Multimode quantum state tomography using unbalanced array detection

Abstract

We measure the joint Q-function of a multi-spatial-mode field using a charge-coupled device array detector in an unbalanced heterodyne configuration. The intensity pattern formed by interference between a weak signal field and a strong local oscillator is resolved using Fourier analysis and used to reconstruct quadrature amplitude statistics for 22 spatial modes simultaneously. The local oscillator and signal propagate at an angle of 12 mrad thus shifting the classical noise to modes that do not overlap with the signal. In this configuration, balanced detection is not necessary.