Simultaneously Sorting Overlapping Quantum States of Light

Suraj Goel, Max Tyler, Feng Zhu, Saroch Leedumrongwatthanakun, Mehul Malik, Jonathan Leach

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)
121 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The efficient manipulation, sorting, and measurement of optical modes and single-photon states is fundamental to classical and quantum science. Here, we realize simultaneous and efficient sorting of nonorthogonal, overlapping states of light, encoded in the transverse spatial degree of freedom. We use a specifically designed multiplane light converter to sort states encoded in dimensions ranging from d=3 to d=7. Through the use of an auxiliary output mode, the multiplane light converter simultaneously performs the unitary operation required for unambiguous discrimination and the basis change for the outcomes to be spatially separated. Our results lay the groundwork for optimal image identification and classification via optical networks, with potential applications ranging from self-driving cars to quantum communication systems.
Original languageEnglish
Article number143602
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume130
Issue number14
Early online date6 Apr 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Apr 2023

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