Interference of independent low-intensity light beams

The two-photon correlation method was used to record a transient interference pattern resulting from intersection of independent laser beams. Measurements were made at low intensities in the photon counting regime at a minimum counting rate of 7 x 104 photons/sec. A quantum-electrodynamic calculation demonstrated characteristics of the interference of independent beams. The experimental results were compared with the calculations and with the earlier results of Mandel and Pfleegor [Phys. Rev. 159, 1084 (1967); J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58, 946 (1968)]