Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physics & Astronomy

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Today, quantum photonics is one of the leading platforms for the research and development of the quantum information sciences and technologies. It is also the most promising platform for quantum networking protocols. As such, the investigation and characterization of quantum light sources is vital to the future of quantum research. In this thesis document, titled “Multimode Statistical Photonics and Quantum State Tomography for Quantum Networks,” I present my research on the multi-mode statistical properties of classical light sources, with applications to quantum state tomography methods for use in quantum communications and networking protocols. During my time here at LSU, I have worked with my fellow researchers in the quantum photonics group to investigate the quantum dynamics which govern the classical statistical behaviors of stochastically-random light sources. By extracting the correlated multiphoton, multi-mode subsystems of such sources, we have discovered nontrivial, uniquely-quantum behaviors within sources of light which were previously thought to be only classical. I have also developed a robust theoretical framework for describing such sources, utilizing techniques from quantum field theory, which we have shown to be an excellent predictor of experimental measurements. I have then applied these innovations to projects concerning plasmonic nanostructures, quantum imaging, and quantum sensing. Additionally, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), I have performed an experiment utilizing weak-field interference to prove the correctness of a quantum state tomography method called weak-field homodyne detection, a low-noise procedure which is ideal for quantum communications and networking protocols. As a result, I was able to completely reconstruct a coherent quantum state within the interference mode, and also to obtain some limited information about the remaining modes of that state. Throughout all of this, my research has had a particular focus on multi-mode photonics and its applications to plasmonics and quantum networking, and I believe that the state-tomography protocols and the results concerning stochastically-random quantum light sources will be of use to the quantum information and photonics communities for years to come.

Date

3-26-2026

Committee Chair

Magaña-Loaiza, Omar

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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Available for download on Thursday, March 15, 2029

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