Optimal interferometric certification of multi-photon indistinguishability

Abstract

Multiphoton indistinguishability is a key resource for photonic quantum technologies, yet its characterization typically relies on resource-intensive methods. In this work, we develop two efficient and experimentally friendly protocols to estimate or bound the fidelity $F_{\mathrm{ind}}$ of an $N$-photon state to the closest perfectly indistinguishable state. The first protocol applies to sources preparing separable states, uses a single Fourier interferometer together with photon-number-resolving detection, and yields tight two-sided bounds on $F_{\mathrm{ind}}$. The second protocol combines randomized implementations of linear-optical interferometers with photon counting, enabling direct estimation of $F_{\mathrm{ind}}$ for arbitrary $N$-photon states. Both protocols can certify $F_{\mathrm{ind}} = 1 - \mathcal{O}(ε)$ using provably optimal $\mathcal{O}(1/ε)$ samples, in contrast to previous approaches which required prior assumptions on the model of partial distinguishability. Our methods, based on a multiphoton generalization of the Hong-Ou-Mandel test, bring the rigorous and operationally meaningful certification of multiphoton indistinguishability within reach of current photonic technologies.