Synthesis of arbitrary, two-mode, high-visibility N-photon interference patterns

Using coherent states, linear optics, and N-photon detection we demonstrate the synthesis of arbitrary interference patterns and establish that neither the shape nor the visibility of N-photon interference patterns can be used as a quantum signature in general. Specific examples include saw-curve and rectangle-curve interference patterns and phase super-resolution with period shortening of up to 60 times compared to ordinary interference. The former two have visibility close to 100% and the latter has visibility in excess of 57%.QC 20130627