Accurate and precise characterization of linear optical interferometers. (29th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dhand, Ish; Khalid, Abdullah; Lu, He; Sanders, Barry C
• Is Part Of: Journal of optics. Volume 18:Number 3(2016:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2016-02-29
• Subjects: linear optics -- optical interferometer -- chracterization -- calibration -- bootstrapping -- scattershot; 03.67.Lx -- 42.25.Hz -- 42.50.Ex -- 42.79.Fm; Optics -- Periodicals; 535.05
• DOI: 10.1088/2040-8978/18/3/035204
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-8978

Abstract

Abstract: We combine single- and two-photon interference procedures for characterizing any multi-port linear optical interferometer accurately and precisely. Accuracy is achieved by estimating and correcting systematic errors that arise due to spatiotemporal and polarization mode mismatch. Enhanced accuracy and precision are attained by fitting experimental coincidence data to curve simulated using measured source spectra. We employ bootstrapping statistics to quantify the resultant degree of precision. A scattershot approach is devised to effect a reduction in the experimental time required to characterize the interferometer. The efficacy of our characterization procedure is verified by numerical simulations.