Characterization of PT-symmetric quantum interference based on the coupled mode theory

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a comprehensive quantum theoretical framework to formulate the quantum interference inside the parity-time (PT) symmetric waveguide system which is formed by two coupled optical waveguides with unequal losses. Based on the theory, the expression for the well-known Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) dip is derived, which is in an exact agreement with the published results. What’s more, a novel one-photon quantum interference phenomenon is predicted according to the model, which suggests a quantum interference process similar to the HOM effect can be observed for the one-photon state, while the other photon is lost due to the waveguide attenuation. Such phenomenon cannot occur in a Hermitian system or in the system formed by the waveguides with equal losses.