Nonmaximally entangled states: Production, characterization, and utilization

Using a spontaneous-down-conversion photon source, we produce true nonmaxim ally entangled states, i.e., without the need for postselection. The degree and phase of entanglement are readily tunable, and are characterized both by a standard analysis using coincidence minima, and by quantum state tomog raphy of the two-photon state. Using the latter, we experimentally reconstr uct the reduced density matrix for the polarization. Finally, we use these states to measure the Hardy fraction, obtaining a result that is 122 sigma from any local-realistic result.