Single-shot measurement of quantum optical phase

Abstract

Although the canonical phase of light, which is defined as the complement of photon number, has been described theoretically by a variety of distinct approaches, there have been no methods proposed for its measurement. Indeed doubts have been expressed about whether or not it is measurable. Here we show how it is possible, at least in principle, to perform a single-shot measurement of the canonical phase using beam splitters, mirrors, phase shifters, and photodetectors.