Speaker
Description
Amplitude-squeezed light provides an opportunity for reducing the shot noise inherent to classical light sources, in turn improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Such amplitude-squeezed states could allow for the use of Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy to be used for imaging light-sensitive samples. These samples could otherwise be damaged due to the intensity needed for using SRS microscopy with classical light sources. However, practical implementation of using amplitude squeezing for ultrafast laser pulses requires significant development and investigation.
One method to produce squeezed states is through an optical parametric amplifier (OPA). We have developed a novel numerical technique that accurately models the generation of multimode squeezed states in an OPA, including the change in intensity and the quantum fluctuations of the pump pulse. Our method allows us to simulate the spatial-temporal interactions in three physical dimensions. This permits us to determine the full three-dimensional structure of the squeezed pulse, a vital step for predicting image formation inside of a microscope. It is useful for determining properties of the light which will be used as input for the microscope, and to optimize input parameters for ideal pulse shape and level of squeezing of the quantum light source itself.
We explore the generation of squeezed coherent states for reducing shot noise for applications in nonlinear optical microscopy, such as mineralogical sampling. In particular, we present practical limitations of shot noise reduction due to the phase sensitivity of OPAs. Results for two-dimensional simulations demonstrate how the level of squeezing and the pulses’ intensities depend on the pulses’ input phases and beam widths, among several variables. We show that the quantum aspects of light, such as the level of squeezing, are much more sensitive to phase than classical variables, such as gain or loss. We further explore these effects in three dimensions.
| Keyword-1 | Quantum optics |
|---|---|
| Keyword-2 | Squeezed states of light |
| Keyword-3 | Computational modelling |