Experimental test of modular noise propagation theory for quantum optics

We present and test against experiment a general technique that allows modular modeling of noise propagation in quantum optics experiments. Specifically, we consider a multielement frequency-doubling experiment that ultimately produces 1.7 dB/32% (3.0 dB/50% inferred) squeezing at 532 nm. Unlike previous theoretical treatments, we obtain completely analytical expressions for each element of the experiment. This allows intuitive analysis and straightforward experimental modeling. The exact role of driving noise is demonstrated: addition of a narrow linewidth mode cleaning cavity to reduce the driving noise improves the inferred squeezing from 0.75 to 3.0 dB. We find excellent agreement between the modular theory and experiment. © 1996 The American Physical Society.