Synthesis of arbitrary, two-mode, high visibility N-photon interference patterns

Abstract

Using coherent states and linear optics, we demonstrate the synthesis of arbitrary interference patterns and establish that neither the shape nor the visibility of N-photon interference patterns can be used as a quantum signature in general. Specific examples include saw-curve and rectangle curve interference patterns, and phase super-resolution with period shortening of up to 60 times compared to ordinary interference. The former two with a visibility close to 100 % and the latter with a visibility in excess of 57 %.