Author: ["R. Kaltenbaek","J. Lavoie","D. N. Biggerstaff","K. J. Resch"]
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Abstract
The precision of various interferometric measurements can be enhanced by using entangled states of light. Now an experiment demonstrates that all the metrological advantages of the famed Hong–Ou–Mandel quantum interferometer can be realized even with purely classical light. Interference is a defining feature of both quantum and classical theories of light, enabling the most precise measurements of a wide range of physical quantities including length1 and time2. Quantum metrology exploits fundamental differences between these theories for new measurement techniques and enhanced precision3,4. Advantages stem from several phenomena associated with quantum interferometers, including non-local interference5,6, phase-insensitive interference7, phase super-resolution and super-sensitivity8,9,10, and automatic dispersion cancellation6,11,12. However, quantum interferometers require entangled states that are in practice difficult to create, manipulate and detect, especially compared with robust, intense classical states. In the present work, we report an interferometer based on chirped femtosecond laser pulses and classical nonlinear optics showing all of the metrological advantages of the quantum Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometer7, but with 10 million times more signal. Our work emphasizes the importance of delineating truly quantum effects from those with classical analogues10,13,14, and shows how insights gained from quantum mechanics can inspire novel classical technologies.Cite this article
Kaltenbaek, R., Lavoie, J., Biggerstaff, D. et al. Quantum-inspired interferometry with chirped laser pulses. Nature Phys 4, 864–868 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys1093 