Quantum State Tomography of Qudits via Hong-Ou-Mandel Interference

Abstract

We propose a method to perform the quantum state tomography (QST) of an n-partite qudit state embedded in single photons based on the Hong-Ou-Mandel interference between the target photon and ancillary probe light. Our method requires only passive beam splitters in the target modes by shifting all of the active devices used in conventional QST methods to the probe preparation system. This feature is useful when the active optical devices for QST have large optical losses. Moreover, even when the probe is prepared by a laser light having a mode mismatch with the target photon, the method offers an accurate estimation of the target state. As a proof-of-principle, we perform the experimental demonstration using a polarization qubit. Regardless of the photon statistics of the probe light, the estimated results of state reconstruction are as accurate as those verified by the conventional QST.