Standards Development
This document specifies a method to use Hanbury -Brown-Twiss interferometry to characterize an optical source. It is applicable to the determination of the single-photon purity of photonic quantum sources, such as single photon sources.
Quantum technologies are highly anticipated to offer revolutionary performance in quantum sensing, computing, and communication. One of key elements in quantum sensing is the single -photon emitter, a light source that emits one photon at a time. This singl e photon plays a pivotal role in storing and transmitting quantum information, making it indispensable for quantum applications. The Hanbury Brown-Twiss (HBT) interference measurement technique, a well-established method in quantum optics is crucial in this context. It is primarily used to measure the statistical properties of light, particularly for determining photon correlations in single-photon sources.
In terms of technology readiness, the HBT technique is highly mature, with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) generally between 7 and 9, depending on the specific application and integration with other systems. This technique has been successfully employed in laboratory environments and commercialized across various quantum technology platforms.
The performance of a single-photon source is evaluated based on metrics such as brightness, purity, and indistinguishability. Among these, the purity of single -photon emission—how purely a single photon is emitted—is crucial for maintaining quantum entanglement and reducing errors in quantum information processing. In quantum sensing, where sensor sensitivity and accuracy depend on the purity of the single photon, the HBT technique is critical for the precise characterization of single -photon emitters. However, photons in mixed states can interfere with the maintenance of superposition and entanglement, leading to information errors and noise.
Despite the importance of evaluating single-photon purity, the absence of standard evaluation methods makes it difficult to compare various quantum sources, resulting in a hindrance to the advancement of quantum techniques. This underscores the immediate n ecessity for a standardized evaluation method that can accurately assess and verify the single-photon purity across different quantum sources. As quantum technologies advance towards broader commercial deployment, the importance of accurate and reliable photon correlation measurements—enabled by the HBT technique—becomes increasingly significant. Its relevance is further underscored by ongoing global efforts in quantum standardization and metrology.
This Technical Specification specifies a method to use Hanbury -Brown-Twiss interferometry to characterize an optical source. It is applicable to the determination of the single -photon purity of photonic quantum sources, such as single photon sources. By me asuring the coincidence between photons detected from split beams, it is possible to determine the photon emission characteristics of quantum sources and evaluate the purity of single-photon emission. For a single-photon source, the value of the second-order correlation function g(2)(0) should be close to 0, indicating a high level of purity. This standardized approach is crucial for advancing quantum technologies and ensuring consistency across different quantum systems.
Required form fields are indicated by an asterisk (*) character.
You are now following this standard. Weekly digest emails will be sent to update you on the following activities:
You can manage your follow preferences from your Account. Please check your mailbox junk folder if you don't receive the weekly email.
You have successfully unsubscribed from weekly updates for this standard.
Comment by: