The Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) effect is a phenomenon in quantum optics that describes the interference of indistinguishable single photons. It was first observed by physicists Claude Hong, Ming Wu Ou, and Leonard Mandel in 1987. The effect illustrates the unique behaviors of quantum particles, specifically bosons, such as photons.
Articles by others on the same topic
Two indistinguishable bosons entering separate inputs of an ideal balanced beam splitter have zero probability of leaving one per output. The two alternatives for that occupancy interfere destructively. Distinguishability in temporal, spatial or internal modes weakens the cancellation.