Abstract

Photons and laser beams provide an ideal situation to discuss some of the mysteries of quantum physics. There are many additional fundamental features which are not accessible with a classical system such as an electric current, which include: quantum noise, the uncertainty relation and correlations between different laser beams. Not only is the difference between the quantum behaviour of photons and classical waves a curious effect, it is also important in many technical applications and forms the basis of future technologies, such as improved optical sensors or quantum cryptography.

Using the example of a simple beam splitter and its effect on a laser beam one can explore these mysterious quantum effects with undergraduate students. We will discuss a systematic series of cases, using the beam splitter, which identify the difference between the quantum and the classical world. We will present the technical details of an experiment suitable for third year students that demonstrate genuine quantum noise effects.

© 2001 Optical Society of America