High-stability time-domain balanced homodyne detector for ultrafast optical pulse applications

Journal article

Low-noise, efficient, phase-sensitive time-domain optical detection is essential for foundational tests of quantum physics based on optical quantum states and the realization of numerous applications ranging from quantum key distribution to coherent classical telecommunications. Stability, bandwidth, efficiency, and signal-to-noise ratio are crucial performance parameters for effective detector operation. Here we present a high-bandwidth, low-noise, ultra-stable time-domain coherent measurement scheme based on balanced homodyne detection ideally suited to characterization of quantum and classical light fields in well-defined ultrashort optical pulse modes. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Authors: Cooper, M; Soeller, C; Smith, B

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: JOURNAL OF MODERN OPTICS
• Volume: 60
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 611-616
• Publication date: 2013-05-01
• DOI: 10.1080/09500340.2013.797612
• EISSN: 1362-3044
• ISSN: 0950-0340
• Keywords: quantum detectors; photon statistics; balanced homodyne detection; quantum state tomography