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Interference of Light in a Michelson-Morley Interferometer : A Quantum Optical Approach
Joint Authors
Vaskinn, A.
Skagerstam, B.-S.
Langangen, Ø.
Source
International Journal of Optics
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-08-30
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
The temporal coherence interference properties of light as revealed by single detector intensity measurements in a Michelson-Morley interferometer (MMI) is often described in terms of classical optics.
We show, in a pedagogical manner, how such features of light also can be understood in terms of a more general quantum-optics framework.
If a thermal reference source is used in the MMI local oscillator port in combination with a thermal source in the signal port, the interference pattern revealed by single detector intensity measurements shows a distinctive dependence on the differences in the temperature of the two sources.
A related method has actually been used to perform high-precision measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
The general quantum-optics framework allows us to consider any initial quantum state.
As an example, we consider the interference of single photons as a tool to determine the peak angular-frequency of a single-photon pulse interfering with a single-photon reference pulse.
A similar consideration for laser pulses, in terms of coherent states, leads to a different response in the detector.
The MMI experimental setup is therefore an example of an optical device where one, in terms of intensity measurements, can exhibit the difference between classical and quantum-mechanical light.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Langangen, Ø.& Vaskinn, A.& Skagerstam, B.-S.. 2012. Interference of Light in a Michelson-Morley Interferometer : A Quantum Optical Approach. International Journal of Optics،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-469753
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Langangen, Ø.…[et al.]. Interference of Light in a Michelson-Morley Interferometer : A Quantum Optical Approach. International Journal of Optics No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-469753
American Medical Association (AMA)
Langangen, Ø.& Vaskinn, A.& Skagerstam, B.-S.. Interference of Light in a Michelson-Morley Interferometer : A Quantum Optical Approach. International Journal of Optics. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-469753
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-469753