All possible bipartite positive-operator-value measurements of two-photon polarization states

Abstract

Here we propose an implementation of all possible Positive Operator Value Measures (POVMs) of two-photon polarization states. POVMs are the most general class of quantum measurements. Our setup requires linear optics, Bell State measurements and an entangled three-photon ancilla state, which can be prepared separately and in advance (or 'off-line'). As an example we give the detailed settings for a simultaneous measurement of all four Bell States for an arbitrary two-photon polarization state, which is impossible with linear optics alone.