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

Heterodyne quantum light detection using free electrons

Salomon Malka, Mohamad Abu-El-Hija, Alexey A. Gorlach, Aviv Karnieli, Ido E. Kaminer

Published Jan 1, 2023• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We show that free electrons can be used for heterodyne light detection and are sensitive to quantum- optical properties of light, including off-diagonal elements of the photonic density matrix.
DOI
10.1364/cleo_fs.2023.fm2e.7

Related papers

Sensitivity Limitation of an Optical Heterodyne Spectrometer

Joseph C. Chapman, Nicholas A. Peters

We show an optical heterodyne spectrometer with picometer resolution and high sensitivity. Moreover, we report the quantum limit of detecting multi-mode light using heterodyne detection, and compare it to a typical down conversion source output.

Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition•Jan 1, 2022•0 citations

Laser detection of optical signals

Vladimir P Bykov

A scheme is proposed for detecting optical signals in which electrons bound in atoms, molecules, or ions are used as a sensitive element rather than free electrons, as in conventional detectors (photoelements, photomultipliers, etc.). It is shown that such a scheme has a high sensitivity and a reduced shot-noise level.

Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics•Mar 1, 2003•2 citations

Experimental Study of Quantum Noise in Optical Heterodyne Detection

Dechao He, Boya Xie, Yu Xiao +1 more

We experimentally investigate the quantum-noise performance of a conventional heterodyne detector and find significant discrepancy between experiment and theory. Further investigations are highly recommended for deeper insight into the physics related to the quantum noise in optical heterodyne detection.

arXiv:1310.5432•Oct 21, 2013•0 citations

Laser modulation transfer phenomenon in a four-level heterodyne Rydberg atom system

Yu Tang, Hanbin Zhou, Chuang Yang +3 more

This paper investigates the transfer of probe or coupling light modulation interference to density matrix elements in a four-level heterodyne Rydberg system. By combining the density matrix dynamical equations with power spectral density (PSD) analysis, we derive analytical solutions to describe this phenomenon. Our results demonstrate that coherence in multi-level systems fundamentally enables this transfer mechanism, thereby increasing the system's noise floor and degrading microwave detection sensitivity. Building on these findings, we establish a sensitivity-noise-constraint relationship to suppress the influence of noise.

Optics Express•Jun 10, 2025•0 citations

Quantum sensing and metrology with free electrons

Cruz I. Velasco, F. Javier Garcı́a de Abajo

The quantum properties of matter and radiation can be leveraged to surpass classical limits of sensing and detection. Quantum optics does so by creating and measuring nonclassical light. However, better performance requires higher photon-number states, which are challenging to generate and detect. Here, we combine photons and free electrons to solve the problem of generating and detecting high-number states well beyond those reachable with light alone and further show that an unprecedented level of sensitivity and resolution is gained based on the measurement of free-electron currents after suitably designed electron-light interactions. Our enabling ingredient is the strong electron-light coupling produced by aloof electron reflection on an optical waveguide, leading to the emission or absorption of a high number of guided photons by every single electron. We establish through rigorous theory that, by combining electron-beam splitters with two electron-waveguide interactions, the sensitivity to detect optical-phase changes can be enhanced dramatically using currently attainable technology. These results inaugurate a disruptive quantum technology relying on free electrons and their strong interaction with waveguided light.

arXiv:2505.06124•Nature Communications•Dec 23, 2025•2 citations

Framework of Free-Electron Quantum Optics Using Photonic Integrated Circuits

Guanhao Huang, Nils J. Engelsen, Ofer Kfir +2 more

We develop a framework of using photonic integrated circuits for free-electron quantum optics applications. We formulate the interaction using a three-dimensional QED quantization procedure, and discuss a few fundamental limitations and specific application scenarios.

•Jan 1, 2023•0 citations
This paper investigates the transfer of probe or coupling light modulation interference to density matrix elements in a four-level heterodyne Rydberg system. By combining the density matrix dynamical equations with power spectral density (PSD) analysis, we derive analytical solutions to describe this phenomenon. Our results demonstrate that coherence in multi-level systems fundamentally enables this transfer mechanism, thereby increasing the system's noise floor and degrading microwave detection sensitivity. Building on these findings, we establish a sensitivity-noise-constraint relationship to suppress the influence of noise.
The quantum properties of matter and radiation can be leveraged to surpass classical limits of sensing and detection. Quantum optics does so by creating and measuring nonclassical light. However, better performance requires higher photon-number states, which are challenging to generate and detect. Here, we combine photons and free electrons to solve the problem of generating and detecting high-number states well beyond those reachable with light alone and further show that an unprecedented level of sensitivity and resolution is gained based on the measurement of free-electron currents after suitably designed electron-light interactions. Our enabling ingredient is the strong electron-light coupling produced by aloof electron reflection on an optical waveguide, leading to the emission or absorption of a high number of guided photons by every single electron. We establish through rigorous theory that, by combining electron-beam splitters with two electron-waveguide interactions, the sensitivity to detect optical-phase changes can be enhanced dramatically using currently attainable technology. These results inaugurate a disruptive quantum technology relying on free electrons and their strong interaction with waveguided light.