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Title: An easier-to-align Hong–Ou–Mandel interference demonstration
The Hong–Ou–Mandel interference experiment is a fundamental demonstration of nonclassical interference and a basis for many investigations of quantum information. This experiment involves the interference of two photons reaching a symmetric beamsplitter. When the photons are made indistinguishable in all possible ways, an interference of quantum amplitudes results in both photons always leaving the same beamsplitter output port. Thus, a scan of distinguishable parameters, such as the arrival time difference of the photons reaching the beamsplitter, produces a dip in the coincidences measured at the outputs of the beamsplitter. The main challenge for its implementation as an undergraduate laboratory is the alignment of the photon paths at the beamsplitter. We overcome this difficulty by using a pre-aligned commercial fiber-coupled beamsplitter. In addition, we use waveplates to vary the distinguishability of the photons by their state of polarization. We present a theoretical description at the introductory quantum mechanics level of the two types of experiments, plus a discussion of the apparatus alignment and list of parts needed.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2011937
PAR ID:
10428776
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
American Journal of Physics
Volume:
91
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0002-9505
Page Range / eLocation ID:
307 to 315
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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