Single-photon interferometry and spectroscopy with two laser frequency combs

Abstract

We demonstrate single-photon time-domain interference in a new realm. We observe interferences in the photon counting statistics with two separate mode-locked femtosecond lasers of slightly different repetition frequencies, each emitting a comb of evenly spaced spectral lines over a wide spectral span. We exploit the interference pattern for spectroscopic diagnostics over a broad spectral range. An experimental proof-of-concept shows that the emerging technique of high-resolution dual-comb Fourier transform spectroscopy can be performed at light powers that are a billion-fold weaker than those commonly employed. Our experiments challenge the intuitive concept that a photon exists before detection and they open the prospect of precise spectroscopy over broad spectral bandwidth in light-starved conditions.