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Journal of Physics Conference Series

Single-photon Mach-Zehnder interferometry for High Schools

Maria Bondani

Published May 1, 2021• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract The superposition states, allowed by quantum theory, are dramatically diverse with respect to classical states and represent the true quantum states. By using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer we experimentally show how a single photon in a polarization superposition state can produce interference. The experimental setup includes a strongly attenuated laser source, polarizing beam splitters, half-waveplates, polarizers and single-photon detectors. The experimental activity has been performed with high-school students and teachers in several different contexts.

DOI
10.1088/1742-6596/1929/1/012055

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Abstract The superposition states, allowed by quantum theory, are dramatically diverse with respect to classical states and represent the true quantum states. By using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer we experimentally show how a single photon in a polarization superposition state can produce interference. The experimental setup includes a strongly attenuated laser source, polarizing beam splitters, half-waveplates, polarizers and single-photon detectors. The experimental activity has been performed with high-school students and teachers in several different contexts.
We follow the reductio ad absurdum reasoning described in the book “Sneaking a Look at God’s Cards” by Giancarlo Ghirardi to demonstrate the wave-particle duality of light in a Mach-Zehnder interferometric setup analog to the conventional Young double-slit experiment. We aim at showing the double nature of light by measuring the existence of interference fringes down to the single-photon level. The setup includes a strongly attenuated laser, polarizing beam splitters, half-waveplates, polarizers and single-photon detectors.
Abstract To introduce the fundamental concepts and formalism of Quantum Mechanics at the base of Quantum Calculus and Quantum Cryptography we developed an experiment-based module centered on the use of a Mach-Zehnder laser interferometer equipped with linear polarizers. By analyzing the constructive and destructive interference, students are guided to understand the meaning of mutual exclusivity and incompatibility of polarization states (H, V) and (45°, 135°). A MATLAB simulation allows the understanding of the experimental results in terms of single photons. The module was tested as a pilot intervention on a group of Computer Science PhD students at the University of Verona.
As part of developing a Bell’s Inequality Test of Quantum Mechanics laboratory at CWU we have investigated classical interference using a Fabry-Perot and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The classical interference investigation was done using several HeNe lasers of different wavelengths. Optimization of data collection for the classical systems was accomplished by fabricating several pieces: a motorized micrometer platform, building a mount for a piezo electric tube, and building a fringe counting circuit. To investigate quantum interference the same Mach-Zhender interferometer was used but the HeNe laser beam was attenuated. We investigated alternative methods for attenuating the HeNe laser beam. An SBIG ST-7 CCD camera was evaluated for use as a single photon detector and used to collect data from the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The results were compared with results using a single photon counting module. The results were consistent with the predictions of single photon interference in the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Quantum imaging is an emerging field in quantum optics with a wide range of applications including microscopy, secure communication and medical imaging. To foster knowledge and attract public attention and understanding, these applications are of high interest for teaching and science communication. The field of quantum imaging in particular has an appealing goal, the transmission of images. Quantum imaging setups use single photon sources and detectors, which are hard to adjust, easily damaged, and yet expensive. However, the basic approach of quantum imaging methods can be explained in a much simpler way. We use a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with laser beams to demonstrate how to obtain the properties of the imaged object. The setup is highly stable and well-suited for student laboratory courses.
Polarized photons have properties that can be explained, among others, by their indistinguishability. This includes superposition and entanglement. We propose that the superposition state can be understood as the entirety of all mixtures of indistinguishable perpendicularly polarized photon beams. The photon beams, whose polarization correspond to the position of the polarizer, are filtered out by selection using a polarizer. There are no nonlocal effects with the entangled photons. This is because the physical states of the photons are defined before each measurement. The model replicates the predictions of quantum mechanics for entangled photons and also explains entanglement swapping and teleportation. The superposition of indistinguishable photon beams can be experimentally demonstrated using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This explains how the polarization of the input state reappears at the output of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
This article explores the use of interferometry experiments, focusing on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, as a didactic tool for teaching fundamental concepts of quantum physics, such as wave-particle duality, superposition, and interference. Using the interactive simulation “Interferometer experiments with photons, particles and waves” from the University of St Andrews, we demonstrate how different models – classical particles, electromagnetic waves, and single photons – can be applied to describe the observed phenomena, facilitating the understanding of the distinctions between the classical and quantum views of nature. The comparative analysis of the simulated experimental results serves as a basis for in-depth conceptual discussions in the classroom, making quantum physics more accessible and intuitive for high school and university students.