Unambiguous joint detection of spatially separated properties of a single photon in the two arms of an interferometer

Abstract

AbstractThe quantum superposition principle implies that a particle entering an interferometer evolves by simultaneously taking both arms. If a non-destructive, minimally-disturbing interaction coupling a particle property to a pointer is implemented on each arm while maintaining the path superposition, quantum theory predicts that, for a fixed state measured at the output port, certain particle properties can be associated with only one or the other path. This phenomenon is known as the quantum Cheshire cat effect. Here we report the realization of this prediction through joint observation of the spatial and polarization degrees of freedom of a single photon in the two respective arms of an interferometer. Significant pointer shifts ( ~ 50 microns), corresponding to measured weak values, are observed in each arm. This observation, involving coupling distinct properties of a quantum system in spatially separated regions, opens new possibilities for quantum information protocols and for tests of quantumness for mesoscopic systems.