Propogation of non-classical light
R. Loudon · Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences · 1997
The theoretical descriptions of the main varieties of non–classical light and the principal measures of their specifically quantum properties are outlined. The theories of quantum–optical propagation of the light through slabs of amplifying or attenuating materials are presented and the main features of the quantum noise effects produced by transmission are summarized. It is found that, while quantum light may have lower noise than classical coherent light, transmission through the slab generally increases the noise. Thus initial enthusiasm for practical low–noise advantages of non–classical light has been tempered by the realization that most kinds of optical propagation or processing enhance the noise to near–classical levels.