Delayed-choice quantum erasure with nonlocal temporal double-slit interference

Wave-particle duality is a counterintuitive nature of quantum physics that challenges many common-sense assumptions, and Young's double-slit interference is a prototypical example. While most quantum erasure experiments emphasized the choice of erasing or marking the which-path information of one quantum system, we use frequency entanglement to report a nonlocal temporal double-slit interferometer such that the which-time information determines the wave-like or particle-like behaviors. Since frequency-entangled photons are created simultaneously by using spontaneous parametric down conversion, the mark of temporal distinguishability is readily prepared by delaying one of the entangled photons, and its quantum eraser is implemented by using spectrally resolved detection with a tunable delayed choice. These results may provide an alternative aspect and insight into the role of the temporal degree in quantum-light complementarity and photon interference.

Automated summary

Wave-particle duality is a counterintuitive nature of quantum physics, and Young's double-slit interference is used as an example. In this study, frequency entanglement is used to create a nonlocal temporal double-slit interferometer, where the which-time information determines the behavior of the photons. By delaying one of the entangled photons, the mark of temporal distinguishability is prepared and its quantum eraser is implemented using spectrally resolved detection. These findings provide insights into the role of the temporal degree in quantum-light complementarity and photon interference.