Optical decoherence degrades quantum correlations in squeezed states of light, severely limiting the quantum-nondemolition (QND) sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors. Here, we propose the path-degenerate quantum interferometry scheme that obvia
Optical decoherence degrades quantum correlations in squeezed states of light, severely limiting the quantum-nondemolition (QND) sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors. Here, we propose the path-degenerate quantum interferometry scheme that obviates the need for entire optical subsystems—including additional filter cavities, auxiliary parametric amplifiers, and Faraday isolators—thereby drastically reducing spatial mode mismatches while inherently integrating variational output, a long-standing theoretical proposal to further deepen the QND regime. We experimentally demonstrate a core aspect of this scheme, achieving a shot-noise-preserving signal enhancement that directly counteracts the detrimental effects of readout loss. By delivering an improved signal-to-quantum-noise ratio solely through the consolidation and reduction of currently considered optical subsystems, our approach offers a highly optimized route toward enhanced quantum-noise reduction in upcoming LIGO upgrades and next-generation gravitational-wave observatories.