Day 2 of Exploring the Connections between Quantum & Classical Optics
Tanya Malhotra, University of Rochester
The OSA Incubator Emerging Connections: Quantum and Classical Optics continued today more interesting talks and compelling discussions on understanding and challenging some of the traditionally accepted ideas associated with quantum systems.
On the classical entanglement front, other applications were put forward for discussion during this second day. Examples included generation of diffraction-free beams and cavities that resonate over a wide range of wavelengths (white light cavities) by entangling the space and time degrees of freedom of classical beams. Other derivations of mathematical models from quantum information theory and quantum optics being used in classical optics were also presented. Applications from quantum Fisher information theory were utilized to advance the spatial imaging resolution of a classical optical system. Optical vortex beams (Laguerre-Gauss modes) were shown to admit Schmidt decomposition when written in a Hermite-Gauss modal basis. This manifestation of classical entanglement was used to gain alternative insight, in addition to the established optical coherence theory, into statistical features of such vortex beams.
In-depth probing of the definition, control and generation of ‘coherence’ continued throughout the presentations and in the follow-up discussions. Induced coherence, in particular as applied to experiments involving 3-wave mixing using coherent pump and vacuum field modes, was shown to demonstrate complementarity for single-photon interference. Measurement and interpretation of partial polarization or degree of polarization in the context of entanglement and its geometrical interpretation were also the subject matter of multiple talks. Of noteworthy interest was the reported relationship examined between partial polarizations and path distinguishability in the context of single photon interference.
To summarize, this Incubator provided a platform for the successful exchange of scientific opinions through a collection of talks and discussions. This exchange brought a diverse scientific community together in one room and allowed for a healthy contrast of ideas, but fostered an openness that built on each other’s ideas. In consensus, classical entanglement was accepted to be an established entity that is being used and explored by many groups worldwide with applications that brings something distinct from quantum entanglement.
Thanks to the organizers and OSA for giving us this platform! I look forward to seeing what is coming next!
Luis Sanchez-Soto (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain) explored Quantum Strategies in Classical Coherence Theory
Ralf Menzel (Universität Potsdam, Germany) discussing Complementarity, Modes & Vacuum Fields
