Applications of Photon Statistics and Photon Correlation

Todd D. Fansler, Rlaph Nossal

Edward R. Pike, Eric Jakeman

Roy Pike

A review is given of developments in the theory and application of the quantum statistics of visible-light photons, particularly of scattered laser light, over the fifty years since Maiman’s publication of the first working laser. Some introductory pre-laser historical background to photon statistics is included and details are given of research and commercial developments in the field conducted in the author’s laboratory in the UK over the period. The resulting emergence of photon statistics and photon-correlation spectroscopy as widely used techniques for non-invasive measurements of diffusion and velocity in many present-day areas of science and industry is described.

Robert E. French, Theodore G. Goodson III

The process of generating entangled photons by a biphoton source is examined in the context of the detection of correlated two-photon absorption (TPA) induced fluorescence in an organic material. This effect may have possible applications in spectroscopy as well as chemical and biological sensing. The use of certain organic branched molecules which possess large cross sections for random TPA is presented in relation to the magnitude of the correlated two-photon absorption rate. The results of the angular dependence of the biphoton statistics are presented. Estimates of the expected correlated two-photon-absorption rate and subsequent number of emitted photons from the organic material are discussed.

Ling-an, Wu

George, Agnes

Photon statistics is a branch of physics that involves observing the behavior of single or a small number of photons and then aggregating the results through statistical averaging. This process is essential to obtain meaningful and reliable data, especially in quantum optics research. Photon statistics provides valuable information about correlations in the electromagnetic field and characteristics of the type of light being measured. For example, second-order correlation function obtained via Hanbury Brown and Twiss experiment is the fundamental way to differentiate between coherent, chaotic and quantum light. Moreover, extensive investigations into the quantum properties of light resulted in significant progress that allows for precise control of quantum optical systems and sets the stage for genuine quantum engineering. This progress extends to applications in confirming the generation of entangled photons and exploring their properties for various purposes. The non-classical correlation between the entangled photons has resulted in various quantum optical techniques that enable the practical implementation of conceptual experiments that probe the core principles of quantum theory. This enhanced control over quantum phenomena offers exciting opportunities to explore novel information-processing approaches, with the potential to revolutionize technologies rooted in quantum information science. Driven by the significance and pivotal role of photon statistics, our research pursuits were directed toward two specific domains: the characterization of nanolasers and the characterization of time-bin entangled photons. In the first segment, we delve into the realm of metallic coaxial nanolasers, renowned for their intriguing threshold-less lasing behavior. Through comprehensive photon statistics analysis, we seek to unravel the coherence properties inherent in these nanolasers. Our focus also lies on understanding the elusive threshold-less operation, which has remained a subject of debate and intrigue. To evaluate this unique lasing characteristic, we conduct rigorous second-order coherence measurements alongside time-resolved second-order correlation analyses. The second segment of this study ventures into the generation and characterization of high-dimensional time-bin entangled states, a critical resource for quantum technological applications. We simulate a synthetic photonic lattice by employing a coupled fiber-loop system to perform various quantum walk schemes to generate and process high-dimensional time-bin entangled states. Our investigation focuses on the quantum interference phenomena through detailed photon statistics analysis, with an emphasis on their applications across diverse quantum technologies. Through these two interconnected research endeavors, this thesis demonstrates the profound significance of photon statistics as a versatile tool, bridging classical and quantum realms, and paving the way for advancements in diverse applications, ranging from nanolasers to quantum technologies.