Classical versus non-classical photon states for detecting vacuum non-linearity

Abstract:Quantum electrodynamics (QED) predicts that the vacuum should behave as a non-linear medium. For many schemes aimed at verifying this fundamental prediction, the signal consists of one or more photons in a certain mode (determined by polarization $\sigma$ and wave-number $\boldsymbol{k}$) which would be empty in the absence of a QED vacuum non-linearity. Here we consider modifying these schemes by sending in a classical or non-classical (e.g., squeezed) photon state instead of the initial vacuum state in that mode. We find that the detectability can be improved significantly.

arXiv:2608.21361 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2608.21361v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2608.21361 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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