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

American Journal of Physics

Interference with correlated photons: Five quantum mechanics experiments for undergraduates

Enrique J. Galvez, Charles H. Holbrow, Matthew Pysher, J. W. Martin, N. Courtemanche, L. Heilig, J. Spencer

Published Jan 13, 2005• 132 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We describe five quantum mechanics experiments that have been designed for an undergraduate setting. The experiments use correlated photons produced by parametric down conversion to generate interference patterns in interferometers. The photons are counted individually. The experimental results illustrate the consequences of multiple paths, indistinguishability, and entanglement. We analyze the results quantitatively using plane-wave probability amplitudes combined according to Feynman’s rules, the state-vector formalism, and amplitude packets. The apparatus fits on a 2′×4′ optical breadboard.

DOI
10.1119/1.1796811

Related papers

A hands-on introduction to single photons and quantum mechanics for undergraduates

Brett J. Pearson, David P. Jackson

We describe a series of experiments used in a sophomore-level quantum physics course that are designed to provide students with a hands-on introduction to quantum mechanics. By measuring correlations, we demonstrate that a helium-neon laser produces results consistent with a classical model of light. We then demonstrate that a light source derived from a spontaneous parametric down-conversion process produces results that can only be described using a quantum theory of light, thus providing a (nearly) single-photon source. These single photons are then sent into a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, and interference fringes are observed whenever the path of the photons cannot be determined. These experiments are investigated theoretically using straightforward quantum-mechanical calculations.

American Journal of Physics•Apr 14, 2010•76 citations

Quantum optics experiments with single photons for undergraduate laboratories

Enrique J. Galvez, M. Beck

We present new results of interference experiments for undergraduates that underscore the quantum nature of the light. The experiments use parametric down-conversion to generate pairs of correlated photons. The experiments involve one- and two-photon interference schemes that rely on first and second-order coherence effects. They can be used as a complement to teaching quantum mechanics or quantum optics.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Aug 3, 2015•21 citations

Nonclassical Interferometry with a Single-Photon Interferometer

Enrique J. Galvez, Mehul Malik, B. C. Melius

We present experiments that use quantum-state correlations between polarization-entangled photon pairs to specify the phase and amplitude of an interference pattern remotely. Photons produced by parametric down conversion are sent to an interferometer while the entangled partners are sent to a phase shifter. By manipulating the quantum state of the light we were able specify the phase and amplitude of the interference pattern with the settings of optical elements in the path of the light that does not go through the interferometer. The results are in excellent agreement with the predictions.

Frontiers in Optics•Jan 1, 2006•0 citations

Two-particle interference experiment with frequency-entangled photon pairs

Heonoh Kim, Jeong-Hoon Ko, Taesoo Kim

We present experimental observations of a nonclassic and nonlocal interference effect with frequency-entangled photon pairs. We observed two-photon interference in a Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometer by monitoring the coincidence-counting rate as we varied the path-length difference or the relative time delay between two photons. The quantum-mechanical probabilities of joint detection by two detectors that respond to different frequency components exhibit differences that depend not only on the arrangement of the detector pairs but on the spectral filtering. The experimental results provide more understanding of two-photon entanglement and of the interference effects that arise from superposition of indistinguishable probability amplitudes.

Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Apr 1, 2003•21 citations

Triple photons and triple slits, a new frontier in quantum mechanics tests

Thomas D. Jennewein, Hannes Hübel, Deny R. Hamel +7 more

We will present our recent results in the generation of triple photons as well as triple slits, both providing interesting perspectives on the foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum optics. The creation of correlated triple photons [1] is a highly desirable process for research on quantum optics, novel states of three-photon entanglement, and applications in quantum information processing. It was proposed over 20 years ago, but considered impossible to perform given the low conversion efficiencies in non-linear optics. We recently managed to solve the technical challenges, and demonstrate a source for correlated photon triplets. Strikingly, the interferences of single photons passing through a triple slit can be useful for experimental verification of Born’s rule, which is at the heart of the formalism of quantum mechanics. We will illustrate the background of the argumentation, and show the elegant experimental setup, which allows this direct test of Born’s rule [2].

•Jan 1, 2011•1 citation

Young's double-slit interference demonstration with single photons

B. Luo, Leia Francis, Valeria Rodríguez-Fajardo +2 more

The interference of single photons going through a double slit is a compelling demonstration of the wave and particle nature of light in the same experiment. Single photons produced by spontaneous parametric down-conversion can be used for this purpose. However, it is particularly challenging to implement this due to coherency and resolution challenges. In this article, we present a table-top laboratory arrangement suitable for the undergraduate instruction laboratory that overcomes these challenges. The apparatus scans a single detector to produce a plot showing the interference patterns of single photons. We include experimental data obtained using this setup, demonstrating double-slit and single-slit interference as well as quantum erasing through the use of sheet polarizers.

arXiv:2401.02351•American Journal of Physics•Mar 21, 2024•12 citations
We describe five quantum mechanics experiments that have been designed for an undergraduate setting. The experiments use correlated photons produced by parametric down conversion to generate interference patterns in interferometers. The photons are counted individually. The experimental results illustrate the consequences of multiple paths, indistinguishability, and entanglement. We analyze the results quantitatively using plane-wave probability amplitudes combined according to Feynman’s rules, the state-vector formalism, and amplitude packets. The apparatus fits on a 2′×4′ optical breadboard.
We describe a series of experiments used in a sophomore-level quantum physics course that are designed to provide students with a hands-on introduction to quantum mechanics. By measuring correlations, we demonstrate that a helium-neon laser produces results consistent with a classical model of light. We then demonstrate that a light source derived from a spontaneous parametric down-conversion process produces results that can only be described using a quantum theory of light, thus providing a (nearly) single-photon source. These single photons are then sent into a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, and interference fringes are observed whenever the path of the photons cannot be determined. These experiments are investigated theoretically using straightforward quantum-mechanical calculations.
We present experiments that use quantum-state correlations between polarization-entangled photon pairs to specify the phase and amplitude of an interference pattern remotely. Photons produced by parametric down conversion are sent to an interferometer while the entangled partners are sent to a phase shifter. By manipulating the quantum state of the light we were able specify the phase and amplitude of the interference pattern with the settings of optical elements in the path of the light that does not go through the interferometer. The results are in excellent agreement with the predictions.
We present experimental observations of a nonclassic and nonlocal interference effect with frequency-entangled photon pairs. We observed two-photon interference in a Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometer by monitoring the coincidence-counting rate as we varied the path-length difference or the relative time delay between two photons. The quantum-mechanical probabilities of joint detection by two detectors that respond to different frequency components exhibit differences that depend not only on the arrangement of the detector pairs but on the spectral filtering. The experimental results provide more understanding of two-photon entanglement and of the interference effects that arise from superposition of indistinguishable probability amplitudes.
We will present our recent results in the generation of triple photons as well as triple slits, both providing interesting perspectives on the foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum optics. The creation of correlated triple photons [1] is a highly desirable process for research on quantum optics, novel states of three-photon entanglement, and applications in quantum information processing. It was proposed over 20 years ago, but considered impossible to perform given the low conversion efficiencies in non-linear optics. We recently managed to solve the technical challenges, and demonstrate a source for correlated photon triplets. Strikingly, the interferences of single photons passing through a triple slit can be useful for experimental verification of Born’s rule, which is at the heart of the formalism of quantum mechanics. We will illustrate the background of the argumentation, and show the elegant experimental setup, which allows this direct test of Born’s rule [2].
The interference of single photons going through a double slit is a compelling demonstration of the wave and particle nature of light in the same experiment. Single photons produced by spontaneous parametric down-conversion can be used for this purpose. However, it is particularly challenging to implement this due to coherency and resolution challenges. In this article, we present a table-top laboratory arrangement suitable for the undergraduate instruction laboratory that overcomes these challenges. The apparatus scans a single detector to produce a plot showing the interference patterns of single photons. We include experimental data obtained using this setup, demonstrating double-slit and single-slit interference as well as quantum erasing through the use of sheet polarizers.