Photon counting probabilities of the output field for a single-photon input

Abstract

We derive photon counting statistics for an output field of a single-photon wave packet interacting with a quantum system (e.g. a quantum harmonic oscillator or a two-level atom). We determine the exclusive probability densities for the output field by making use of quantum filtering theory. The quantum trajectories for continuous in time measurements of the output field (reflected and transmitted), are determined starting from a collision model and difference filtering equations. We provide analytical formulae for quantum trajectories associated with a two-dimensional stochastic counting process, we describe their structure, and give a physical interpretation to them. Moreover, we provide analytical expressions for probability densities for the times of successive photon detections for a single-photon field scattered on a two-level atom, for an arbitrary photon profile and any initial state of the atom.