Quantum Fluctuations in the Small Fabry–Perot Interferometer

Abstract

Spectra of the small Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) of the size of the order of the wavelength, with the main mode excited by a quantum field from a nano–LED or a laser, are investigated. The input field is detuned from the FPI mode with only a few photons. We formulate the convenient model for the FPI interacting with a quantum field, and provide novel explicit expressions for the field and the photon number fluctuation spectra inside and outside the FPI, with clearly identified contributions of the quantum and the classical noise. As a result, we found the spectra structures are quite different for the field, the photon number fluctuations inside the FPI, for the transmitted and the reflected fields and note asymmetries in spectra. The quantum noise is colored (or white) inside (or outside) the FPI, which explains differences in spectra. As another novel result, we calculate the second-order time auto–correlation functions for the FPI field; they oscillate and are negative under certain conditions. Results will help the study, design, manufacture, and use of the small elements of quantum optical integrated circuits, such as delay lines or optical transistors.

Keywords

• quantum noise
• interferometer
• optical element
• field spectrum