Controlling single-photon Fock-state propagation through opaque scattering materials

Abstract

The control of light scattering is essential in many quantum optical experiments. Wavefront shaping is a technique used for ultimate control over wave propagation in multiple-scattering materials by adaptive manipulation of incident waves. We control the propagation of single-photon Fock states in opaque scattering materials by phase modulation of the incident wavefront. We enhance the probability that a single photon arrives in a target output mode with a factor 10. Our proof-of-principle experiment shows that wavefront shaping can be applied to non-classical light, with prospective applications in quantum communication and quantum cryptography.