Hong-Ou-Mandel Interference with Imperfect Single Photon Sources

Hong-Ou-Mandel interference is a cornerstone of optical quantum technologies. We explore both theoretically and experimentally how unwanted multiphoton components of single-photon sources affect the interference visibility, and find that the overlap between the single photons and the noise photons significantly impacts the interference. We apply our approach to quantum dot single-photon sources to access the mean wave packet overlap of the single-photon component. This study provides a consistent platform with which to diagnose the limitations of current single-photon sources on the route towards the ideal device.

Automated summary

The study delves into how unwanted multiphoton components of single-photon sources affect the Hong-Ou-Mandel interference visibility. It is found that the overlap between single photons and noise photons significantly impacts the interference. By applying the approach to quantum dot single-photon sources, the mean wave packet overlap of the single-photon component can be accessed, providing a consistent platform to diagnose limitations in current single-photon sources.