Precision Measurement in Quantum Optics.

摘要

The work contained in this thesis is derived from various projects completed during my studies at the University of Rochester. The first chapter introduces the reader to foundational concepts in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, weak values, and the interaction of light with matter. Chapter two covers the results of experiments conducted to measure the deflection of a beam of classical light using the weak value formalism. A discussion of the optimal signal to noise ratio of such a measurement is included. Chapter three shows how the so-called "inverse weak value" can be used to measure the phase of an optical beam with high precision. The following chapter includes results on precision frequency measurements using a standard glass prism and weak values, followed by related experimental results arising from the interaction of light with gaseous rubidium. Chapter five focuses on a proposal to use weak measurements to undo a random disturbance in the amplitude or phase of an entangled pair of photons. It is shown that the entanglement of an ensemble of photon pairs can be largely restored after this random disturbance.