title: Direct characterization of linear-optical networks.
abstract: We introduce an efficient method for fully characterizing multimode linear-optical networks. Our approach requires only a standard laser source and intensity measurements to directly and uniquely determine all moduli and non-trivial phases of the matrix describing a network. We experimentally demonstrate the characterization of a 6×6 fiber-optic network and independently verify the results via nonclassical two-photon interference.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. s.rahimik@gmail.com
authors.forename: Saleh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rahimi-Keshari
authors.forename: Matthew A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Broome
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fickler
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fedrizzi
authors.forename: Timothy C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Ralph
authors.forename: Andrew G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: White