Partial-coherence weak measurement of polarization qubits with a temporal pointer: theory and experiment

arXiv:2610.14954v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Weak measurement has proven useful for metrology, for probing quantum paradoxes, and for the direct measurement of quantum states. Weak measurements of polarization qubits with temporal pointers provide a direct route to weak-value characterization, including in regimes where the pointer is only partially coherent. We derive a closed-form expression for the post-selected temporal shift that interpolates between the incoherent and coherent (ideal) weak-measurement limits through a single parameter $\nu$, the pointer visibility. The expression is experimentally tested for a range of polarization states spanning three trajectories corresponding to rotations about the principal axes of the Poincar\'e sphere. Two of the trajectories provide parameter-free benchmarks, with the real part of the weak value following $\cos^2\theta$ and $1/2$. In contrast, the weak value along the third trajectory is sensitive to incoherence and is well described by the single-parameter partial-coherence model, from which a reduced pointer visibility is obtained. Time shifts are extracted from the smoothed derivative of the pulse leading edge with internal calibration, reaching few-picosecond precision on 10 ns optical pulses using commercial components. The same apparatus also gives qualitative access to the imaginary quadrature through the frequency centroid, showing that temporal weak measurements remain accessible and quantitative in partially coherent pulsed systems.

Abstract:Weak measurement has proven useful for metrology, for probing quantum paradoxes, and for the direct measurement of quantum states. Weak measurements of polarization qubits with temporal pointers provide a direct route to weak-value characterization, including in regimes where the pointer is only partially coherent. We derive a closed-form expression for the post-selected temporal shift that interpolates between the incoherent and coherent (ideal) weak-measurement limits through a single parameter $\nu$, the pointer visibility. The expression is experimentally tested for a range of polarization states spanning three trajectories corresponding to rotations about the principal axes of the Poincaré sphere. Two of the trajectories provide parameter-free benchmarks, with the real part of the weak value following $\cos^2\theta$ and $1/2$. In contrast, the weak value along the third trajectory is sensitive to incoherence and is well described by the single-parameter partial-coherence model, from which a reduced pointer visibility is obtained. Time shifts are extracted from the smoothed derivative of the pulse leading edge with internal calibration, reaching few-picosecond precision on 10 ns optical pulses using commercial components. The same apparatus also gives qualitative access to the imaginary quadrature through the frequency centroid, showing that temporal weak measurements remain accessible and quantitative in partially coherent pulsed systems.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Optics (physics.optics)

arXiv:2610.14954 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2610.14954v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.14954 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.

aiqbench analysis

Partial-coherence weak measurement of polarization qubits with a temporal pointer: theory and experiment

Related coverage