes the quantum properties of mode-locked two-photon state generated through either a Fabry–Perot cavity or a sub-threshold optical parametric oscillator. It is shown that the time correlation function of such a state exhibits a comb-like structure. Different approaches to observe this comb-like feature are thoroughly discussed. The experiment demonstrates several different quantum interference effects with a mode-locked two-photon state. An analysis of the experiment leads to a new control technique of two-photon interference and to a better understanding of time-entangled two-photon state. A novel quantum information coding is predicted if such a state is mixed with a single-mode wide band two-photon state.

Modern Physics Letters B•Mar 20, 2005•1 citation

Quantum Effects in One-Photon and Two-Photon Interference

L. Mandeļ

Springer eBooks•Jan 1, 1999•34 citations

Phase-dependent quantum optical coherence tomography

Mayte Y. Li-Gómez, Taras Hrushevskyi, Kayla McArthur +3 more

Two-photon interference is a cornerstone of quantum optics, enabling imaging, sensing, and precision measurements that surpass classical limits. By harnessing the quantum interference of photon pairs, as demonstrated by the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, this approach offers superior axial resolution and intrinsic dispersion cancellation, along with strong noise suppression arising from the precise temporal correlations between photons. Building on these principles, we present the theoretical framework and experimental realization of phase-dependent quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT), a technique that employs phase-modulated two-photon interference for noninvasive morphological analysis of multilayered samples. We demonstrate that introducing controlled phase shifts to photon pairs in a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer effectively eliminates artifacts caused by reflections at different sample layers, thereby greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of QOCT measurements. This work advances the fundamental understanding and practical deployment of two-photon interference, overcoming a key limitation in applying QOCT to real-world applications such as biomedical imaging and materials characterization.

arXiv:2503.06772•Physical Review Research•Sep 19, 2025•0 citations

Evolution of new optical-measurement techniques from the quantum domain

L. Mandeļ

We have recently carried out optical interference experiments for the purpose of studying certain quantum mechanical interference effects. It turns out that some of the techniques developed have possible applications to optical precision measurements.

Annual Meeting Optical Society of America•Jan 1, 1993•0 citations

Quantum description of interference effect with two holes

Zhixin Yao, Zhong Jian-Wei, Mao Bang-Ning +3 more

By using one-dimensional photon state-vector function obtained previously, a general analytic expression is deduced for the optical two-hole interference experiment, which not only greatly enlarges the range of the observable, but also completely represents the probability distribution for a photon in the whole space. On the basis of the basic rules of quantum optics, we quantitatively analyze and discuss the domain of definition of the experiment, and the quantum behavior of the interference item on the average of space.

Acta Physica Sinica•Jan 1, 2007•4 citations

Non-Classical Interference Effects in Optics

L. Mandeļ

Recent experiments in which two photons produced simultaneously in the process of down-conversion interfere will be reviewed.

Topical Meeting on Quantum-Limited Imaging and Image Processing•Jan 1, 1989•0 citations
The article describes the quantum properties of mode-locked two-photon state generated through either a Fabry–Perot cavity or a sub-threshold optical parametric oscillator. It is shown that the time correlation function of such a state exhibits a comb-like structure. Different approaches to observe this comb-like feature are thoroughly discussed. The experiment demonstrates several different quantum interference effects with a mode-locked two-photon state. An analysis of the experiment leads to a new control technique of two-photon interference and to a better understanding of time-entangled two-photon state. A novel quantum information coding is predicted if such a state is mixed with a single-mode wide band two-photon state.
Two-photon interference is a cornerstone of quantum optics, enabling imaging, sensing, and precision measurements that surpass classical limits. By harnessing the quantum interference of photon pairs, as demonstrated by the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, this approach offers superior axial resolution and intrinsic dispersion cancellation, along with strong noise suppression arising from the precise temporal correlations between photons. Building on these principles, we present the theoretical framework and experimental realization of phase-dependent quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT), a technique that employs phase-modulated two-photon interference for noninvasive morphological analysis of multilayered samples. We demonstrate that introducing controlled phase shifts to photon pairs in a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer effectively eliminates artifacts caused by reflections at different sample layers, thereby greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of QOCT measurements. This work advances the fundamental understanding and practical deployment of two-photon interference, overcoming a key limitation in applying QOCT to real-world applications such as biomedical imaging and materials characterization.
By using one-dimensional photon state-vector function obtained previously, a general analytic expression is deduced for the optical two-hole interference experiment, which not only greatly enlarges the range of the observable, but also completely represents the probability distribution for a photon in the whole space. On the basis of the basic rules of quantum optics, we quantitatively analyze and discuss the domain of definition of the experiment, and the quantum behavior of the interference item on the average of space.