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Multiport homodyne detection near the quantum noise limit

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Abstract

A detailed description of a multiport detection experiment operating close to the quantum noise limit is presented. Simultaneous phase and amplitude measurements were made on signals of only five photons energy with a signal-to-noise ratio that was accountable to within 2 dB of the quantum limit. Statistical examination of the noise showed excellent agreement with the gaussian distribution predicted by both the semiclassical and fully quantum theories.

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Author notes

  1. N. G. Walker

    Present address: British Telecom Research laboratories, Martlesham Heath, IP5 7RE, Ipswich, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, CB2 1PZ, Cambridge, UK

    N. G. Walker & J. E. Carroll

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  1. N. G. Walker
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  2. J. E. Carroll
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Walker, N.G., Carroll, J.E. Multiport homodyne detection near the quantum noise limit. Opt Quant Electron 18, 355–363 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032562

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032562

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