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  • Open Access

Phase-dependent quantum optical coherence tomography

Mayte Y. Li-Gomez1,*, Taras Hrushevskyi1, Kayla McArthur1, Pablo Yepiz-Graciano2, Alfred B. U’Ren2, and Shabir Barzanjeh1,†

  • *Contact author: mayte.ligomez@ucalgary.ca
  • †Contact author: shabir.barzanjeh@ucalgary.ca
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043039 – Published 10 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/nxhw-7nf6

Abstract

Two-photon interference is a cornerstone of quantum optics, enabling imaging, sensing, and precision measurements that surpass classical limits. By harnessing the quantum interference of photon pairs, as demonstrated by the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, this approach offers superior axial resolution and intrinsic dispersion cancellation, along with strong noise suppression arising from the precise temporal correlations between photons. Building on these principles, we present the theoretical framework and experimental realization of phase-dependent quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT), a technique that employs phase-modulated two-photon interference for noninvasive morphological analysis of multilayered samples. We demonstrate that introducing controlled phase shifts to photon pairs in a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer effectively eliminates artifacts caused by reflections at different sample layers, thereby greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of QOCT measurements. This work advances the fundamental understanding and practical deployment of two-photon interference, overcoming a key limitation in applying QOCT to real-world applications such as biomedical imaging and materials characterization.

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043039– Published 10 October, 2025
  • Received 9 March 2025
  • Accepted 19 September 2025
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