Efficient ultrafast homodyne detection of quantum light

Abstract

Ultrafast continuous-variable quantum states offer new opportunities for advanced quantum technologies, but efficient homodyne detection of these states remains challenging. Here, we present a method for efficient ultrafast homodyne detection by exploiting temporal correlations in detector signals. By optimizing the temporal weight used to extract quadrature outcomes, we achieve a substantial increase in the signal-to-noise ratio of ultrafast homodyne detection, thereby improving the detection efficiency. We analyze the autocorrelations of shot noise and electronic noise and determine the optimal weight by solving a generalized Rayleigh quotient problem. The optimal weight enhances the squeezing and anti-squeezing levels observed experimentally. These results highlight the importance of optimized signal processing for efficient quantum measurements.