Monte Carlo simulation of photonic state tomography: A virtual Hanbury Brown and Twiss correlator

Abstract

This paper provides a theoretical background for the simulations of particular quantum optics experiments, namely, photon intensity correlation measurements. A practical example, adapted to polarisation-entangled photon pairs emitted from a quantum dot, is presented. The tool, a virtual Hanbury Brown and Twiss correlator, simulates polarisation-resolved the second-order correlation functions, which then can be used in a photonic state tomography procedure - a full description of a light source's polarisation state. This educational tool is meant to improve general understanding of such quantum optics experiments.