Spectral characterization of non-Gaussian quantum noise: Keldysh approach and application to photon shot noise

Abstract

Having accurate tools to describe nonclassical, non-Gaussian environmental fluctuations is crucial for designing effective quantum control protocols and understanding the physics of underlying quantum dissipative environments. We show how the Keldysh approach to quantum noise characterization can be usefully employed to characterize frequency-dependent noise, focusing on the quantum bispectrum (i.e., frequency-resolved third cumulant). Using the paradigmatic example of photon shot noise fluctuations in a driven bosonic mode, we show that the quantum bispectrum can be a powerful tool for revealing distinctive nonclassical noise properties, including an effective breaking of detailed balance by quantum fluctuations. The Keldysh-ordered quantum bispectrum can be directly accessed using existing noise spectroscopy protocols.