Quantum-enhanced sensing with light - Alberto Marino

Quantum resources can enhance measurements and devices leading to the development of pertinent quantum technologies. Quantum optics plays a significant role due to its precise control and characterization. I describe our work on the interface between quantum states of light, known as twin beams, and plasmonic sensors. I start with an overview of the source that generates entangled twin beams, namely, four-wave mixing in an atomic vapor. I then present our study of the interface between these quantum states of light and localized surface plasmons. In particular, I show that transferring entanglement from photons to plasmons and back to photons is a coherent process that preserves entanglement properties and spatial information of light. Finally, I present results on plasmonic structures consisting of an array of triangular nanoholes as sensors and show that a quantum-based sensitivity enhancement is possible.