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  • Open Access

Vector-light interference with a multimode N00N state

Elvis Pillinen*, Tero Setälä, and Andreas Norrman

  • *Contact author: elvis.pillinen@uef.fi
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 013184 – Published 19 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/zq23-n1ql

Abstract

Multimode N00N states stand out as an excellent platform to explore higher-order quantum interference phenomena, with benefits in quantum-enhanced estimation of multiple parameters beyond classical limits. Here, we investigate higher-order polarization properties, geometric phase features, and associated wave-particle duality structures in double-slit vector-light interference involving a multimode N00N state. We particularly show that the interferometric polarization modulation and the accompanied geometric phase accumulation are N times faster for the multimode N00N state than for one-photon or classical light. We also formulate Nth-order extensions of the three wave-particle duality relations established for a single vector-light photon: the two via distinguishabilities and visibilities [A. Norrman et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 040401 (2017)], and the one via the geometric phase and which-path information ratio [E. Pillinen et al., Phys. Rev. A 111, 063709 (2025)]. Our work contributes to the broader fundamental understanding of how vectorial quantum light acts in higher-order interference, with possible opportunities in precision metrology outside scalar-field regimes.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 013184– Published 19 February, 2026
  • Received 28 October 2025
  • Accepted 20 January 2026
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