Quantum optics in multiple scattering random media

Éric Akkermans, Gilles Montambaux

S. E. Skipetrov

We study quantum effects in multiple scattering of light in a random medium. A link between photocount statistics and Anderson localization is established. Novel ways of performing diffusing-wave spectroscopy of random media are proposed.

Alexander A. Lisyansky, E. S. Andrianov, Alexey P. Vinogradov +1 more

Tom A. W. Wolterink, Georgios Ctistis, S.R. Huisman +3 more

Wavefront shaping allows for ultimate control of light propagation in multiple-scattering media by adaptive manipulation of incident waves. We have demonstrated a method to program general multiport linear optical circuits in multiple-scattering materials by phase modulation of incident wavefronts. Applying this method to quantum light makes it possible to use these optical circuits for adaptive quantum optical experiments, with high flexibility in the control of quantum interference between multiple optical modes. To this end we have constructed a bright single-photon source, producing heralded single-photon states with a measured production rate of > 106 s−1. We have demonstrated that we are able to control the propagation of these single-photon states in random-scattering media, and we are currently investigating Hong-Ou-Mandel interference in these circuits.

Roy J. Glauber, Maciej Lewenstein

Peter Lodahl, Ad Lagendijk

The paper presents the first experimental study of the propagation of quantum noise through an elastic, multiple scattering medium. Two different types of quantum noise measurements have been carried out: total transmission and short-range frequency correlations. When comparing shot noise (quantum) to technical noise (classical) a markedly different behavior is observed. The experimental results are found to be in agreement with a quantum model for multiple scattering of light, which allows extracting both static and dynamic scattering properties of the medium. A new quantum correlation in multiple scattering is proposed.