Self-referenced subcycle metrology of quantum fields

Abstract: We propose and analyze a new time-domain method for subcycle metrology of quantum electric fields using a combination of a 3rd order nonlinear optical process and homodyne detection with a local oscillator (LO) field. The new method enables isolation of intrinsically weak quantum noise contribution by subtraction of the shot noise of the LO on a pulse-by-pulse basis. Together with the centro-symmetric character of the nonlinearity, our method unlocks novel opportunities toward terahertz and mid-infrared quantum field metrologies.