Spatial quantum effects with continuous-wave laser beams

Abstract

The application of quantum optics to spatial measurements with continuous-wave laser beams is discussed. In particular, we summarize the work on measuring small displacements and tilt. We present the required theoretical multi-mode model and discuss how it applies to split detectors and spatial homodyne detectors. We show how spatial measurements can be improved using squeezed light. Finally, we present a demonstration of improved spatial homodyne measurements using squeezed light in a higher order spatial mode.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Agnes Maître, Sylvain Gigan, Nicolai Grosse and Warwick P. Bowen for the many contributions to experiments and theory, and Max Colla for the excellent graphics support. The work presented here was made possible through funding by the Australian Research Council and CNRS France.