arXiv subjects

Stefan Ataman

Publications and source records attributed to Stefan Ataman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Implementation and commissioning of an experimental system towards sub-eV axion-like particle searches with 0.1 PW laser at ELI-NP

We have developed and commissioned an experimental system at ELI-NP towards searches for axion-like particles (ALPs) in the worldwide 10~PW-class laser facility. The search principle is based on the Four-Wave Mixing (FWM) process at a focal region of coaxially combined two laser beams. The subsystems to control vacuum pressure, area size, spatiotemporal overlap and trigger-event pattern, are integrated into the experimental area for 0.1 PW laser output at ELI-NP. The integrated system is dedicated to identifying the possible background sources originated from the residual atoms and the optical elements. The performance and functionality of the subsystems were validated through the evaluations of laser characteristics, their stability and the FWM signal detections. Furthermore commissioning results for the background studies were demonstrated with 20 mJ-level laser pulses at the vacuum pressure of $1.3 \times 10^{-7}$ mbar. In conclusion, the integrated experimental system is fully functional as designed and provides a suitable platform for the background studies towards the ALP searches, enabling a stepwise scale-up of the laser pulse energies from 20 mJ to the maximum energy of 2.5 J in the 0.1 PW experimental area.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Optimal phase sensitivity of an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer

In this paper we address the problem of optimizing an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer, for a given pure input state and considering a specific detection scheme. While the optimum transmission coefficient of the first beam splitter can be uniquely determined via the quantum Fisher information only [Phys. Rev. A 105, 012604 (2022)], the second beam splitter transmission coefficient is detection-scheme dependent, too. We systematically give analytic solutions for the optimum transmission coefficient of the second beam splitter for three types of widely used detection schemes. We provide detailed examples including both Gaussian and non-Gaussian input states, showing when an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer can outperform its balanced counterpart in terms of phase sensitivity.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Interaction-free imaging of multi-pixel objects

Quantum imaging, one of the pillars of quantum technologies, is well-suited to study sensitive samples which require low-light conditions, like biological tissues. In this context, interaction-free measurements (IFM) allow us infer the presence of an opaque object without the photon interacting with the sample. Current IFM schemes are designed for single-pixel objects, while real-life samples are structured, multi-pixel objects. Here we extend the IFM imaging schemes to multi-pixel, semi-transparent objects, by encoding the information about the pixels into an internal degree of freedom, namely orbital angular momentum (OAM). This allows us to image the pixels in parallel. Our solution exhibits a better theoretical efficiency than the single-pixel case. Our scheme can be extended to other degrees of freedom, like the photon radial quantum number, in order to image 1D and 2D objects.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Quantum Fisher information maximization in an unbalanced interferometer

In this paper we provide the answer to the following question: given an arbitrary pure input state and a general, unbalanced, Mach-Zehnder interferometer, what transmission coefficient of the first beam splitter maximizes the quantum Fisher information (QFI)? We consider this question for both single- and two-parameter QFI, or, in other words, with or without having access to an external phase reference. We give analytical results for all involved scenarios. It turns out that, for a large class of input states, the balanced (50/50) scenario yields the optimal two-parameter QFI, however this is far from being a universal truth. When it comes to the single-parameter QFI, the balanced scenario is rarely the optimal one and an unbalanced interferometer can bring a significant advantage over the balanced case. We also state the condition imposed upon the input state so that no metrological advantage can be exploited via an external phase reference. Finally, we illustrate and discuss our assertions through a number of examples, including both Gaussian and non-Gaussian input states.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Single- versus two-parameter Fisher information in quantum interferometry

In this paper we reconsider the single parameter quantum Fisher information (QFI) and compare it with the two-parameter one. We find simple relations connecting the single parameter QFI (both in the asymmetric and symmetric phase shift cases) to the two parameter Fisher matrix coefficients. Following some clarifications about the role of an external phase [Phys. Rev. A 85, 011801(R) (2012)], the single-parameter QFI and its over-optimistic predictions have been disregarded in the literature. We show in this paper that both the single- and two-parameter QFI have physical meaning and their predicted quantum Cramér-Rao bounds are often attainable with the appropriate experimental setup. Moreover, we give practical situations of interest in quantum metrology, where the phase sensitivities of a number of input states approach the quantum Cramér-Rao bound induced by the single-parameter QFI, outperforming the two-parameter QFI.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

OAM tomography with Heisenberg-Weyl observables

Photons carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) are excellent qudits and are widely used in several applications, such as long distance quantum communication, $d$-dimensional teleportation and high-resolution imaging and metrology. All these protocols rely on quantum tomography to characterise the OAM state, which currently requires complex measurements involving spatial light modulators and mode filters. To simplify the measurement and characterisation of OAM states, here we apply a recent tomography protocol [Asadian et al., \pra {\bf 94}, 010301 (2016)]. Our scheme for OAM tomography in $d$ dimensions requires only a set of measurements on a mode qubit, i.e., a 2-dimensional system. This replaces the current complexity of OAM measurements by the ability to perform generalized Pauli operators $X_d, Z_d$ on OAM states. Our scheme can be adapted in principle to other degrees of freedom, thus opening the way for more complex qudit tomography.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Optimal Mach-Zehnder phase sensitivity with Gaussian states

We address in this work the phase sensitivity of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with Gaussian input states. A squeezed-coherent plus squeezed vacuum input state allows us to unambiguously determine the optimal phase-matching conditions in order to maximize the quantum Fisher information. Realistic detection schemes are described and their performance compared in respect with the quantum Cramér-Rao bound. The core of this paper discusses in detail the most general Gaussian input state, without any apriori parameter restrictions. Prioritizing the maximization of various terms in the quantum Fisher information has the consequence of imposing the input phase-matching conditions. We discuss in detail when each scenario yields an optimal performance. Realistic detection scenarios are also considered and their performance compared to the theoretical optimum. The impact of the beam splitter types employed on the optimum phase-matching conditions is also discussed. We find a number of potentially interesting advantages of these states over the coherent plus squeezed vacuum input case.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Phase sensitivity for an unbalanced interferometer without input phase-matching restrictions

The Cramér-Rao bound and the quantum Fisher information have been tools used extensively for interferometric phase sensitivity. Most scenarios considering a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with two input sources focused on the phase-matched case, when the Fisher information is maximal. Under this constraint, the best sensitivity is achieved for a balanced (50/50) input beam splitter. In this paper, we take a different approach: we allow the beam splitter transmission coefficient as well as the input phase mismatch to be variable parameters. We then search for a pair of these parameters that maximizes the Fisher information. We find that for the double coherent input the maximum Fisher information can always be reached in the unbalanced case for a carefully chosen input phase mismatch. For the coherent plus squeezed vacuum case we find that under certain circumstances a threshold phase mismatch exists, beyond which the optimum Fisher information is found for the degenerate case. For the squeezed-coherent plus squeezed vacuum case we find that the optimum actually occurs when the squeezing angles of the two inputs are in anti-phase.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Phase sensitivity of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with single-intensity and difference-intensity detection

Interferometry is a widely-used technique for precision measurements in both classical and quantum contexts. One way to increase the precision of phase measurements, for example in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), is to use high-intensity lasers. In this paper we study the phase sensitivity of a MZI in two detection setups (difference intensity detection and single-mode intensity detection) and for three input scenarios (coherent, double coherent and coherent plus squeezed vacuum). For the coherent and double coherent input, both detection setups can reach the quantum Cramer-Rao bound, although at different values of the optimal phase shift. The double coherent input scenario has the unique advantage of changing the optimal phase shift by varying the input power ratio.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Vacuum birefringence detection in all-optical scenarios

In this paper we propose an all-optical vacuum birefringence experiment and evaluate its feasibility for various scenarios. Many petawatt-class lasers became operational and many more are expected to enter operation in the near future, therefore unprecedented electromagnetic fields ($E_L\sim10^{14}-10^{15}$ V/m and intensities $I_L\sim10^{21}-10^{23}$ W/cm$^2$) will become available for experiments. In our proposal a petawatt-class laser disturbs the quantum vacuum and creates a delay in a counter-propagating probe laser beam. Placing this delayed beam in one arm of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), allows the measurement of the vacuum refraction coefficient via a phase shift. Coherent as well as squeezed light are both considered and the minimum phase sensitivity evaluated. We show that using existing technology and with some moderately optimistic assumptions, at least part of the discussed scenarios are feasible for a vacuum birefringence detection experiment.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

A novel delayed-choice experimental proposal testing local decisions

Entangled states are notoriously non-separable, their sub-ensembles being only statistical mixtures yielding no coherences and no quantum interference phenomena. The interesting features of entangled states can be revealed only by coincidence counts over the (typically) two sub-ensembles of the system. In this paper we show that this feature extends to properties thought to be local, for example the transmissivity coefficient of a beam splitter. We discuss a well-known experimental setup and propose modifications, so that delayed-choice can be added and this new feature of entanglement tested.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Spying on photons with photons: quantum interference and information

The quest to have both which-path knowledge and interference fringes in a double-slit experiment dates back to the inception of quantum mechanics (QM) and to the famous Einstein-Bohr debates. In this paper we propose and discuss an experiment able to spy on one photon's path with another photon. We modify the quantum state inside the interferometer as opposed to the traditional physical modification of the "wave-like" or "particle-like" experimental setup. We are able to show that it is the ability to harvest or not which-path information that finally limits the visibility of the interference pattern and not the "wave-like" or "particle-like" experimental setups. Remarkably, a full "particle-like" experimental setup is able to show interference fringes with 100 % visibility if the quantum state is carefully engineered.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

An example of quantum imaging: rendering an object undetectable

In this paper we propose and analyse a Gedankenexperiment involving three non-linear crystals and two objects inserted in the idler beams. We show that, besides the behaviour that can be extrapolated from previous experiments involving two crystals and one object, we are able to predict a new effect: under certain circumstances, one of the objects can be rendered undetectable to any single detection rate on the signal photons with discarded idler photons. This effect could find applications in future developments of quantum imaging techniques.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

The quantum optical description of a Fabry-Perot interferometer and the prediction of an antibunching effect

In this paper we describe a Fabry-Perot interferometer in the language of quantum optics. We go on to model the Fabry-Perot interferometer as a beam splitter having frequency dependent transmissivity and reflectivity coefficients. The antibunching, a totally non-classical effect, is to be expected if one excites this interferometer with carefully frequency-selected single photons arriving simultaneously from opposite directions. Contrary to a normal beam splitter, even slightly different frequency single photons should be able to show this effect, as long as the photon counters are not frequency selective.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

The quantum optical description of three experiments involving non-linear optics using a graphical method

In this paper we describe and thoroughly discuss three reported experiments in quantum optics (QO) involving interferometers and non-linear crystals. We show that by using a graphical method and an over-simplified model of the parametric down-conversion process, we arrive to explain all the important results reported in the respective papers. Indistinguishability is discussed in the case of separable/non-separable (i.e. entangled) quantum systems and our interpretation is sometimes at variance with the one given by the authors reporting the experiments.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Complementarity, quantum erasure and delayed choice with modified Mach-Zehnder interferometers

Often cited dictums in Quantum Mechanics include "observation disturbance causes loss of interference" and "ignorance is interference". In this paper we propose and describe a series of experiments with modified Mach-Zehnder interferometers showing that one has to be careful when applying such dictums. We are able to show that without interacting in any way with the light quantum (or quanta) expected to behave "wave-like", interference fringes can be lost by simply gaining (or having the potential to gain) the which-path knowledge. Erasing this information may revive the interference fringes. Delayed choice can be added, arriving to an experiment in line with Wheeler's original proposal. We also show that ignorance is not always synonym with having the interference fringes. The often-invoked "collapse of the wavefunction" is found to be a non-necessary ingredient to describe our experiments.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Field operator transformations in Quantum Optics using a novel graphical method with applications to beam splitters and interferometers

In this paper we describe a novel, graphical method, allowing the fast computation of field operator transformations for linear lossless optical devices in Quantum Optics (QO). The advantage of this method grows with the complexity of the considered optical setup. As case studies we examine the field operator transformations for the beam splitter (BS), the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) and the double MZI. We consider the simple case with monochromatic input light, as well as extensions to the non-monochromatic case.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

The quantum optical description of a double Mach-Zehnder interferometer

In this paper we describe within the formalism of Quantum Optics (QO) a double Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). For single photon Fock states this experimental setup is shown to exhibit a counter-intuitive behavior: for certain values of the path length difference of the first MZI, the singles photon-count statistics at the output detectors does not change, whatever the difference in path length for the second MZI. For simultaneously impinging light quanta, we show that this setup is able to show the same HOM antibunching effect previously obtained with a beam splitter. However, by adding substantial delays in each MZI, we can obtain the same effect even if the "photon wave packets" do not overlap at the second beam splitter.

physics.optics↗