Multiphoton quantum interference with high visibility using multiport beam splitters

Abstract

Multiphoton states can be produced in multiple parametric down-conversion (PDC) processes. The nonlinear crystal in such a case is pumped with high power. In theory, the more populated these states are, the deeper is the conflict with local realistic description. However, the interference contrast in multiphoton PDC experiments can be quite low for high pumping. We show how the contrast can be improved. The idea employs currently accessible optical devices, the multiport beam splitters. They are capable of splitting the incoming light in one input mode to $M$ output modes. Our scheme works as a positive operator-valued measure filter. It may provide a feasible Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt-Bell inequality test, and thus can be useful in, e.g., schemes reducing communication complexity.