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Multiphoton non-local quantum interference controlled by an undetected photon

Author

Listed:
  • Kaiyi Qian

    (Nanjing University)

  • Kai Wang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Leizhen Chen

    (Nanjing University)

  • Zhaohua Hou

    (Nanjing University)

  • Mario Krenn

    (Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL))

  • Shining Zhu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Xiao-song Ma

    (Nanjing University
    University of Science and Technology of China
    Hefei National Laboratory)

Abstract

The interference of quanta lies at the heart of quantum physics. The multipartite generalization of single-quanta interference creates entanglement, the coherent superposition of states shared by several quanta. Entanglement allows non-local correlations between many quanta and hence is a key resource for quantum information technology. Entanglement is typically considered to be essential for creating non-local quantum interference. Here, we show that this is not the case and demonstrate multiphoton non-local quantum interference that does not require entanglement of any intrinsic properties of the photons. We harness the superposition of the physical origin of a four-photon product state, which leads to constructive and destructive interference with the photons’ mere existence. With the intrinsic indistinguishability in the generation process of photons, we realize four-photon frustrated quantum interference. This allows us to observe the following noteworthy difference to quantum entanglement: We control the non-local multipartite quantum interference with a photon that we never detect, which does not require quantum entanglement. These non-local properties pave the way for the studies of foundations of quantum physics and potential applications in quantum technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaiyi Qian & Kai Wang & Leizhen Chen & Zhaohua Hou & Mario Krenn & Shining Zhu & Xiao-song Ma, 2023. "Multiphoton non-local quantum interference controlled by an undetected photon," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-37228-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37228-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gabriela Barreto Lemos & Victoria Borish & Garrett D. Cole & Sven Ramelow & Radek Lapkiewicz & Anton Zeilinger, 2014. "Quantum imaging with undetected photons," Nature, Nature, vol. 512(7515), pages 409-412, August.
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