Quantum engineering. Confining the state of light to a quantum manifold by engineered two-photon loss.

PubMed

Leghtas, Z; Touzard, S; Pop, I M; Kou, A; Vlastakis, B; Petrenko, A; Sliwa, K M; Narla, A; Shankar, S; Hatridge, M J; Reagor, M; Frunzio, L; Schoelkopf, R J; Mirrahimi, M; Devoret, M H

2015-02-20

Physical systems usually exhibit quantum behavior, such as superpositions and entanglement, only when they are sufficiently decoupled from a lossy environment. Paradoxically, a specially engineered interaction with the environment can become a resource for the generation and protection of quantum states. This notion can be generalized to the confinement of a system into a manifold of quantum states, consisting of all coherent superpositions of multiple stable steady states. We have confined the state of a superconducting resonator to the quantum manifold spanned by two coherent states of opposite phases and have observed a Schrödinger cat state spontaneously squeeze out of vacuum before decaying into a classical mixture. This experiment points toward robustly encoding quantum information in multidimensional steady-state manifolds. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Teleportation of a general two-mode coherent-state superposition via attenuated quantum channels with ideal and/or threshold detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Nguyen Ba

2009-04-01

Three novel probabilistic yet conclusive schemes are proposed to teleport a general two-mode coherent-state superposition via attenuated quantum channels with ideal and/or threshold detectors. The calculated total success probability is highest (lowest) when only ideal (threshold) detectors are used.

Quantum inertia stops superposition: Scan Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gato-Rivera, Beatriz

2017-08-01

Scan Quantum Mechanics is a novel interpretation of some aspects of quantum mechanics in which the superposition of states is only an approximate effective concept. Quantum systems scan all possible states in the superposition and switch randomly and very rapidly among them. A crucial property that we postulate is quantum inertia, that increases whenever a constituent is added, or the system is perturbed with all kinds of interactions. Once the quantum inertia Iq reaches a critical value Icr for an observable, the switching among its different eigenvalues stops and the corresponding superposition comes to an end, leaving behind a system with a well defined value of that observable. Consequently, increasing the mass, temperature, gravitational strength, etc. of a quantum system increases its quantum inertia until the superposition of states disappears for all the observables and the system transmutes into a classical one. Moreover, the process could be reversible. Entanglement can only occur between quantum systems because an exact synchronization between the switchings of the systems involved must be established in the first place and classical systems do not have any switchings to start with. Future experiments might determine the critical inertia Icr corresponding to different observables, which translates into a critical mass Mcr for fixed environmental conditions as well as critical temperatures, critical electric and magnetic fields, etc. In addition, this proposal implies a new radiation mechanism from astrophysical objects with strong gravitational fields, giving rise to non-thermal synchrotron emission, that could contribute to neutron star formation. Superconductivity, superfluidity, Bose-Einstein condensates, and any other physical phenomena at very low temperatures must be reanalyzed in the light of this interpretation, as well as mesoscopic systems in general.

Experimental superposition of orders of quantum gates

PubMed Central

Procopio, Lorenzo M.; Moqanaki, Amir; Araújo, Mateus; Costa, Fabio; Alonso Calafell, Irati; Dowd, Emma G.; Hamel, Deny R.; Rozema, Lee A.; Brukner, Časlav; Walther, Philip

2015-01-01

Quantum computers achieve a speed-up by placing quantum bits (qubits) in superpositions of different states. However, it has recently been appreciated that quantum mechanics also allows one to ‘superimpose different operations'. Furthermore, it has been shown that using a qubit to coherently control the gate order allows one to accomplish a task—determining if two gates commute or anti-commute—with fewer gate uses than any known quantum algorithm. Here we experimentally demonstrate this advantage, in a photonic context, using a second qubit to control the order in which two gates are applied to a first qubit. We create the required superposition of gate orders by using additional degrees of freedom of the photons encoding our qubits. The new resource we exploit can be interpreted as a superposition of causal orders, and could allow quantum algorithms to be implemented with an efficiency unlikely to be achieved on a fixed-gate-order quantum computer. PMID:26250107

Efficient quantum transmission in multiple-source networks.

PubMed

Luo, Ming-Xing; Xu, Gang; Chen, Xiu-Bo; Yang, Yi-Xian; Wang, Xiaojun

2014-04-02

A difficult problem in quantum network communications is how to efficiently transmit quantum information over large-scale networks with common channels. We propose a solution by developing a quantum encoding approach. Different quantum states are encoded into a coherent superposition state using quantum linear optics. The transmission congestion in the common channel may be avoided by transmitting the superposition state. For further decoding and continued transmission, special phase transformations are applied to incoming quantum states using phase shifters such that decoders can distinguish outgoing quantum states. These phase shifters may be precisely controlled using classical chaos synchronization via additional classical channels. Based on this design and the reduction of multiple-source network under the assumption of restricted maximum-flow, the optimal scheme is proposed for specially quantized multiple-source network. In comparison with previous schemes, our scheme can greatly increase the transmission efficiency.

Active measurement-based quantum feedback for preparing and stabilizing superpositions of two cavity photon number states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berube-Lauziere, Yves

The measurement-based quantum feedback scheme developed and implemented by Haroche and collaborators to actively prepare and stabilize specific photon number states in cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED) is a milestone achievement in the active protection of quantum states from decoherence. This feat was achieved by injecting, after each weak dispersive measurement of the cavity state via Rydberg atoms serving as cavity sensors, a low average number classical field (coherent state) to steer the cavity towards the targeted number state. This talk will present the generalization of the theory developed for targeting number states in order to prepare and stabilize desired superpositions of two cavity photon number states. Results from realistic simulations taking into account decoherence and imperfections in a CQED set-up will be presented. These demonstrate the validity of the generalized theory and points to the experimental feasibility of preparing and stabilizing such superpositions. This is a further step towards the active protection of more complex quantum states than number states. This work, cast in the context of CQED, is also almost readily applicable to circuit QED. YBL acknowledges financial support from the Institut Quantique through a Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

Efficient Quantum Transmission in Multiple-Source Networks

PubMed Central

Luo, Ming-Xing; Xu, Gang; Chen, Xiu-Bo; Yang, Yi-Xian; Wang, Xiaojun

2014-01-01

A difficult problem in quantum network communications is how to efficiently transmit quantum information over large-scale networks with common channels. We propose a solution by developing a quantum encoding approach. Different quantum states are encoded into a coherent superposition state using quantum linear optics. The transmission congestion in the common channel may be avoided by transmitting the superposition state. For further decoding and continued transmission, special phase transformations are applied to incoming quantum states using phase shifters such that decoders can distinguish outgoing quantum states. These phase shifters may be precisely controlled using classical chaos synchronization via additional classical channels. Based on this design and the reduction of multiple-source network under the assumption of restricted maximum-flow, the optimal scheme is proposed for specially quantized multiple-source network. In comparison with previous schemes, our scheme can greatly increase the transmission efficiency. PMID:24691590

Equivalence principle and quantum mechanics: quantum simulation with entangled photons.

PubMed

Longhi, S

2018-01-15

Einstein's equivalence principle (EP) states the complete physical equivalence of a gravitational field and corresponding inertial field in an accelerated reference frame. However, to what extent the EP remains valid in non-relativistic quantum mechanics is a controversial issue. To avoid violation of the EP, Bargmann's superselection rule forbids a coherent superposition of states with different masses. Here we suggest a quantum simulation of non-relativistic Schrödinger particle dynamics in non-inertial reference frames, which is based on the propagation of polarization-entangled photon pairs in curved and birefringent optical waveguides and Hong-Ou-Mandel quantum interference measurement. The photonic simulator can emulate superposition of mass states, which would lead to violation of the EP.

The origin of non-classical effects in a one-dimensional superposition of coherent states

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buzek, V.; Knight, P. L.; Barranco, A. Vidiella

1992-01-01

We investigate the nature of the quantum fluctuations in a light field created by the superposition of coherent fields. We give a physical explanation (in terms of Wigner functions and phase-space interference) why the 1-D superposition of coherent states in the direction of the x-quadrature leads to the squeezing of fluctuations in the y-direction, and show that such a superposition can generate the squeezed vacuum and squeezed coherent states.

Quantum computer games: quantum minesweeper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Michal; Gordon, Goren

2010-07-01

The computer game of quantum minesweeper is introduced as a quantum extension of the well-known classical minesweeper. Its main objective is to teach the unique concepts of quantum mechanics in a fun way. Quantum minesweeper demonstrates the effects of superposition, entanglement and their non-local characteristics. While in the classical minesweeper the goal of the game is to discover all the mines laid out on a board without triggering them, in the quantum version there are several classical boards in superposition. The goal is to know the exact quantum state, i.e. the precise layout of all the mines in all the superposed classical boards. The player can perform three types of measurement: a classical measurement that probabilistically collapses the superposition; a quantum interaction-free measurement that can detect a mine without triggering it; and an entanglement measurement that provides non-local information. The application of the concepts taught by quantum minesweeper to one-way quantum computing are also presented.

Slowing Quantum Decoherence by Squeezing in Phase Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Jeannic, H.; Cavaillès, A.; Huang, K.; Filip, R.; Laurat, J.

2018-02-01

Non-Gaussian states, and specifically the paradigmatic cat state, are well known to be very sensitive to losses. When propagating through damping channels, these states quickly lose their nonclassical features and the associated negative oscillations of their Wigner function. However, by squeezing the superposition states, the decoherence process can be qualitatively changed and substantially slowed down. Here, as a first example, we experimentally observe the reduced decoherence of squeezed optical coherent-state superpositions through a lossy channel. To quantify the robustness of states, we introduce a combination of a decaying value and a rate of decay of the Wigner function negativity. This work, which uses squeezing as an ancillary Gaussian resource, opens new possibilities to protect and manipulate quantum superpositions in phase space.

Toward quantum superposition of living organisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero-Isart, Oriol; Juan, Mathieu L.; Quidant, Romain; Cirac, J. Ignacio

2010-03-01

The most striking feature of quantum mechanics is the existence of superposition states, where an object appears to be in different situations at the same time. The existence of such states has been previously tested with small objects, such as atoms, ions, electrons and photons (Zoller et al 2005 Eur. Phys. J. D 36 203-28), and even with molecules (Arndt et al 1999 Nature 401 680-2). More recently, it has been shown that it is possible to create superpositions of collections of photons (Deléglise et al 2008 Nature 455 510-14), atoms (Hammerer et al 2008 arXiv:0807.3358) or Cooper pairs (Friedman et al 2000 Nature 406 43-6). Very recent progress in optomechanical systems may soon allow us to create superpositions of even larger objects, such as micro-sized mirrors or cantilevers (Marshall et al 2003 Phys. Rev. Lett. 91 130401; Kippenberg and Vahala 2008 Science 321 1172-6 Marquardt and Girvin 2009 Physics 2 40; Favero and Karrai 2009 Nature Photon. 3 201-5), and thus to test quantum mechanical phenomena at larger scales. Here we propose a method to cool down and create quantum superpositions of the motion of sub-wavelength, arbitrarily shaped dielectric objects trapped inside a high-finesse cavity at a very low pressure. Our method is ideally suited for the smallest living organisms, such as viruses, which survive under low-vacuum pressures (Rothschild and Mancinelli 2001 Nature 406 1092-101) and optically behave as dielectric objects (Ashkin and Dziedzic 1987 Science 235 1517-20). This opens up the possibility of testing the quantum nature of living organisms by creating quantum superposition states in very much the same spirit as the original Schrödinger's cat 'gedanken' paradigm (Schrödinger 1935 Naturwissenschaften 23 807-12, 823-8, 844-9). We anticipate that our paper will be a starting point for experimentally addressing fundamental questions, such as the role of life and consciousness in quantum mechanics.

Experimentally superposing two pure states with partial prior knowledge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Keren; Long, Guofei; Katiyar, Hemant; Xin, Tao; Feng, Guanru; Lu, Dawei; Laflamme, Raymond

2017-02-01

Superposition, arguably the most fundamental property of quantum mechanics, lies at the heart of quantum information science. However, how to create the superposition of any two unknown pure states remains as a daunting challenge. Recently, it was proved that such a quantum protocol does not exist if the two input states are completely unknown, whereas a probabilistic protocol is still available with some prior knowledge about the input states [M. Oszmaniec et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 110403 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.110403]. The knowledge is that both of the two input states have nonzero overlaps with some given referential state. In this work, we experimentally realize the probabilistic protocol of superposing two pure states in a three-qubit nuclear magnetic resonance system. We demonstrate the feasibility of the protocol by preparing a families of input states, and the average fidelity between the prepared state and expected superposition state is over 99%. Moreover, we experimentally illustrate the limitation of the protocol that it is likely to fail or yields very low fidelity, if the nonzero overlaps are approaching zero. Our experimental implementation can be extended to more complex situations and other quantum systems.

Optimal quantum operations at zero energy cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiribella, Giulio; Yang, Yuxiang

2017-08-01

Quantum technologies are developing powerful tools to generate and manipulate coherent superpositions of different energy levels. Envisaging a new generation of energy-efficient quantum devices, here we explore how coherence can be manipulated without exchanging energy with the surrounding environment. We start from the task of converting a coherent superposition of energy eigenstates into another. We identify the optimal energy-preserving operations, both in the deterministic and in the probabilistic scenario. We then design a recursive protocol, wherein a branching sequence of energy-preserving filters increases the probability of success while reaching maximum fidelity at each iteration. Building on the recursive protocol, we construct efficient approximations of the optimal fidelity-probability trade-off, by taking coherent superpositions of the different branches generated by probabilistic filtering. The benefits of this construction are illustrated in applications to quantum metrology, quantum cloning, coherent state amplification, and ancilla-driven computation. Finally, we extend our results to transitions where the input state is generally mixed and we apply our findings to the task of purifying quantum coherence.

Qudit-teleportation for photons with linear optics.

PubMed

Goyal, Sandeep K; Boukama-Dzoussi, Patricia E; Ghosh, Sibasish; Roux, Filippus S; Konrad, Thomas

2014-04-01

Quantum Teleportation, the transfer of the state of one quantum system to another without direct interaction between both systems, is an important way to transmit information encoded in quantum states and to generate quantum correlations (entanglement) between remote quantum systems. So far, for photons, only superpositions of two distinguishable states (one "qubit") could be teleported. Here we show how to teleport a "qudit", i.e. a superposition of an arbitrary number d of distinguishable states present in the orbital angular momentum of a single photon using d beam splitters and d additional entangled photons. The same entanglement resource might also be employed to collectively teleport the state of d/2 photons at the cost of one additional entangled photon per qubit. This is superior to existing schemes for photonic qubits, which require an additional pair of entangled photons per qubit.

Qudit-Teleportation for photons with linear optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goyal, Sandeep K.; Boukama-Dzoussi, Patricia E.; Ghosh, Sibasish; Roux, Filippus S.; Konrad, Thomas

2014-04-01

Quantum Teleportation, the transfer of the state of one quantum system to another without direct interaction between both systems, is an important way to transmit information encoded in quantum states and to generate quantum correlations (entanglement) between remote quantum systems. So far, for photons, only superpositions of two distinguishable states (one ``qubit'') could be teleported. Here we show how to teleport a ``qudit'', i.e. a superposition of an arbitrary number d of distinguishable states present in the orbital angular momentum of a single photon using d beam splitters and d additional entangled photons. The same entanglement resource might also be employed to collectively teleport the state of d/2 photons at the cost of one additional entangled photon per qubit. This is superior to existing schemes for photonic qubits, which require an additional pair of entangled photons per qubit.

Qudit-Teleportation for photons with linear optics

PubMed Central

Goyal, Sandeep K.; Boukama-Dzoussi, Patricia E.; Ghosh, Sibasish; Roux, Filippus S.; Konrad, Thomas

2014-01-01

Quantum Teleportation, the transfer of the state of one quantum system to another without direct interaction between both systems, is an important way to transmit information encoded in quantum states and to generate quantum correlations (entanglement) between remote quantum systems. So far, for photons, only superpositions of two distinguishable states (one “qubit”) could be teleported. Here we show how to teleport a “qudit”, i.e. a superposition of an arbitrary number d of distinguishable states present in the orbital angular momentum of a single photon using d beam splitters and d additional entangled photons. The same entanglement resource might also be employed to collectively teleport the state of d/2 photons at the cost of one additional entangled photon per qubit. This is superior to existing schemes for photonic qubits, which require an additional pair of entangled photons per qubit. PMID:24686274

Bifurcation-based adiabatic quantum computation with a nonlinear oscillator network.

PubMed

Goto, Hayato

2016-02-22

The dynamics of nonlinear systems qualitatively change depending on their parameters, which is called bifurcation. A quantum-mechanical nonlinear oscillator can yield a quantum superposition of two oscillation states, known as a Schrödinger cat state, via quantum adiabatic evolution through its bifurcation point. Here we propose a quantum computer comprising such quantum nonlinear oscillators, instead of quantum bits, to solve hard combinatorial optimization problems. The nonlinear oscillator network finds optimal solutions via quantum adiabatic evolution, where nonlinear terms are increased slowly, in contrast to conventional adiabatic quantum computation or quantum annealing, where quantum fluctuation terms are decreased slowly. As a result of numerical simulations, it is concluded that quantum superposition and quantum fluctuation work effectively to find optimal solutions. It is also notable that the present computer is analogous to neural computers, which are also networks of nonlinear components. Thus, the present scheme will open new possibilities for quantum computation, nonlinear science, and artificial intelligence.

Bifurcation-based adiabatic quantum computation with a nonlinear oscillator network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, Hayato

2016-02-01

The dynamics of nonlinear systems qualitatively change depending on their parameters, which is called bifurcation. A quantum-mechanical nonlinear oscillator can yield a quantum superposition of two oscillation states, known as a Schrödinger cat state, via quantum adiabatic evolution through its bifurcation point. Here we propose a quantum computer comprising such quantum nonlinear oscillators, instead of quantum bits, to solve hard combinatorial optimization problems. The nonlinear oscillator network finds optimal solutions via quantum adiabatic evolution, where nonlinear terms are increased slowly, in contrast to conventional adiabatic quantum computation or quantum annealing, where quantum fluctuation terms are decreased slowly. As a result of numerical simulations, it is concluded that quantum superposition and quantum fluctuation work effectively to find optimal solutions. It is also notable that the present computer is analogous to neural computers, which are also networks of nonlinear components. Thus, the present scheme will open new possibilities for quantum computation, nonlinear science, and artificial intelligence.

Dimensional flow in discrete quantum geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calcagni, Gianluca; Oriti, Daniele; Thürigen, Johannes

2015-04-01

In various theories of quantum gravity, one observes a change in the spectral dimension from the topological spatial dimension d at large length scales to some smaller value at small, Planckian scales. While the origin of such a flow is well understood in continuum approaches, in theories built on discrete structures a firm control of the underlying mechanism is still missing. We shed some light on the issue by presenting a particular class of quantum geometries with a flow in the spectral dimension, given by superpositions of states defined on regular complexes. For particular superposition coefficients parametrized by a real number 0 <α

Quantum routing of single optical photons with a superconducting flux qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Keyu; Jelezko, Fedor; Twamley, Jason

2018-05-01

Interconnecting optical photons with superconducting circuits is a challenging problem but essential for building long-range superconducting quantum networks. We propose a hybrid quantum interface between the microwave and optical domains where the propagation of a single-photon pulse along a nanowaveguide is controlled in a coherent way by tuning the electromagnetically induced transparency window with the quantum state of a flux qubit mediated by the spin in a nanodiamond. The qubit can route a single-photon pulse using the nanodiamond into a quantum superposition of paths without the aid of an optical cavity—simplifying the setup. By preparing the flux qubit in a superposition state our cavityless scheme creates a hybrid state-path entanglement between a flying single optical photon and a static superconducting qubit.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Góźdź, A., E-mail: andrzej.gozdz@umcs.lublin.pl; Góźdź, M., E-mail: mgozdz@kft.umcs.lublin.pl

The theory of neutrino oscillations rests on the assumption, that the interaction basis and the physical (mass) basis of neutrino states are different. Therefore neutrino is produced in a certain welldefined superposition of three mass eigenstates, which propagate separately and may be detected as a different superposition. This is called flavor oscillations. It is, however, not clear why neutrinos behave this way, i.e., what is the underlying mechanism which leads to the production of a superposition of physical states in a single reaction. In this paper we argue, that one of the reasons may be connected with the temporal structuremore » of the process. In order to discuss the role of time in processes on the quantum level, we use a special formulation of the quantum mechanics, which is based on the projection time evolution. We arrive at the conclusion, that for short reaction times the formation of a superposition of states of similar masses is natural.« less

Modeling decoherence with qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heusler, Stefan; Dür, Wolfgang

2018-03-01

Quantum effects like the superposition principle contradict our experience of daily life. Decoherence can be viewed as a possible explanation why we do not observe quantum superposition states in the macroscopic world. In this article, we use the qubit ansatz to discuss decoherence in the simplest possible model system and propose a visualization for the microscopic origin of decoherence, and the emergence of a so-called pointer basis. Finally, we discuss the possibility of ‘macroscopic’ quantum effects.

Squeezing effects applied in nonclassical superposition states for quantum nanoelectronic circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jeong Ryeol

2017-06-01

Quantum characteristics of a driven series RLC nanoelectronic circuit whose capacitance varies with time are studied using an invariant operator method together with a unitary transformation approach. In particular, squeezing effects and nonclassical properties of a superposition state composed of two displaced squeezed number states of equal amplitude, but 180° out of phase, are investigated in detail. We applied our developments to a solvable specific case obtained from a suitable choice of time-dependent parameters. The pattern of mechanical oscillation of the amount of charges stored in the capacitor, which are initially displaced, has exhibited more or less distortion due to the influence of the time-varying parameters of the system. We have analyzed squeezing effects of the system from diverse different angles and such effects are illustrated for better understanding. It has been confirmed that the degree of squeezing is not constant, but varies with time depending on specific situations. We have found that quantum interference occurs whenever the two components of the superposition meet together during the time evolution of the probability density. This outcome signifies the appearance of nonclassical features of the system. Nonclassicality of dynamical systems can be a potential resource necessary for realizing quantum information technique. Indeed, such nonclassical features of superposition states are expected to play a key role in upcoming information science which has attracted renewed attention recently.

Higher-order quantum entanglement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeilinger, Anton; Horne, Michael A.; Greenberger, Daniel M.

1992-01-01

In quantum mechanics, the general state describing two or more particles is a linear superposition of product states. Such a superposition is called entangled if it cannot be factored into just one product. When only two particles are entangled, the stage is set for Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) discussions and Bell's proof that the EPR viewpoint contradicts quantum mechanics. If more than two particles are involved, new possibilities and phenomena arise. For example, the Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger (GHZ) disproof of EPR applies. Furthermore, as we point out, with three or more particles even entanglement itself can be an entangled property.

Quantum Experiments and Graphs: Multiparty States as Coherent Superpositions of Perfect Matchings.

PubMed

Krenn, Mario; Gu, Xuemei; Zeilinger, Anton

2017-12-15

We show a surprising link between experimental setups to realize high-dimensional multipartite quantum states and graph theory. In these setups, the paths of photons are identified such that the photon-source information is never created. We find that each of these setups corresponds to an undirected graph, and every undirected graph corresponds to an experimental setup. Every term in the emerging quantum superposition corresponds to a perfect matching in the graph. Calculating the final quantum state is in the #P-complete complexity class, thus it cannot be done efficiently. To strengthen the link further, theorems from graph theory-such as Hall's marriage problem-are rephrased in the language of pair creation in quantum experiments. We show explicitly how this link allows one to answer questions about quantum experiments (such as which classes of entangled states can be created) with graph theoretical methods, and how to potentially simulate properties of graphs and networks with quantum experiments (such as critical exponents and phase transitions).

Quantum Experiments and Graphs: Multiparty States as Coherent Superpositions of Perfect Matchings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krenn, Mario; Gu, Xuemei; Zeilinger, Anton

2017-12-01

We show a surprising link between experimental setups to realize high-dimensional multipartite quantum states and graph theory. In these setups, the paths of photons are identified such that the photon-source information is never created. We find that each of these setups corresponds to an undirected graph, and every undirected graph corresponds to an experimental setup. Every term in the emerging quantum superposition corresponds to a perfect matching in the graph. Calculating the final quantum state is in the #P-complete complexity class, thus it cannot be done efficiently. To strengthen the link further, theorems from graph theory—such as Hall's marriage problem—are rephrased in the language of pair creation in quantum experiments. We show explicitly how this link allows one to answer questions about quantum experiments (such as which classes of entangled states can be created) with graph theoretical methods, and how to potentially simulate properties of graphs and networks with quantum experiments (such as critical exponents and phase transitions).

Bifurcation-based adiabatic quantum computation with a nonlinear oscillator network

PubMed Central

Goto, Hayato

2016-01-01

The dynamics of nonlinear systems qualitatively change depending on their parameters, which is called bifurcation. A quantum-mechanical nonlinear oscillator can yield a quantum superposition of two oscillation states, known as a Schrödinger cat state, via quantum adiabatic evolution through its bifurcation point. Here we propose a quantum computer comprising such quantum nonlinear oscillators, instead of quantum bits, to solve hard combinatorial optimization problems. The nonlinear oscillator network finds optimal solutions via quantum adiabatic evolution, where nonlinear terms are increased slowly, in contrast to conventional adiabatic quantum computation or quantum annealing, where quantum fluctuation terms are decreased slowly. As a result of numerical simulations, it is concluded that quantum superposition and quantum fluctuation work effectively to find optimal solutions. It is also notable that the present computer is analogous to neural computers, which are also networks of nonlinear components. Thus, the present scheme will open new possibilities for quantum computation, nonlinear science, and artificial intelligence. PMID:26899997

Resource Theory of Superposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theurer, T.; Killoran, N.; Egloff, D.; Plenio, M. B.

2017-12-01

The superposition principle lies at the heart of many nonclassical properties of quantum mechanics. Motivated by this, we introduce a rigorous resource theory framework for the quantification of superposition of a finite number of linear independent states. This theory is a generalization of resource theories of coherence. We determine the general structure of operations which do not create superposition, find a fundamental connection to unambiguous state discrimination, and propose several quantitative superposition measures. Using this theory, we show that trace decreasing operations can be completed for free which, when specialized to the theory of coherence, resolves an outstanding open question and is used to address the free probabilistic transformation between pure states. Finally, we prove that linearly independent superposition is a necessary and sufficient condition for the faithful creation of entanglement in discrete settings, establishing a strong structural connection between our theory of superposition and entanglement theory.

Coherent Control to Prepare an InAs Quantum Dot for Spin-Photon Entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webster, L. A.; Truex, K.; Duan, L.-M.; Steel, D. G.; Bracker, A. S.; Gammon, D.; Sham, L. J.

2014-03-01

We optically generated an electronic state in a single InAs /GaAs self-assembled quantum dot that is a precursor to the deterministic entanglement of the spin of the electron with an emitted photon in the proposal of W. Yao, R.-B. Liu, and L. J. Sham [Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 030504 (2005).]. A superposition state is prepared by optical pumping to a pure state followed by an initial pulse. By modulating the subsequent pulse arrival times and precisely controlling them using interferometric measurement of path length differences, we are able to implement a coherent control technique to selectively drive exactly one of the two components of the superposition to the ground state. This optical transition contingent on spin was driven with the same broadband pulses that created the superposition through the use of a two pulse coherent control sequence. A final pulse affords measurement of the coherence of this "preentangled" state.

Quantum test of the equivalence principle for atoms in coherent superposition of internal energy states

PubMed Central

Rosi, G.; D'Amico, G.; Cacciapuoti, L.; Sorrentino, F.; Prevedelli, M.; Zych, M.; Brukner, Č.; Tino, G. M.

2017-01-01

The Einstein equivalence principle (EEP) has a central role in the understanding of gravity and space–time. In its weak form, or weak equivalence principle (WEP), it directly implies equivalence between inertial and gravitational mass. Verifying this principle in a regime where the relevant properties of the test body must be described by quantum theory has profound implications. Here we report on a novel WEP test for atoms: a Bragg atom interferometer in a gravity gradiometer configuration compares the free fall of rubidium atoms prepared in two hyperfine states and in their coherent superposition. The use of the superposition state allows testing genuine quantum aspects of EEP with no classical analogue, which have remained completely unexplored so far. In addition, we measure the Eötvös ratio of atoms in two hyperfine levels with relative uncertainty in the low 10−9, improving previous results by almost two orders of magnitude. PMID:28569742

Optimal subsystem approach to multi-qubit quantum state discrimination and experimental investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, ShiChuan; Wu, JunJie; Xu, Ping; Yang, XueJun

2018-02-01

Quantum computing is a significant computing capability which is superior to classical computing because of its superposition feature. Distinguishing several quantum states from quantum algorithm outputs is often a vital computational task. In most cases, the quantum states tend to be non-orthogonal due to superposition; quantum mechanics has proved that perfect outcomes could not be achieved by measurements, forcing repetitive measurement. Hence, it is important to determine the optimum measuring method which requires fewer repetitions and a lower error rate. However, extending current measurement approaches mainly aiming at quantum cryptography to multi-qubit situations for quantum computing confronts challenges, such as conducting global operations which has considerable costs in the experimental realm. Therefore, in this study, we have proposed an optimum subsystem method to avoid these difficulties. We have provided an analysis of the comparison between the reduced subsystem method and the global minimum error method for two-qubit problems; the conclusions have been verified experimentally. The results showed that the subsystem method could effectively discriminate non-orthogonal two-qubit states, such as separable states, entangled pure states, and mixed states; the cost of the experimental process had been significantly reduced, in most circumstances, with acceptable error rate. We believe the optimal subsystem method is the most valuable and promising approach for multi-qubit quantum computing applications.

Quantum reinforcement learning.

PubMed

Dong, Daoyi; Chen, Chunlin; Li, Hanxiong; Tarn, Tzyh-Jong

2008-10-01

The key approaches for machine learning, particularly learning in unknown probabilistic environments, are new representations and computation mechanisms. In this paper, a novel quantum reinforcement learning (QRL) method is proposed by combining quantum theory and reinforcement learning (RL). Inspired by the state superposition principle and quantum parallelism, a framework of a value-updating algorithm is introduced. The state (action) in traditional RL is identified as the eigen state (eigen action) in QRL. The state (action) set can be represented with a quantum superposition state, and the eigen state (eigen action) can be obtained by randomly observing the simulated quantum state according to the collapse postulate of quantum measurement. The probability of the eigen action is determined by the probability amplitude, which is updated in parallel according to rewards. Some related characteristics of QRL such as convergence, optimality, and balancing between exploration and exploitation are also analyzed, which shows that this approach makes a good tradeoff between exploration and exploitation using the probability amplitude and can speedup learning through the quantum parallelism. To evaluate the performance and practicability of QRL, several simulated experiments are given, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the QRL algorithm for some complex problems. This paper is also an effective exploration on the application of quantum computation to artificial intelligence.

An Application of the Theory of Open Quantum Systems to Model the Dynamics of Party Governance in the US Political System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khrennikova, Polina; Haven, Emmanuel; Khrennikov, Andrei

2014-04-01

The Gorini-Kossakowski-Sudarshan-Lindblad equation allows us to model the process of decision making in US elections. The crucial point we attempt to make is that the voter's mental state can be represented as a superposition of two possible choices for either republicans or democrats. However, reality dictates a more complicated situation: typically a voter participates in two elections, i.e. the congress and the presidential elections. In both elections the voter has to decide between two choices. This very feature of the US election system requires that the mental state is represented by a 2-qubit state corresponding to the superposition of 4 different choices. The main issue is to describe the dynamics of the voters' mental states taking into account the mental and political environment. What is novel in this paper is that we apply the theory of open quantum systems to social science. The quantum master equation describes the resolution of uncertainty (represented in the form of superposition) to a definite choice.

Long-distance measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution with coherent-state superpositions.

PubMed

Yin, H-L; Cao, W-F; Fu, Y; Tang, Y-L; Liu, Y; Chen, T-Y; Chen, Z-B

2014-09-15

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) with decoy-state method is believed to be securely applied to defeat various hacking attacks in practical quantum key distribution systems. Recently, the coherent-state superpositions (CSS) have emerged as an alternative to single-photon qubits for quantum information processing and metrology. Here, in this Letter, CSS are exploited as the source in MDI-QKD. We present an analytical method that gives two tight formulas to estimate the lower bound of yield and the upper bound of bit error rate. We exploit the standard statistical analysis and Chernoff bound to perform the parameter estimation. Chernoff bound can provide good bounds in the long-distance MDI-QKD. Our results show that with CSS, both the security transmission distance and secure key rate are significantly improved compared with those of the weak coherent states in the finite-data case.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kato, Kentaro

An optimal quantum measurement is considered for the so-called quasi-Bell states under the quantum minimax criterion. It is shown that the minimax-optimal POVM for the quasi-Bell states is given by its square-root measurement and is applicable to the teleportation of a superposition of two coherent states.

Observation of ground-state quantum beats in atomic spontaneous emission.

PubMed

Norris, D G; Orozco, L A; Barberis-Blostein, P; Carmichael, H J

2010-09-17

We report ground-state quantum beats in spontaneous emission from a continuously driven atomic ensemble. Beats are visible only in an intensity autocorrelation and evidence spontaneously generated coherence in radiative decay. Our measurement realizes a quantum eraser where a first photon detection prepares a superposition and a second erases the "which path" information in the intermediate state.

A scheme of quantum state discrimination over specified states via weak-value measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xi; Dai, Hong-Yi; Liu, Bo-Yang; Zhang, Ming

2018-04-01

The commonly adopted projective measurements are invalid in the specified task of quantum state discrimination when the discriminated states are superposition of planar-position basis states whose complex-number probability amplitudes have the same magnitude but different phases. Therefore we propose a corresponding scheme via weak-value measurement and examine the feasibility of this scheme. Furthermore, the role of the weak-value measurement in quantum state discrimination is analyzed and compared with one in quantum state tomography in this Letter.

Quantum cryptography using single-particle entanglement

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Jae-Weon; Lee, Eok Kyun; Chung, Yong Wook

2003-07-01

A quantum cryptography scheme based on entanglement between a single-particle state and a vacuum state is proposed. The scheme utilizes linear optics devices to detect the superposition of the vacuum and single-particle states. Existence of an eavesdropper can be detected by using a variant of Bell's inequality.

Unified quantum no-go theorems and transforming of quantum pure states in a restricted set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Ming-Xing; Li, Hui-Ran; Lai, Hong; Wang, Xiaojun

2017-12-01

The linear superposition principle in quantum mechanics is essential for several no-go theorems such as the no-cloning theorem, the no-deleting theorem and the no-superposing theorem. In this paper, we investigate general quantum transformations forbidden or permitted by the superposition principle for various goals. First, we prove a no-encoding theorem that forbids linearly superposing of an unknown pure state and a fixed pure state in Hilbert space of a finite dimension. The new theorem is further extended for multiple copies of an unknown state as input states. These generalized results of the no-encoding theorem include the no-cloning theorem, the no-deleting theorem and the no-superposing theorem as special cases. Second, we provide a unified scheme for presenting perfect and imperfect quantum tasks (cloning and deleting) in a one-shot manner. This scheme may lead to fruitful results that are completely characterized with the linear independence of the representative vectors of input pure states. The upper bounds of the efficiency are also proved. Third, we generalize a recent superposing scheme of unknown states with a fixed overlap into new schemes when multiple copies of an unknown state are as input states.

Active control of the lifetime of excited resonance states by means of laser pulses.

PubMed

García-Vela, A

2012-04-07

Quantum control of the lifetime of a system in an excited resonance state is investigated theoretically by creating coherent superpositions of overlapping resonances. This control scheme exploits the quantum interference occurring between the overlapping resonances, which can be controlled by varying the width of the laser pulse that creates the superposition state. The scheme is applied to a realistic model of the Br(2)(B)-Ne predissociation decay dynamics through a three-dimensional wave packet method. It is shown that extensive control of the system lifetime is achievable, both enhancing and damping it remarkably. An experimental realization of the control scheme is suggested.

Non-Gaussian quantum states generation and robust quantum non-Gaussianity via squeezing field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xu-Bing; Gao, Fang; Wang, Yao-Xiong; Kuang, Sen; Shuang, Feng

2015-03-01

Recent studies show that quantum non-Gaussian states or using non-Gaussian operations can improve entanglement distillation, quantum swapping, teleportation, and cloning. In this work, employing a strategy of non-Gaussian operations (namely subtracting and adding a single photon), we propose a scheme to generate non-Gaussian quantum states named single-photon-added and -subtracted coherent (SPASC) superposition states by implementing Bell measurements, and then investigate the corresponding nonclassical features. By squeezed the input field, we demonstrate that robustness of non-Gaussianity can be improved. Controllable phase space distribution offers the possibility to approximately generate a displaced coherent superposition states (DCSS). The fidelity can reach up to F ≥ 0.98 and F ≥ 0.90 for size of amplitude z = 1.53 and 2.36, respectively. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61203061 and 61074052), the Outstanding Young Talent Foundation of Anhui Province, China (Grant No. 2012SQRL040), and the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province, China (Grant No. KJ2012Z035).

Nonlocal quantum macroscopic superposition in a high-thermal low-purity state

PubMed Central

Brezinski, Mark E.; Liu, Bin

2013-01-01

Quantum state exchange between light and matter is an important ingredient for future quantum information networks as well as other applications. Photons are the fastest and simplest carriers of information for transmission but in general, it is difficult to localize and store photons, so usually one prefers choosing matter as quantum memory elements. Macroscopic superposition and nonlocal quantum interactions have received considerable interest for this purpose over recent years in fields ranging from quantum computers to cryptography, in addition to providing major insights into physical laws. However, these experiments are generally performed either with equipment or under conditions that are unrealistic for practical applications. Ideally, the two can be combined using conventional equipment and conditions to generate a “quantum teleportation”-like state, particularly with a very small amount of purity existing in an overall highly mixed thermal state (relatively low decoherence at high temperatures). In this study we used an experimental design to demonstrate these principles. We performed optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a thermal source at room temperatures of a specifically designed target in the sample arm. Here, position uncertainty (i.e., dispersion) was induced in the reference arm. In the sample arm (target) we placed two glass plates separated by a different medium while altering position uncertainty in the reference arm. This resulted in a chirped signal between the glass plate reflective surfaces in the combined interferogram. The chirping frequency, as measured by the fast Fourier transform (FFT), varies with the medium between the plates, which is a nonclassical phenomenon. These results are statistically significant and occur from a superposition between the glass surface and the medium with increasing position uncertainty, a true quantum-mechanical phenomenon produced by photon pressure from two-photon interference. The differences in chirping frequency with medium disappears when second-order correlations are removed by dual balanced detection, confirming the proposed mechanism. We demonstrated that increasing position uncertainty at one site leads to position uncertainty (quantum position probability amplitude) nonlocally via second-order correlations (two-photon probability amplitude) from a low coherence thermal source (low purity, high local entropy). The implications, first, are that the phenomenon cannot be explained through classical mechanisms but can be explained within the context of quantum mechanics, particularly relevant to the second-order correlations where controversy exists. More specifically, we provide the theoretical framework that these results indicate a nonlocal macroscopic superposition is occurring through a two-photon probability amplitude-induced increase in the target position probability amplitude uncertainty. In addition, as the experiments were performed with a classical source at room temperature, it supports both the quantum-mechanical properties of second-order correlations and that macroscopic superposition is obtainable in a target not in a single coherent state (mixed state). Future work will focus on generalizing the observations outside the current experimental design and creating embodiments that allow practical application of the phenomenon. PMID:24204102

Nonlocal quantum macroscopic superposition in a high-thermal low-purity state.

PubMed

Brezinski, Mark E; Liu, Bin

2008-12-16

Quantum state exchange between light and matter is an important ingredient for future quantum information networks as well as other applications. Photons are the fastest and simplest carriers of information for transmission but in general, it is difficult to localize and store photons, so usually one prefers choosing matter as quantum memory elements. Macroscopic superposition and nonlocal quantum interactions have received considerable interest for this purpose over recent years in fields ranging from quantum computers to cryptography, in addition to providing major insights into physical laws. However, these experiments are generally performed either with equipment or under conditions that are unrealistic for practical applications. Ideally, the two can be combined using conventional equipment and conditions to generate a "quantum teleportation"-like state, particularly with a very small amount of purity existing in an overall highly mixed thermal state (relatively low decoherence at high temperatures). In this study we used an experimental design to demonstrate these principles. We performed optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a thermal source at room temperatures of a specifically designed target in the sample arm. Here, position uncertainty (i.e., dispersion) was induced in the reference arm. In the sample arm (target) we placed two glass plates separated by a different medium while altering position uncertainty in the reference arm. This resulted in a chirped signal between the glass plate reflective surfaces in the combined interferogram. The chirping frequency, as measured by the fast Fourier transform (FFT), varies with the medium between the plates, which is a nonclassical phenomenon. These results are statistically significant and occur from a superposition between the glass surface and the medium with increasing position uncertainty, a true quantum-mechanical phenomenon produced by photon pressure from two-photon interference. The differences in chirping frequency with medium disappears when second-order correlations are removed by dual balanced detection, confirming the proposed mechanism. We demonstrated that increasing position uncertainty at one site leads to position uncertainty (quantum position probability amplitude) nonlocally via second-order correlations (two-photon probability amplitude) from a low coherence thermal source (low purity, high local entropy). The implications, first, are that the phenomenon cannot be explained through classical mechanisms but can be explained within the context of quantum mechanics, particularly relevant to the second-order correlations where controversy exists. More specifically, we provide the theoretical framework that these results indicate a nonlocal macroscopic superposition is occurring through a two-photon probability amplitude-induced increase in the target position probability amplitude uncertainty. In addition, as the experiments were performed with a classical source at room temperature, it supports both the quantum-mechanical properties of second-order correlations and that macroscopic superposition is obtainable in a target not in a single coherent state (mixed state). Future work will focus on generalizing the observations outside the current experimental design and creating embodiments that allow practical application of the phenomenon.

The Double-Well Potential in Quantum Mechanics: A Simple, Numerically Exact Formulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jelic, V.; Marsiglio, F.

2012-01-01

The double-well potential is arguably one of the most important potentials in quantum mechanics, because the solution contains the notion of a state as a linear superposition of "classical" states, a concept which has become very important in quantum information theory. It is therefore desirable to have solutions to simple double-well potentials…

Bathed, Strained, Attenuated, Annihilated: Towards Quantum Optomechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pepper, Brian Jeffrey

The field of optomechanics studies tiny devices that can be pushed mechanically by light. It is an extremely promising avenue towards tests of quantum mechanics on a macroscopic scale, by transferring quantum states of light to nano- or micromechanical objects. This dissertation concerns a long term research program to create quantum superpositions of a macroscopic mirror in an optomechanical cavity. This dissertation has two broad thrusts. The first focuses on microfabrication of a new type of device called optomechanical trampoline resonators, consisting of a small mirror on a cross-shaped tensed silicon nitride membrane. Devices have been fabricated with high mechanical and optical quality, including a 300 kHz device with quality factor 480,000, as well as a device of optical finesse 107,000. These devices are well into the sideband-resolved regime and suitable for optical cooling to the quantum ground state. One such device has been optically cooled to approximately 10 phonons. The second major thrust is theoretical. Creating a macroscopic superposition is a challenging problem, requiring optical cooling to the ground state, strong coupling, extremely high optical finesse and extremely low frequency. A realistic assessment of achievable parameters indicates that it is possible to achieve ground state cooling or strong coupling, but not both. This dissertation proposes a new technique using postselection to achieve macroscopic superpositions with only weak coupling. This relaxes some of the required parameters by orders of magnitude. Prospects for observing hypothetical novel decoherence mechanisms are also discussed.

Alternative method of quantum state tomography toward a typical target via a weak-value measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xi; Dai, Hong-Yi; Yang, Le; Zhang, Ming

2018-03-01

There is usually a limitation of weak interaction on the application of weak-value measurement. This limitation dominates the performance of the quantum state tomography toward a typical target in the finite and high-dimensional complex-valued superposition of its basis states, especially when the compressive sensing technique is also employed. Here we propose an alternative method of quantum state tomography, presented as a general model, toward such typical target via weak-value measurement to overcome such limitation. In this model the pointer for the weak-value measurement is a qubit, and the target-pointer coupling interaction is no longer needed within the weak interaction limitation, meanwhile this interaction under the compressive sensing can be described with the Taylor series of the unitary evolution operator. The postselection state at the target is the equal superposition of all basis states, and the pointer readouts are gathered under multiple Pauli operator measurements. The reconstructed quantum state is generated from an optimization algorithm of total variation augmented Lagrangian alternating direction algorithm. Furthermore, we demonstrate an example of this general model for the quantum state tomography toward the planar laser-energy distribution and discuss the relations among some parameters at both our general model and the original first-order approximate model for this tomography.

Are Quantum Models for Order Effects Quantum?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreira, Catarina; Wichert, Andreas

2017-12-01

The application of principles of Quantum Mechanics in areas outside of physics has been getting increasing attention in the scientific community in an emergent disciplined called Quantum Cognition. These principles have been applied to explain paradoxical situations that cannot be easily explained through classical theory. In quantum probability, events are characterised by a superposition state, which is represented by a state vector in a N-dimensional vector space. The probability of an event is given by the squared magnitude of the projection of this superposition state into the desired subspace. This geometric approach is very useful to explain paradoxical findings that involve order effects, but do we really need quantum principles for models that only involve projections? This work has two main goals. First, it is still not clear in the literature if a quantum projection model has any advantage towards a classical projection. We compared both models and concluded that the Quantum Projection model achieves the same results as its classical counterpart, because the quantum interference effects play no role in the computation of the probabilities. Second, it intends to propose an alternative relativistic interpretation for rotation parameters that are involved in both classical and quantum models. In the end, instead of interpreting these parameters as a similarity measure between questions, we propose that they emerge due to the lack of knowledge concerned with a personal basis state and also due to uncertainties towards the state of world and towards the context of the questions.

A probabilistic quantum communication protocol using mixed entangled channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhury, Binayak S.; Dhara, Arpan

2016-05-01

Qubits are realized as polarization state of photons or as superpositions of the spin states of electrons. In this paper we propose a scheme to probabilistically teleport an unknown arbitrary two-qubit state using a non-maximally entangled GHZ- like state and a non-maximally Bell state simultaneously as quantum channels. We also discuss the success probability of our scheme. We perform POVM in the protocol which is operationally advantageous. In our scheme we show that the non-maximal quantum resources perform better than maximal resources.

Iterative tailoring of optical quantum states with homodyne measurements.

PubMed

Etesse, Jean; Kanseri, Bhaskar; Tualle-Brouri, Rosa

2014-12-01

As they can travel long distances, free space optical quantum states are good candidates for carrying information in quantum information technology protocols. These states, however, are often complex to produce and require protocols whose success probability drops quickly with an increase of the mean photon number. Here we propose a new protocol for the generation and growth of arbitrary states, based on one by one coherent adjunctions of the simple state superposition α|0〉 + β|1〉. Due to the nature of the protocol, which allows for the use of quantum memories, it can lead to high performances.

Quantum biology at the cellular level--elements of the research program.

PubMed

Bordonaro, Michael; Ogryzko, Vasily

2013-04-01

Quantum biology is emerging as a new field at the intersection between fundamental physics and biology, promising novel insights into the nature and origin of biological order. We discuss several elements of QBCL (quantum biology at cellular level) - a research program designed to extend the reach of quantum concepts to higher than molecular levels of biological organization. We propose a new general way to address the issue of environmentally induced decoherence and macroscopic superpositions in biological systems, emphasizing the 'basis-dependent' nature of these concepts. We introduce the notion of 'formal superposition' and distinguish it from that of Schroedinger's cat (i.e., a superposition of macroscopically distinct states). Whereas the latter notion presents a genuine foundational problem, the former one contradicts neither common sense nor observation, and may be used to describe cellular 'decision-making' and adaptation. We stress that the interpretation of the notion of 'formal superposition' should involve non-classical correlations between molecular events in a cell. Further, we describe how better understanding of the physics of Life can shed new light on the mechanism driving evolutionary adaptation (viz., 'Basis-Dependent Selection', BDS). Experimental tests of BDS and the potential role of synthetic biology in closing the 'evolvability mechanism' loophole are also discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hidden Statistics Approach to Quantum Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zak, Michail

2010-01-01

Recent advances in quantum information theory have inspired an explosion of interest in new quantum algorithms for solving hard computational (quantum and non-quantum) problems. The basic principle of quantum computation is that the quantum properties can be used to represent structure data, and that quantum mechanisms can be devised and built to perform operations with this data. Three basic non-classical properties of quantum mechanics superposition, entanglement, and direct-product decomposability were main reasons for optimism about capabilities of quantum computers that promised simultaneous processing of large massifs of highly correlated data. Unfortunately, these advantages of quantum mechanics came with a high price. One major problem is keeping the components of the computer in a coherent state, as the slightest interaction with the external world would cause the system to decohere. That is why the hardware implementation of a quantum computer is still unsolved. The basic idea of this work is to create a new kind of dynamical system that would preserve the main three properties of quantum physics superposition, entanglement, and direct-product decomposability while allowing one to measure its state variables using classical methods. In other words, such a system would reinforce the advantages and minimize limitations of both quantum and classical aspects. Based upon a concept of hidden statistics, a new kind of dynamical system for simulation of Schroedinger equation is proposed. The system represents a modified Madelung version of Schroedinger equation. It preserves superposition, entanglement, and direct-product decomposability while allowing one to measure its state variables using classical methods. Such an optimal combination of characteristics is a perfect match for simulating quantum systems. The model includes a transitional component of quantum potential (that has been overlooked in previous treatment of the Madelung equation). The role of the transitional potential is to provide a jump from a deterministic state to a random state with prescribed probability density. This jump is triggered by blowup instability due to violation of Lipschitz condition generated by the quantum potential. As a result, the dynamics attains quantum properties on a classical scale. The model can be implemented physically as an analog VLSI-based (very-large-scale integration-based) computer, or numerically on a digital computer. This work opens a way of developing fundamentally new algorithms for quantum simulations of exponentially complex problems that expand NASA capabilities in conducting space activities. It has been illustrated that the complexity of simulations of particle interaction can be reduced from an exponential one to a polynomial one.

Superposition Principle in Auger Recombination of Charged and Neutral Multicarrier States in Semiconductor Quantum Dots

DOE PAGES

Wu, Kaifeng; Lim, Jaehoon; Klimov, Victor I.

2017-07-19

Application of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) in optical and optoelectronic devices is often complicated by unintentional generation of extra charges, which opens fast nonradiative Auger recombination pathways whereby the recombination energy of an exciton is quickly transferred to the extra carrier(s) and ultimately dissipated as heat. Previous studies of Auger recombination have primarily focused on neutral and, more recently, negatively charged multicarrier states. Auger dynamics of positively charged species remains more poorly explored due to difficulties in creating, stabilizing, and detecting excess holes in the QDs. Here we apply photochemical doping to prepare both negatively and positively charged CdSe/CdSmore » QDs with two distinct core/shell interfacial profiles (“sharp” versus “smooth”). Using neutral and charged QD samples we evaluate Auger lifetimes of biexcitons, negative and positive trions (an exciton with an extra electron or a hole, respectively), and multiply negatively charged excitons. Using these measurements, we demonstrate that Auger decay of both neutral and charged multicarrier states can be presented as a superposition of independent elementary three-particle Auger events. As one of the manifestations of the superposition principle, we observe that the biexciton Auger decay rate can be presented as a sum of the Auger rates for independent negative and positive trion pathways. Furthermore, by comparing the measurements on the QDs with the “sharp” versus “smooth” interfaces, we also find that while affecting the absolute values of Auger lifetimes, manipulation of the shape of the confinement potential does not lead to violation of the superposition principle, which still allows us to accurately predict the biexciton Auger lifetimes based on the measured negative and positive trion dynamics. Our findings indicate considerable robustness of the superposition principle as applied to Auger decay of charged and neutral multicarrier states, suggesting its generality to quantum-confined nanocrystals of arbitrary compositions and complexities.« less

Superposition Principle in Auger Recombination of Charged and Neutral Multicarrier States in Semiconductor Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Wu, Kaifeng; Lim, Jaehoon; Klimov, Victor I

2017-08-22

Application of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) in optical and optoelectronic devices is often complicated by unintentional generation of extra charges, which opens fast nonradiative Auger recombination pathways whereby the recombination energy of an exciton is quickly transferred to the extra carrier(s) and ultimately dissipated as heat. Previous studies of Auger recombination have primarily focused on neutral and, more recently, negatively charged multicarrier states. Auger dynamics of positively charged species remains more poorly explored due to difficulties in creating, stabilizing, and detecting excess holes in the QDs. Here we apply photochemical doping to prepare both negatively and positively charged CdSe/CdS QDs with two distinct core/shell interfacial profiles ("sharp" versus "smooth"). Using neutral and charged QD samples we evaluate Auger lifetimes of biexcitons, negative and positive trions (an exciton with an extra electron or a hole, respectively), and multiply negatively charged excitons. Using these measurements, we demonstrate that Auger decay of both neutral and charged multicarrier states can be presented as a superposition of independent elementary three-particle Auger events. As one of the manifestations of the superposition principle, we observe that the biexciton Auger decay rate can be presented as a sum of the Auger rates for independent negative and positive trion pathways. By comparing the measurements on the QDs with the "sharp" versus "smooth" interfaces, we also find that while affecting the absolute values of Auger lifetimes, manipulation of the shape of the confinement potential does not lead to violation of the superposition principle, which still allows us to accurately predict the biexciton Auger lifetimes based on the measured negative and positive trion dynamics. These findings indicate considerable robustness of the superposition principle as applied to Auger decay of charged and neutral multicarrier states, suggesting its generality to quantum-confined nanocrystals of arbitrary compositions and complexities.

Multi-bit dark state memory: Double quantum dot as an electronic quantum memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aharon, Eran; Pozner, Roni; Lifshitz, Efrat; Peskin, Uri

2016-12-01

Quantum dot clusters enable the creation of dark states which preserve electrons or holes in a coherent superposition of dot states for a long time. Various quantum logic devices can be envisioned to arise from the possibility of storing such trapped particles for future release on demand. In this work, we consider a double quantum dot memory device, which enables the preservation of a coherent state to be released as multiple classical bits. Our unique device architecture uses an external gating for storing (writing) the coherent state and for retrieving (reading) the classical bits, in addition to exploiting an internal gating effect for the preservation of the coherent state.

Coherent quantum dynamics of a superconducting flux qubit.

PubMed

Chiorescu, I; Nakamura, Y; Harmans, C J P M; Mooij, J E

2003-03-21

We have observed coherent time evolution between two quantum states of a superconducting flux qubit comprising three Josephson junctions in a loop. The superposition of the two states carrying opposite macroscopic persistent currents is manipulated by resonant microwave pulses. Readout by means of switching-event measurement with an attached superconducting quantum interference device revealed quantum-state oscillations with high fidelity. Under strong microwave driving, it was possible to induce hundreds of coherent oscillations. Pulsed operations on this first sample yielded a relaxation time of 900 nanoseconds and a free-induction dephasing time of 20 nanoseconds. These results are promising for future solid-state quantum computing.

Quantum non-Gaussianity and quantification of nonclassicality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kühn, B.; Vogel, W.

2018-05-01

The algebraic quantification of nonclassicality, which naturally arises from the quantum superposition principle, is related to properties of regular nonclassicality quasiprobabilities. The latter are obtained by non-Gaussian filtering of the Glauber-Sudarshan P function. They yield lower bounds for the degree of nonclassicality. We also derive bounds for convex combinations of Gaussian states for certifying quantum non-Gaussianity directly from the experimentally accessible nonclassicality quasiprobabilities. Other quantum-state representations, such as s -parametrized quasiprobabilities, insufficiently indicate or even fail to directly uncover detailed information on the properties of quantum states. As an example, our approach is applied to multi-photon-added squeezed vacuum states.

Quantum to classical transition in the Hořava-Lifshitz quantum cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardini, A. E.; Leal, P.; Bertolami, O.

2018-02-01

A quasi-Gaussian quantum superposition of Hořava-Lifshitz (HL) stationary states is built in order to describe the transition of the quantum cosmological problem to the related classical dynamics. The obtained HL phase-space superposed Wigner function and its associated Wigner currents describe the conditions for the matching between classical and quantum phase-space trajectories. The matching quantum superposition parameter is associated to the total energy of the classical trajectory which, at the same time, drives the engendered Wigner function to the classical stationary regime. Through the analysis of the Wigner flows, the quantum fluctuations that distort the classical regime can be quantified as a measure of (non)classicality. Finally, the modifications to the Wigner currents due to the inclusion of perturbative potentials are computed in the HL quantum cosmological context. In particular, the inclusion of a cosmological constant provides complementary information that allows for connecting the age of the Universe with the overall stiff matter density profile.

Superposing pure quantum states with partial prior information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Shruti; Thomas, George; Ghosh, Sibasish; Suter, Dieter

2018-05-01

The principle of superposition is an intriguing feature of quantum mechanics, which is regularly exploited in many different circumstances. A recent work [M. Oszmaniec et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 110403 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.110403] shows that the fundamentals of quantum mechanics restrict the process of superimposing two unknown pure states, even though it is possible to superimpose two quantum states with partial prior knowledge. The prior knowledge imposes geometrical constraints on the choice of input states. We discuss an experimentally feasible protocol to superimpose multiple pure states of a d -dimensional quantum system and carry out an explicit experimental realization for two single-qubit pure states with partial prior information on a two-qubit NMR quantum information processor.

Theory of Spin States of Quantum Dot Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponomarev, I. V.; Reinecke, T. L.; Scheibner, M.; Stinaff, E. A.; Bracker, A. S.; Doty, M. F.; Gammon, D.; Korenev, V. L.

2007-04-01

The photoluminescence spectrum of an asymmetric pair of coupled InAs quantum dots in an applied electric field shows a rich pattern of level anticrossings, crossings and fine structure that can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations. We present a theoretical model that provides a description of the energy positions and intensities of the optical transitions in exciton, biexciton and charged exciton states of coupled quantum dots molecules.

Quantum Darwinism in quantum Brownian motion.

PubMed

Blume-Kohout, Robin; Zurek, Wojciech H

2008-12-12

Quantum Darwinism--the redundant encoding of information about a decohering system in its environment--was proposed to reconcile the quantum nature of our Universe with apparent classicality. We report the first study of the dynamics of quantum Darwinism in a realistic model of decoherence, quantum Brownian motion. Prepared in a highly squeezed state--a macroscopic superposition--the system leaves records whose redundancy increases rapidly with initial delocalization. Redundancy appears rapidly (on the decoherence time scale) and persists for a long time.

Probabilistic quantum cloning of a subset of linearly dependent states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rui, Pinshu; Zhang, Wen; Liao, Yanlin; Zhang, Ziyun

2018-02-01

It is well known that a quantum state, secretly chosen from a certain set, can be probabilistically cloned with positive cloning efficiencies if and only if all the states in the set are linearly independent. In this paper, we focus on probabilistic quantum cloning of a subset of linearly dependent states. We show that a linearly-independent subset of linearly-dependent quantum states {| Ψ 1⟩,| Ψ 2⟩,…,| Ψ n ⟩} can be probabilistically cloned if and only if any state in the subset cannot be expressed as a linear superposition of the other states in the set {| Ψ 1⟩,| Ψ 2⟩,…,| Ψ n ⟩}. The optimal cloning efficiencies are also investigated.

ON states as resource units for universal quantum computation with photonic architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabapathy, Krishna Kumar; Weedbrook, Christian

2018-06-01

Universal quantum computation using photonic systems requires gates the Hamiltonians of which are of order greater than quadratic in the quadrature operators. We first review previous proposals to implement such gates, where specific non-Gaussian states are used as resources in conjunction with entangling gates such as the continuous-variable versions of controlled-phase and controlled-not gates. We then propose ON states which are superpositions of the vacuum and the N th Fock state, for use as non-Gaussian resource states. We show that ON states can be used to implement the cubic and higher-order quadrature phase gates to first order in gate strength. There are several advantages to this method such as reduced number of superpositions in the resource state preparation and greater control over the final gate. We also introduce useful figures of merit to characterize gate performance. Utilizing a supply of on-demand resource states one can potentially scale up implementation to greater accuracy, by repeated application of the basic circuit.

Topological view of quantum tunneling coherent destruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardini, Alex E.; Chinaglia, Mariana

2017-08-01

Quantum tunneling of the ground and first excited states in a quantum superposition driven by a novel analytical configuration of a double-well (DW) potential is investigated. Symmetric and asymmetric potentials are considered as to support quantum mechanical zero mode and first excited state analytical solutions. Reporting about a symmetry breaking that supports the quantum conversion of a zero-mode stable vacuum into an unstable tachyonic quantum state, two inequivalent topological scenarios are supposed to drive stable tunneling and coherent tunneling destruction respectively. A complete prospect of the Wigner function dynamics, vector field fluxes and the time dependence of stagnation points is obtained for the analytical potentials that support stable and tachyonic modes.

Entanglement of coherent superposition of photon-subtraction squeezed vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cun-Jin; Ye, Wei; Zhou, Wei-Dong; Zhang, Hao-Liang; Huang, Jie-Hui; Hu, Li-Yun

2017-10-01

A new kind of non-Gaussian quantum state is introduced by applying nonlocal coherent superposition ( τa + sb) m of photon subtraction to two single-mode squeezed vacuum states, and the properties of entanglement are investigated according to the degree of entanglement and the average fidelity of quantum teleportation. The state can be seen as a single-variable Hermitian polynomial excited squeezed vacuum state, and its normalization factor is related to the Legendre polynomial. It is shown that, for τ = s, the maximum fidelity can be achieved, even over the classical limit (1/2), only for even-order operation m and equivalent squeezing parameters in a certain region. However, the maximum entanglement can be achieved for squeezing parameters with a π phase difference. These indicate that the optimal realizations of fidelity and entanglement could be different from one another. In addition, the parameter τ/ s has an obvious effect on entanglement and fidelity.

Episodic Memory Does Not Add Up: Verbatim-Gist Superposition Predicts Violations of the Additive Law of Probability

PubMed Central

Brainerd, C. J.; Wang, Zheng; Reyna, Valerie. F.; Nakamura, K.

2015-01-01

Fuzzy-trace theory’s assumptions about memory representation are cognitive examples of the familiar superposition property of physical quantum systems. When those assumptions are implemented in a formal quantum model (QEMc), they predict that episodic memory will violate the additive law of probability: If memory is tested for a partition of an item’s possible episodic states, the individual probabilities of remembering the item as belonging to each state must sum to more than 1. We detected this phenomenon using two standard designs, item false memory and source false memory. The quantum implementation of fuzzy-trace theory also predicts that violations of the additive law will vary in strength as a function of reliance on gist memory. That prediction, too, was confirmed via a series of manipulations (e.g., semantic relatedness, testing delay) that are thought to increase gist reliance. Surprisingly, an analysis of the underlying structure of violations of the additive law revealed that as a general rule, increases in remembering correct episodic states do not produce commensurate reductions in remembering incorrect states. PMID:26236091

Optical signatures of coupled quantum dots.

PubMed

Stinaff, E A; Scheibner, M; Bracker, A S; Ponomarev, I V; Korenev, V L; Ware, M E; Doty, M F; Reinecke, T L; Gammon, D

2006-02-03

An asymmetric pair of coupled InAs quantum dots is tuned into resonance by applying an electric field so that a single hole forms a coherent molecular wave function. The optical spectrum shows a rich pattern of level anticrossings and crossings that can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations of the two dots. Coulomb interactions shift the molecular resonance of the optically excited state (charged exciton) with respect to the ground state (single charge), enabling light-induced coupling of the quantum dots. This result demonstrates the possibility of optically coupling quantum dots for application in quantum information processing.

Optical Signatures of Coupled Quantum Dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinaff, E. A.; Scheibner, M.; Bracker, A. S.; Ponomarev, I. V.; Korenev, V. L.; Ware, M. E.; Doty, M. F.; Reinecke, T. L.; Gammon, D.

2006-02-01

An asymmetric pair of coupled InAs quantum dots is tuned into resonance by applying an electric field so that a single hole forms a coherent molecular wave function. The optical spectrum shows a rich pattern of level anticrossings and crossings that can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations of the two dots. Coulomb interactions shift the molecular resonance of the optically excited state (charged exciton) with respect to the ground state (single charge), enabling light-induced coupling of the quantum dots. This result demonstrates the possibility of optically coupling quantum dots for application in quantum information processing.

A survey of quantum Lyapunov control methods.

PubMed

Cong, Shuang; Meng, Fangfang

2013-01-01

The condition of a quantum Lyapunov-based control which can be well used in a closed quantum system is that the method can make the system convergent but not just stable. In the convergence study of the quantum Lyapunov control, two situations are classified: nondegenerate cases and degenerate cases. For these two situations, respectively, in this paper the target state is divided into four categories: the eigenstate, the mixed state which commutes with the internal Hamiltonian, the superposition state, and the mixed state which does not commute with the internal Hamiltonian. For these four categories, the quantum Lyapunov control methods for the closed quantum systems are summarized and analyzed. Particularly, the convergence of the control system to the different target states is reviewed, and how to make the convergence conditions be satisfied is summarized and analyzed.

On the photonic implementation of universal quantum gates, bell states preparation circuit and quantum LDPC encoders and decoders based on directional couplers and HNLF.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ivan B

2010-04-12

The Bell states preparation circuit is a basic circuit required in quantum teleportation. We describe how to implement it in all-fiber technology. The basic building blocks for its implementation are directional couplers and highly nonlinear optical fiber (HNLF). Because the quantum information processing is based on delicate superposition states, it is sensitive to quantum errors. In order to enable fault-tolerant quantum computing the use of quantum error correction is unavoidable. We show how to implement in all-fiber technology encoders and decoders for sparse-graph quantum codes, and provide an illustrative example to demonstrate this implementation. We also show that arbitrary set of universal quantum gates can be implemented based on directional couplers and HNLFs.

Counterfactual distribution of Schrödinger cat states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shenoy-Hejamadi, Akshata; Srikanth, R.

2015-12-01

In the counterfactual cryptography scheme proposed by Noh, the sender Alice probabilistically transmits classical information to the receiver Bob without the physical travel of a particle. Here we generalize this idea to the distribution of quantum entanglement. The key insight is to replace their classical input choices with quantum superpositions. We further show that the scheme can be generalized to counterfactually distribute multipartite cat states.

Testing the quantum superposition principle: matter waves and beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulbricht, Hendrik

2015-05-01

New technological developments allow to explore the quantum properties of very complex systems, bringing the question of whether also macroscopic systems share such features, within experimental reach. The interest in this question is increased by the fact that, on the theory side, many suggest that the quantum superposition principle is not exact, departures from it being the larger, the more macroscopic the system. Testing the superposition principle intrinsically also means to test suggested extensions of quantum theory, so-called collapse models. We will report on three new proposals to experimentally test the superposition principle with nanoparticle interferometry, optomechanical devices and by spectroscopic experiments in the frequency domain. We will also report on the status of optical levitation and cooling experiments with nanoparticles in our labs, towards an Earth bound matter-wave interferometer to test the superposition principle for a particle mass of one million amu (atomic mass unit).

Quantum state engineering using one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Innocenti, Luca; Majury, Helena; Giordani, Taira; Spagnolo, Nicolò; Sciarrino, Fabio; Paternostro, Mauro; Ferraro, Alessandro

2017-12-01

Quantum state preparation in high-dimensional systems is an essential requirement for many quantum-technology applications. The engineering of an arbitrary quantum state is, however, typically strongly dependent on the experimental platform chosen for implementation, and a general framework is still missing. Here we show that coined quantum walks on a line, which represent a framework general enough to encompass a variety of different platforms, can be used for quantum state engineering of arbitrary superpositions of the walker's sites. We achieve this goal by identifying a set of conditions that fully characterize the reachable states in the space comprising walker and coin and providing a method to efficiently compute the corresponding set of coin parameters. We assess the feasibility of our proposal by identifying a linear optics experiment based on photonic orbital angular momentum technology.

Plasmonic interferences of two-particle N00N states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vest, Benjamin; Shlesinger, Ilan; Dheur, Marie-Christine; Devaux, Éloïse; Greffet, Jean-Jacques; Messin, Gaétan; Marquier, François

2018-05-01

Quantum plasmonics lies at the intersection between nanophotonics and quantum optics. Genuine quantum effects can be observed with non-classical states such as Fock states and with entangled states. A N00N state combines both aspects: it is a quantum superposition state of a Fock state with N excitations in two spatial modes. Here we report the first observation of two-plasmon (N = 2) N00N state interferences using a plasmonic beamsplitter etched on a planar interface between gold and air. We analyze in detail the role of losses at the beamsplitter and during the propagation along the metal/air interface. While the intrinsic losses of the beamsplitter are responsible for the emergence of quantum nonlinear absorption, we note that N00N states decay N times faster than classical states due to propagation losses.

Hidden Statistics of Schroedinger Equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zak, Michail

2011-01-01

Work was carried out in determination of the mathematical origin of randomness in quantum mechanics and creating a hidden statistics of Schr dinger equation; i.e., to expose the transitional stochastic process as a "bridge" to the quantum world. The governing equations of hidden statistics would preserve such properties of quantum physics as superposition, entanglement, and direct-product decomposability while allowing one to measure its state variables using classical methods.

A Survey of Quantum Lyapunov Control Methods

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The condition of a quantum Lyapunov-based control which can be well used in a closed quantum system is that the method can make the system convergent but not just stable. In the convergence study of the quantum Lyapunov control, two situations are classified: nondegenerate cases and degenerate cases. For these two situations, respectively, in this paper the target state is divided into four categories: the eigenstate, the mixed state which commutes with the internal Hamiltonian, the superposition state, and the mixed state which does not commute with the internal Hamiltonian. For these four categories, the quantum Lyapunov control methods for the closed quantum systems are summarized and analyzed. Particularly, the convergence of the control system to the different target states is reviewed, and how to make the convergence conditions be satisfied is summarized and analyzed. PMID:23766732

Realization of Quantum Maxwell’s Demon with Solid-State Spins*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W.-B.; Chang, X.-Y.; Wang, F.; Hou, P.-Y.; Huang, Y.-Y.; Zhang, W.-G.; Ouyang, X.-L.; Huang, X.-Z.; Zhang, Z.-Y.; Wang, H.-Y.; He, L.; Duan, L.-M.

2018-04-01

Resolution of the century-long paradox on Maxwell's demon reveals a deep connection between information theory and thermodynamics. Although initially introduced as a thought experiment, Maxwell's demon can now be implemented in several physical systems, leading to intriguing test of information-thermodynamic relations. Here, we report experimental realization of a quantum version of Maxwell's demon using solid state spins where the information acquiring and feedback operations by the demon are achieved through conditional quantum gates. A unique feature of this implementation is that the demon can start in a quantum superposition state or in an entangled state with an ancilla observer. Through quantum state tomography, we measure the entropy in the system, demon, and the ancilla, showing the influence of coherence and entanglement on the result. A quantum implementation of Maxwell's demon adds more controllability to this paradoxical thermal machine and may find applications in quantum thermodynamics involving microscopic systems.

The European quantum technologies flagship programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riedel, Max F.; Binosi, Daniele; Thew, Rob; Calarco, Tommaso

2017-09-01

Quantum technologies, such as quantum communication, computation, simulation as well as sensors and metrology, address and manipulate individual quantum states and make use of superposition and entanglement. Both companies and governments have realised the high disruptive potential of this technology. Consequently, the European Commission has announced an ambitious flagship programme to start in 2018. Here, we sum up the history leading to the quantum technologies flagship programme and outline its envisioned goals and structure. We also give an overview of the strategic research agenda for quantum communication, which the flagship will pursue during its 10-year runtime.

Quantum eraser and the decoherence time of a measurement process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abranyos, Y.; Jakob, M.; Bergou, J.

1999-10-01

We propose a which path quantum eraser scheme based on a recent experiment by Eichmann et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 2359 (1993)] involving two four-level atoms. We show that the quantum eraser can be used for the detection of the decoherence time of macroscopic or mesoscopic entangled superpositions of pointer states of a meter with one of the two atoms, by the visibility of the interference pattern.

Exponential Communication Complexity Advantage from Quantum Superposition of the Direction of Communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guérin, Philippe Allard; Feix, Adrien; Araújo, Mateus; Brukner, Časlav

2016-09-01

In communication complexity, a number of distant parties have the task of calculating a distributed function of their inputs, while minimizing the amount of communication between them. It is known that with quantum resources, such as entanglement and quantum channels, one can obtain significant reductions in the communication complexity of some tasks. In this work, we study the role of the quantum superposition of the direction of communication as a resource for communication complexity. We present a tripartite communication task for which such a superposition allows for an exponential saving in communication, compared to one-way quantum (or classical) communication; the advantage also holds when we allow for protocols with bounded error probability.

Protecting a quantum memory for a photonic polarization qubit in a cold atomic ensemble by dynamical decoupling.

PubMed

Wu, Yuelong; Chen, Lirong; Xu, Zhongxiao; Wang, Hai

2014-09-22

We report an experimental demonstration of storage of photonic polarization qubit (PPQ) protected by dynamical decoupling (DD). PPQ's states are stored as a superposition of two spin waves by electromagnetically-induced-transparency (EIT). Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) DD sequences are applied to the spin-wave superposition to suppress its decoherence. Thus, the quantum process fidelity remains better than 0.8 for up to 800 μs storage time, which is 3.4-times longer than the corresponding storage time of ~180 μs without the CPMG sequences. This work is a key step towards the storage of single-photon polarization qubit protected by the CPMG sequences.

Protecting quantum information in superconducting circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devoret, Michel

Can we prolong the coherence of a two-state manifold in a complex quantum system beyond the coherence of its longest-lived component? This question is the starting point in the construction of a scalable quantum computer. It translates in the search for processes that operate as some sort of Maxwell's demon and reliably correct the errors resulting from the coupling between qubits and their environment. The presentation will review recent experiments that test the dynamical protection by Josephson circuits of a logical qubit memory based on superpositions of particular coherent states of a superconducting resonator.

Influences of temperature on asymmetric quantum dot qubit in Coulombic impunity potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.-J.; Song, H.-T.; Xiao, J.-L.

2018-05-01

Using the variational method of the Pekar-type, we study the influences of the temperature on the asymmetric quantum dot (QD) qubit in the Coulombic impunity potential. Then we derive the numerical results and formulate the derivative relationships of the electron probability density and the electron oscillation period in the superposition state of the ground state and the first-excited state with the electron-phonon coupling constant, the Coulombic impurity potential, the transverse and longitudinal confinement strengths at different temperatures, respectively.

Quantum State Transfer from a Single Photon to a Distant Quantum-Dot Electron Spin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yu; He, Yu-Ming; Wei, Yu-Jia; Jiang, Xiao; Chen, Kai; Lu, Chao-Yang; Pan, Jian-Wei; Schneider, Christian; Kamp, Martin; Höfling, Sven

2017-08-01

Quantum state transfer from flying photons to stationary matter qubits is an important element in the realization of quantum networks. Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots provide a promising solid-state platform hosting both single photon and spin, with an inherent light-matter interface. Here, we develop a method to coherently and actively control the single-photon frequency bins in superposition using electro-optic modulators, and measure the spin-photon entanglement with a fidelity of 0.796 ±0.020 . Further, by Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger-type state projection on the frequency, path, and polarization degrees of freedom of a single photon, we demonstrate quantum state transfer from a single photon to a single electron spin confined in an InGaAs quantum dot, separated by 5 m. The quantum state mapping from the photon's polarization to the electron's spin is demonstrated along three different axes on the Bloch sphere, with an average fidelity of 78.5%.

Quantum teleportation from a propagating photon to a solid-state spin qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, W. B.; Fallahi, P.; Togan, E.; Delteil, A.; Chin, Y. S.; Miguel-Sanchez, J.; Imamoğlu, A.

2013-11-01

A quantum interface between a propagating photon used to transmit quantum information and a long-lived qubit used for storage is of central interest in quantum information science. A method for implementing such an interface between dissimilar qubits is quantum teleportation. Here we experimentally demonstrate transfer of quantum information carried by a photon to a semiconductor spin using quantum teleportation. In our experiment, a single photon in a superposition state is generated using resonant excitation of a neutral dot. To teleport this photonic qubit, we generate an entangled spin-photon state in a second dot located 5 m away and interfere the photons from the two dots in a Hong-Ou-Mandel set-up. Thanks to an unprecedented degree of photon-indistinguishability, a coincidence detection at the output of the interferometer heralds successful teleportation, which we verify by measuring the resulting spin state after prolonging its coherence time by optical spin-echo.

Quantum teleportation from a propagating photon to a solid-state spin qubit.

PubMed

Gao, W B; Fallahi, P; Togan, E; Delteil, A; Chin, Y S; Miguel-Sanchez, J; Imamoğlu, A

2013-01-01

A quantum interface between a propagating photon used to transmit quantum information and a long-lived qubit used for storage is of central interest in quantum information science. A method for implementing such an interface between dissimilar qubits is quantum teleportation. Here we experimentally demonstrate transfer of quantum information carried by a photon to a semiconductor spin using quantum teleportation. In our experiment, a single photon in a superposition state is generated using resonant excitation of a neutral dot. To teleport this photonic qubit, we generate an entangled spin-photon state in a second dot located 5 m away and interfere the photons from the two dots in a Hong-Ou-Mandel set-up. Thanks to an unprecedented degree of photon-indistinguishability, a coincidence detection at the output of the interferometer heralds successful teleportation, which we verify by measuring the resulting spin state after prolonging its coherence time by optical spin-echo.

Mutual information and spontaneous symmetry breaking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamma, A.; Giampaolo, S. M.; Illuminati, F.

2016-01-01

We show that the metastable, symmetry-breaking ground states of quantum many-body Hamiltonians have vanishing quantum mutual information between macroscopically separated regions and are thus the most classical ones among all possible quantum ground states. This statement is obvious only when the symmetry-breaking ground states are simple product states, e.g., at the factorization point. On the other hand, symmetry-breaking states are in general entangled along the entire ordered phase, and to show that they actually feature the least macroscopic correlations compared to their symmetric superpositions is highly nontrivial. We prove this result in general, by considering the quantum mutual information based on the two-Rényi entanglement entropy and using a locality result stemming from quasiadiabatic continuation. Moreover, in the paradigmatic case of the exactly solvable one-dimensional quantum X Y model, we further verify the general result by considering also the quantum mutual information based on the von Neumann entanglement entropy.

Multivariate quantum memory as controllable delayed multi-port beamsplitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetlugin, A. N.; Sokolov, I. V.

2016-03-01

The addressability of parallel spatially multimode quantum memory for light allows one to control independent collective spin waves within the same cold atomic ensemble. Generally speaking, there are transverse and longitudinal degrees of freedom of the memory that one can address by a proper choice of the pump (control) field spatial pattern. Here we concentrate on the mutual evolution and transformation of quantum states of the longitudinal modes of collective spin coherence in the cavity-based memory scheme. We assume that these modes are coherently controlled by the pump waves of the on-demand transverse profile, that is, by the superpositions of waves propagating in the directions close to orthogonal to the cavity axis. By the write-in, this allows one to couple a time sequence of the incoming quantized signals to a given set of superpositions of orthogonal spin waves. By the readout, one can retrieve quantum states of the collective spin waves that are controllable superpositions of the initial ones and are coupled on demand to the output signal sequence. In a general case, the memory is able to operate as a controllable delayed multi-port beamsplitter, capable of transformation of the delays, the durations and time shapes of signals in the sequence. We elaborate the theory of such light-matter interface for the spatially multivariate cavity-based off-resonant Raman-type quantum memory. Since, in order to speed up the manipulation of complex signals in multivariate memories, it might be of interest to store relatively short light pulses of a given time shape, we also address some issues of the cavity-based memory operation beyond the bad cavity limit.

Quantum origin of quantum jumps: Breaking of unitary symmetry induced by information transfer in the transition from quantum to classical

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zurek, Wojciech Hubert

2007-11-01

Measurements transfer information about a system to the apparatus and then, further on, to observers and (often inadvertently) to the environment. I show that even imperfect copying essential in such situations restricts possible unperturbed outcomes to an orthogonal subset of all possible states of the system, thus breaking the unitary symmetry of its Hilbert space implied by the quantum superposition principle. Preferred outcome states emerge as a result. They provide a framework for “wave-packet collapse,” designating terminal points of quantum jumps and defining the measured observable by specifying its eigenstates. In quantum Darwinism, they are the progenitors of multiple copies spread throughout the environment—the fittest quantum states that not only survive decoherence, but subvert the environment into carrying information about them—into becoming a witness.

Heralded creation of photonic qudits from parametric down-conversion using linear optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshikawa, Jun-ichi; Bergmann, Marcel; van Loock, Peter; Fuwa, Maria; Okada, Masanori; Takase, Kan; Toyama, Takeshi; Makino, Kenzo; Takeda, Shuntaro; Furusawa, Akira

2018-05-01

We propose an experimental scheme to generate, in a heralded fashion, arbitrary quantum superpositions of two-mode optical states with a fixed total photon number n based on weakly squeezed two-mode squeezed state resources (obtained via weak parametric down-conversion), linear optics, and photon detection. Arbitrary d -level (qudit) states can be created this way where d =n +1 . Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrate our scheme for n =2 . The resulting qutrit states are characterized via optical homodyne tomography. We also discuss possible extensions to more than two modes concluding that, in general, our approach ceases to work in this case. For illustration and with regards to possible applications, we explicitly calculate a few examples such as NOON states and logical qubit states for quantum error correction. In particular, our approach enables one to construct bosonic qubit error-correction codes against amplitude damping (photon loss) with a typical suppression of √{n }-1 losses and spanned by two logical codewords that each correspond to an n -photon superposition for two bosonic modes.

All optical quantum control of a spin-quantum state and ultrafast transduction into an electric current.

PubMed

Müller, K; Kaldewey, T; Ripszam, R; Wildmann, J S; Bechtold, A; Bichler, M; Koblmüller, G; Abstreiter, G; Finley, J J

2013-01-01

The ability to control and exploit quantum coherence and entanglement drives research across many fields ranging from ultra-cold quantum gases to spin systems in condensed matter. Transcending different physical systems, optical approaches have proven themselves to be particularly powerful, since they profit from the established toolbox of quantum optical techniques, are state-selective, contact-less and can be extremely fast. Here, we demonstrate how a precisely timed sequence of monochromatic ultrafast (~ 2-5 ps) optical pulses, with a well defined polarisation can be used to prepare arbitrary superpositions of exciton spin states in a semiconductor quantum dot, achieve ultrafast control of the spin-wavefunction without an applied magnetic field and make high fidelity read-out the quantum state in an arbitrary basis simply by detecting a strong (~ 2-10 pA) electric current flowing in an external circuit. The results obtained show that the combined quantum state preparation, control and read-out can be performed with a near-unity (≥97%) fidelity.

Efficient universal blind quantum computation.

PubMed

Giovannetti, Vittorio; Maccone, Lorenzo; Morimae, Tomoyuki; Rudolph, Terry G

2013-12-06

We give a cheat sensitive protocol for blind universal quantum computation that is efficient in terms of computational and communication resources: it allows one party to perform an arbitrary computation on a second party's quantum computer without revealing either which computation is performed, or its input and output. The first party's computational capabilities can be extremely limited: she must only be able to create and measure single-qubit superposition states. The second party is not required to use measurement-based quantum computation. The protocol requires the (optimal) exchange of O(Jlog2(N)) single-qubit states, where J is the computational depth and N is the number of qubits needed for the computation.

Interferometric Quantum-Nondemolition Single-Photon Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kok, Peter; Lee, Hwang; Dowling, Jonathan

2007-01-01

Two interferometric quantum-nondemolition (QND) devices have been proposed: (1) a polarization-independent device and (2) a polarization-preserving device. The prolarization-independent device works on an input state of up to two photons, whereas the polarization-preserving device works on a superposition of vacuum and single- photon states. The overall function of the device would be to probabilistically generate a unique detector output only when its input electromagnetic mode was populated by a single photon, in which case its output mode would also be populated by a single photon. Like other QND devices, the proposed devices are potentially useful for a variety of applications, including such areas of NASA interest as quantum computing, quantum communication, detection of gravity waves, as well as pedagogical demonstrations of the quantum nature of light. Many protocols in quantum computation and quantum communication require the possibility of detecting a photon without destroying it. The only prior single- photon-detecting QND device is based on quantum electrodynamics in a resonant cavity and, as such, it depends on the photon frequency. Moreover, the prior device can distinguish only between one photon and no photon. The proposed interferometric QND devices would not depend on frequency and could distinguish between (a) one photon and (b) zero or two photons. The first proposed device is depicted schematically in Figure 1. The input electromagnetic mode would be a superposition of a zero-, a one-, and a two-photon quantum state. The overall function of the device would be to probabilistically generate a unique detector output only when its input electromagnetic mode was populated by a single photon, in which case its output mode also would be populated by a single photon.

Possibility to Probe Negative Values of a Wigner Function in Scattering of a Coherent Superposition of Electronic Wave Packets by Atoms.

PubMed

Karlovets, Dmitry V; Serbo, Valeriy G

2017-10-27

Within a plane-wave approximation in scattering, an incoming wave packet's Wigner function stays positive everywhere, which obscures such purely quantum phenomena as nonlocality and entanglement. With the advent of the electron microscopes with subnanometer-sized beams, one can enter a genuinely quantum regime where the latter effects become only moderately attenuated. Here we show how to probe negative values of the Wigner function in scattering of a coherent superposition of two Gaussian packets with a nonvanishing impact parameter between them (a Schrödinger's cat state) by atomic targets. For hydrogen in the ground 1s state, a small parameter of the problem, a ratio a/σ_{⊥} of the Bohr radius a to the beam width σ_{⊥}, is no longer vanishing. We predict an azimuthal asymmetry of the scattered electrons, which is found to be up to 10%, and argue that it can be reliably detected. The production of beams with the not-everywhere-positive Wigner functions and the probing of such quantum effects can open new perspectives for noninvasive electron microscopy, quantum tomography, particle physics, and so forth.

Gaussian private quantum channel with squeezed coherent states

PubMed Central

Jeong, Kabgyun; Kim, Jaewan; Lee, Su-Yong

2015-01-01

While the objective of conventional quantum key distribution (QKD) is to secretly generate and share the classical bits concealed in the form of maximally mixed quantum states, that of private quantum channel (PQC) is to secretly transmit individual quantum states concealed in the form of maximally mixed states using shared one-time pad and it is called Gaussian private quantum channel (GPQC) when the scheme is in the regime of continuous variables. We propose a GPQC enhanced with squeezed coherent states (GPQCwSC), which is a generalization of GPQC with coherent states only (GPQCo) [Phys. Rev. A 72, 042313 (2005)]. We show that GPQCwSC beats the GPQCo for the upper bound on accessible information. As a subsidiary example, it is shown that the squeezed states take an advantage over the coherent states against a beam splitting attack in a continuous variable QKD. It is also shown that a squeezing operation can be approximated as a superposition of two different displacement operations in the small squeezing regime. PMID:26364893

Gaussian private quantum channel with squeezed coherent states.

PubMed

Jeong, Kabgyun; Kim, Jaewan; Lee, Su-Yong

2015-09-14

While the objective of conventional quantum key distribution (QKD) is to secretly generate and share the classical bits concealed in the form of maximally mixed quantum states, that of private quantum channel (PQC) is to secretly transmit individual quantum states concealed in the form of maximally mixed states using shared one-time pad and it is called Gaussian private quantum channel (GPQC) when the scheme is in the regime of continuous variables. We propose a GPQC enhanced with squeezed coherent states (GPQCwSC), which is a generalization of GPQC with coherent states only (GPQCo) [Phys. Rev. A 72, 042313 (2005)]. We show that GPQCwSC beats the GPQCo for the upper bound on accessible information. As a subsidiary example, it is shown that the squeezed states take an advantage over the coherent states against a beam splitting attack in a continuous variable QKD. It is also shown that a squeezing operation can be approximated as a superposition of two different displacement operations in the small squeezing regime.

Physical realization of quantum teleportation for a nonmaximal entangled state

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanaka, Yoshiharu; Asano, Masanari; Ohya, Masanori

2010-08-15

Recently, Kossakowski and Ohya (K-O) proposed a new teleportation scheme which enables perfect teleportation even for a nonmaximal entangled state [A. Kossakowski and M. Ohya, Infinite Dimensional Analysis Quantum Probability and Related Topics 10, 411 (2007)]. To discuss a physical realization of the K-O scheme, we propose a model based on quantum optics. In our model, we take a superposition of Schroedinger's cat states as an input state being sent from Alice to Bob, and their entangled state is generated by a photon number state through a beam splitter. When the average photon number for our input states is equalmore » to half the number of photons into the beam splitter, our model has high fidelity.« less

Black holes, quantum theory and cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penrose, Roger

2009-06-01

Some reasons are given for believing that the rules of quantum (field) theory must be changed when general relativity becomes seriously involved. If full quantum mechanical respect is paid to the principle of equivalence, we find that a superposition of gravitational fields leads to an illegal superposition of different vacua, giving support to a proposal for spontaneous quantum state reduction made earlier by Diósi, and then independently by the author. A different line of attack involves the over-riding role of black holes in the total entropy content of the universe, and in the operation of the 2nd Law of thermodynamics. The author's proposal of conformal cyclic cosmology is reviewed in order to highlight a seeming paradox, according to which the entropy of the universe of the remote future seems to return to the small kind of value that it had at the big bang. The paradox is resolved when we take into account the information loss that, from this perspective, necessarily occurs in Hawking's black-hole evaporation, with the accompanying loss of unitarity.

Sufficient condition for a quantum state to be genuinely quantum non-Gaussian

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Happ, L.; Efremov, M. A.; Nha, H.; Schleich, W. P.

2018-02-01

We show that the expectation value of the operator \\hat{{ \\mathcal O }}\\equiv \\exp (-c{\\hat{x}}2)+\\exp (-c{\\hat{p}}2) defined by the position and momentum operators \\hat{x} and \\hat{p} with a positive parameter c can serve as a tool to identify quantum non-Gaussian states, that is states that cannot be represented as a mixture of Gaussian states. Our condition can be readily tested employing a highly efficient homodyne detection which unlike quantum-state tomography requires the measurements of only two orthogonal quadratures. We demonstrate that our method is even able to detect quantum non-Gaussian states with positive–definite Wigner functions. This situation cannot be addressed in terms of the negativity of the phase-space distribution. Moreover, we demonstrate that our condition can characterize quantum non-Gaussianity for the class of superposition states consisting of a vacuum and integer multiples of four photons under more than 50 % signal attenuation.

On the concept of cryptographic quantum hashing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ablayev, F.; Ablayev, M.

2015-12-01

In the letter we define the notion of a quantum resistant ((ε ,δ ) -resistant) hash function which consists of a combination of pre-image (one-way) resistance (ε-resistance) and collision resistance (δ-resistance) properties. We present examples and discussion that supports the idea of quantum hashing. We present an explicit quantum hash function which is ‘balanced’, one-way resistant and collision resistant and demonstrate how to build a large family of quantum hash functions. Balanced quantum hash functions need a high degree of entanglement between the qubits. We use a phase transformation technique to express quantum hashing constructions, which is an effective way of mapping hash states to coherent states in a superposition of time-bin modes. The phase transformation technique is ready to be implemented with current optical technology.

SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS: Properties of the two- and three-dimensional quantum dot qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shihua, Chen

2010-05-01

On the condition of electric-longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon strong coupling in both two- and three-dimensional parabolic quantum dots (QDs), we obtain the eigenenergies of the ground state (GS) and the first excited state (ES), the eigenfunctions of the GS and the first ES by using a variational method of Pekar type. This system in QD may be employed as a quantum system-quantum bit (qubit). When the electron is in the superposition state of the GS and the first ES, we obtain the time evolution of the electron density. The relations of both the electron probability density and the period of oscillation with the electric-LO phonon coupling strength and confinement length are discussed.

Preparing Schrodinger cat states by parametric pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leghtas, Zaki; Touzard, Steven; Pop, Ioan; Vlastakis, Brian; Zalys-Geller, Evan; Albert, Victor V.; Jiang, Liang; Frunzio, Luigi; Schoelkopf, Robert J.; Mirrahimi, Mazyar; Devoret, Michel H.

2014-03-01

Maintaining a quantum superposition state of light in a cavity has important applications for quantum error correction. We present an experimental protocol based on parametric pumping and Josephson circuits, which could prepare a Schrodinger cat state in a cavity. This is achieved by engineering a dissipative environment, which exchanges only pairs or quadruples of photons with our cavity mode. The dissipative nature of this preparation would lead to the observation of a dynamical Zeno effect, where the competition between a coherent drive and the dissipation reveals non trivial dynamics. Work supported by: IARPA, ARO, and NSF.

Experimental state control by fast non-Abelian holonomic gates with a superconducting qutrit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilin, S.; Vepsäläinen, A.; Paraoanu, G. S.

2018-05-01

Quantum state manipulation with gates based on geometric phases acquired during cyclic operations promises inherent fault-tolerance and resilience to local fluctuations in the control parameters. Here we create a general non-Abelian and non-adiabatic holonomic gate acting in the (∣0〉, ∣2〉) subspace of a three-level (qutrit) transmon device fabricated in a fully coplanar design. Experimentally, this is realized by simultaneously coupling the first two transitions by microwave pulses with amplitudes and phases defined such that the condition of parallel transport is fulfilled. We demonstrate the creation of arbitrary superpositions in this subspace by changing the amplitudes of the pulses and the relative phase between them. We use two-photon pulses acting in the holonomic subspace to reveal the coherence of the state created by the geometric gate pulses and to prepare different superposition states. We also test the action of holonomic NOT and Hadamard gates on superpositions in the (| 0> ,| 2> ) subspace.

Experimental quantum-cryptography scheme based on orthogonal states

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Avella, Alessio; Brida, Giorgio; Degiovanni, Ivo Pietro

2010-12-15

Since, in general, nonorthogonal states cannot be cloned, any eavesdropping attempt in a quantum-communication scheme using nonorthogonal states as carriers of information introduces some errors in the transmission, leading to the possibility of detecting the spy. Usually, orthogonal states are not used in quantum-cryptography schemes since they can be faithfully cloned without altering the transmitted data. Nevertheless, L. Goldberg and L. Vaidman [Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 1239 (1995)] proposed a protocol in which, even if the data exchange is realized using two orthogonal states, any attempt to eavesdrop is detectable by the legal users. In this scheme the orthogonal statesmore » are superpositions of two localized wave packets traveling along separate channels. Here we present an experiment realizing this scheme.« less

Robust Multiple-Range Coherent Quantum State Transfer.

PubMed

Chen, Bing; Peng, Yan-Dong; Li, Yong; Qian, Xiao-Feng

2016-07-01

We propose a multiple-range quantum communication channel to realize coherent two-way quantum state transport with high fidelity. In our scheme, an information carrier (a qubit) and its remote partner are both adiabatically coupled to the same data bus, i.e., an N-site tight-binding chain that has a single defect at the center. At the weak interaction regime, our system is effectively equivalent to a three level system of which a coherent superposition of the two carrier states constitutes a dark state. The adiabatic coupling allows a well controllable information exchange timing via the dark state between the two carriers. Numerical results show that our scheme is robust and efficient under practically inevitable perturbative defects of the data bus as well as environmental dephasing noise.

Operating Quantum States in Single Magnetic Molecules: Implementation of Grover's Quantum Algorithm.

PubMed

Godfrin, C; Ferhat, A; Ballou, R; Klyatskaya, S; Ruben, M; Wernsdorfer, W; Balestro, F

2017-11-03

Quantum algorithms use the principles of quantum mechanics, such as, for example, quantum superposition, in order to solve particular problems outperforming standard computation. They are developed for cryptography, searching, optimization, simulation, and solving large systems of linear equations. Here, we implement Grover's quantum algorithm, proposed to find an element in an unsorted list, using a single nuclear 3/2 spin carried by a Tb ion sitting in a single molecular magnet transistor. The coherent manipulation of this multilevel quantum system (qudit) is achieved by means of electric fields only. Grover's search algorithm is implemented by constructing a quantum database via a multilevel Hadamard gate. The Grover sequence then allows us to select each state. The presented method is of universal character and can be implemented in any multilevel quantum system with nonequal spaced energy levels, opening the way to novel quantum search algorithms.

Operating Quantum States in Single Magnetic Molecules: Implementation of Grover's Quantum Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godfrin, C.; Ferhat, A.; Ballou, R.; Klyatskaya, S.; Ruben, M.; Wernsdorfer, W.; Balestro, F.

2017-11-01

Quantum algorithms use the principles of quantum mechanics, such as, for example, quantum superposition, in order to solve particular problems outperforming standard computation. They are developed for cryptography, searching, optimization, simulation, and solving large systems of linear equations. Here, we implement Grover's quantum algorithm, proposed to find an element in an unsorted list, using a single nuclear 3 /2 spin carried by a Tb ion sitting in a single molecular magnet transistor. The coherent manipulation of this multilevel quantum system (qudit) is achieved by means of electric fields only. Grover's search algorithm is implemented by constructing a quantum database via a multilevel Hadamard gate. The Grover sequence then allows us to select each state. The presented method is of universal character and can be implemented in any multilevel quantum system with nonequal spaced energy levels, opening the way to novel quantum search algorithms.

Effective size of certain macroscopic quantum superpositions.

PubMed

Dür, Wolfgang; Simon, Christoph; Cirac, J Ignacio

2002-11-18

Several experiments and experimental proposals for the production of macroscopic superpositions naturally lead to states of the general form /phi(1)>( multiply sign in circle N)+/phi 2 >( multiply sign in circle N), where the number of subsystems N is very large, but the states of the individual subsystems have large overlap, // 2=1-epsilon 2. We propose two different methods for assigning an effective particle number to such states, using ideal Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states of the form /0>( multiply sign in circle n)+/1>( multiply sign in circle n) as a standard of comparison. The two methods are based on decoherence and on a distillation protocol, respectively. Both lead to an effective size n of the order of N epsilon 2.

A Circuit-Based Quantum Algorithm Driven by Transverse Fields for Grover's Problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Zhang; Rieffel, Eleanor G.; Wang, Zhihui

2017-01-01

We designed a quantum search algorithm, giving the same quadratic speedup achieved by Grover's original algorithm; we replace Grover's diffusion operator (hard to implement) with a product diffusion operator generated by transverse fields (easy to implement). In our algorithm, the problem Hamiltonian (oracle) and the transverse fields are applied to the system alternatively. We construct such a sequence that the corresponding unitary generates a closed transition between the initial state (even superposition of all states) and a modified target state, which has a high degree of overlap with the original target state.

Spectroscopy of Charged Quantum Dot Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinaff, E. A.; Scheibner, M.; Bracker, A. S.; Ponomarev, I. V.; Ware, M. E.; Doty, M. F.; Reinecke, T. L.; Gammon, D.; Korenev, V. L.

2006-03-01

Spins of single charges in quantum dots are attractive for many quantum information and spintronic proposals. Scalable quantum information applications require the ability to entangle and operate on multiple spins in coupled quantum dots (CQDs). To further the understanding of these systems, we present detailed spectroscopic studies of InAs CQDs with control of the discrete electron or hole charging of the system. The optical spectrum reveals a pattern of energy anticrossings and crossings in the photoluminescence as a function of applied electric field. These features can be understood as a superposition of charge and spin configurations of the two dots and represent clear signatures of quantum mechanical coupling. The molecular resonance leading to these anticrossings is achieved at different electric fields for the optically excited (trion) states and the ground (hole) states allowing for the possibility of using the excited states for optically induced coupling of the qubits.

Experimental quantum-cryptography scheme based on orthogonal states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avella, Alessio; Brida, Giorgio; Degiovanni, Ivo Pietro; Genovese, Marco; Gramegna, Marco; Traina, Paolo

2010-12-01

Since, in general, nonorthogonal states cannot be cloned, any eavesdropping attempt in a quantum-communication scheme using nonorthogonal states as carriers of information introduces some errors in the transmission, leading to the possibility of detecting the spy. Usually, orthogonal states are not used in quantum-cryptography schemes since they can be faithfully cloned without altering the transmitted data. Nevertheless, L. Goldberg and L. Vaidman [Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.75.1239 75, 1239 (1995)] proposed a protocol in which, even if the data exchange is realized using two orthogonal states, any attempt to eavesdrop is detectable by the legal users. In this scheme the orthogonal states are superpositions of two localized wave packets traveling along separate channels. Here we present an experiment realizing this scheme.

New Class of Quantum Error-Correcting Codes for a Bosonic Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, Marios H.; Silveri, Matti; Brierley, R. T.; Albert, Victor V.; Salmilehto, Juha; Jiang, Liang; Girvin, S. M.

2016-07-01

We construct a new class of quantum error-correcting codes for a bosonic mode, which are advantageous for applications in quantum memories, communication, and scalable computation. These "binomial quantum codes" are formed from a finite superposition of Fock states weighted with binomial coefficients. The binomial codes can exactly correct errors that are polynomial up to a specific degree in bosonic creation and annihilation operators, including amplitude damping and displacement noise as well as boson addition and dephasing errors. For realistic continuous-time dissipative evolution, the codes can perform approximate quantum error correction to any given order in the time step between error detection measurements. We present an explicit approximate quantum error recovery operation based on projective measurements and unitary operations. The binomial codes are tailored for detecting boson loss and gain errors by means of measurements of the generalized number parity. We discuss optimization of the binomial codes and demonstrate that by relaxing the parity structure, codes with even lower unrecoverable error rates can be achieved. The binomial codes are related to existing two-mode bosonic codes, but offer the advantage of requiring only a single bosonic mode to correct amplitude damping as well as the ability to correct other errors. Our codes are similar in spirit to "cat codes" based on superpositions of the coherent states but offer several advantages such as smaller mean boson number, exact rather than approximate orthonormality of the code words, and an explicit unitary operation for repumping energy into the bosonic mode. The binomial quantum codes are realizable with current superconducting circuit technology, and they should prove useful in other quantum technologies, including bosonic quantum memories, photonic quantum communication, and optical-to-microwave up- and down-conversion.

Creativity and Quantum Physics: a New World View Unifying Current Theories of Creativity and Pointing Toward New Research Methodologies.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, Kimberly Ann

1990-01-01

Divisions in definitions of creativity have centered primarily on the working definition of discontinuity and the inclusion of intrinsic features such as unconscious processing and intrinsic motivation and reinforcement. These differences generally result from Cohen's two world views underlying theories of creativity: Organismic, oriented toward holism; or mechanistic, oriented toward cause-effect reductionism. The quantum world view is proposed which theoretically and empirically unifies organismic and mechanistic elements of creativity. Based on Goswami's Idealistic Interpretation of quantum physics, the quantum view postulates the mind -brain as consisting of both classical and quantum structures and functions. The quantum domain accesses the transcendent order through coherent superpositions (a state of potentialities), while the classical domain performs the function of measuring apparatus through amplifying and recording the result of the collapse of the pure mental state. A theoretical experiment, based on the 1980 Marcel study of conscious and unconscious word-sense disambiguation, is conducted which compares the predictions of the quantum model with those of the 1975 Posner and Snyder Facilitation and Inhibition model. Each model agrees that while conscious access to information is limited, unconscious access is unlimited. However, each model differently defines the connection between these states: The Posner model postulates a central processing mechanism while the quantum model postulates a self-referential consciousness. Consequently, the two models predict differently. The strength of the quantum model lies in its ability to distinguish between classical and quantum definitions of discontinuity, as well as clarifying the function of consciousness, without added assumptions or ad-hoc analysis: Consciousness is an essential, valid feature of quantum mechanisms independent of the field of cognitive psychology. According to the quantum model, through a cycle of conscious and unconscious processing, various contexts are accessed, specifically, coherent superposition states and the removal of the subject-object dichotomy in unconscious processing. Coupled with a high tolerance for ambiguity, the individual has access not only to an increased quantity of information, but is exposed to this information in the absence of a self-referential or biased context, the result of which is an increase in creative behavior.

Fast reconstruction of high-qubit-number quantum states via low-rate measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, K.; Zhang, J.; Cong, S.

2017-07-01

Due to the exponential complexity of the resources required by quantum state tomography (QST), people are interested in approaches towards identifying quantum states which require less effort and time. In this paper, we provide a tailored and efficient method for reconstructing mixed quantum states up to 12 (or even more) qubits from an incomplete set of observables subject to noises. Our method is applicable to any pure or nearly pure state ρ and can be extended to many states of interest in quantum information processing, such as a multiparticle entangled W state, Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states, and cluster states that are matrix product operators of low dimensions. The method applies the quantum density matrix constraints to a quantum compressive sensing optimization problem and exploits a modified quantum alternating direction multiplier method (quantum-ADMM) to accelerate the convergence. Our algorithm takes 8 ,35 , and 226 seconds, respectively, to reconstruct superposition state density matrices of 10 ,11 ,and12 qubits with acceptable fidelity using less than 1 % of measurements of expectation. To our knowledge it is the fastest realization that people can achieve using a normal desktop. We further discuss applications of this method using experimental data of mixed states obtained in an ion trap experiment of up to 8 qubits.

Coherent inflation for large quantum superpositions of levitated microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero-Isart, Oriol

2017-12-01

We show that coherent inflation (CI), namely quantum dynamics generated by inverted conservative potentials acting on the center of mass of a massive object, is an enabling tool to prepare large spatial quantum superpositions in a double-slit experiment. Combined with cryogenic, extreme high vacuum, and low-vibration environments, we argue that it is experimentally feasible to exploit CI to prepare the center of mass of a micrometer-sized object in a spatial quantum superposition comparable to its size. In such a hitherto unexplored parameter regime gravitationally-induced decoherence could be unambiguously falsified. We present a protocol to implement CI in a double-slit experiment by letting a levitated microsphere traverse a static potential landscape. Such a protocol could be experimentally implemented with an all-magnetic scheme using superconducting microspheres.

Quantum Tic-Tac-Toe as Metaphor for Quantum Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goff, Allan; Lehmann, Dale; Siegel, Joel

2004-02-01

Quantum Tic-Tac-Toe is presented as an abstract quantum system derived from the rules of Classical Tic-Tac-Toe. Abstract quantum systems can be constructed from classical systems by the addition of three types of rules; rules of Superposition, rules of Entanglement, and rules of Collapse. This is formally done for Quantum Tic-Tac-Toe. As a part of this construction it is shown that abstract quantum systems can be viewed as an ensemble of classical systems. That is, the state of a quantum game implies a set of simultaneous classical games. The number and evolution of the ensemble of classical games is driven by the superposition, entanglement, and collapse rules. Various aspects and play situations provide excellent metaphors for standard features of quantum mechanics. Several of the more significant metaphors are discussed, including a measurement mechanism, the correspondence principle, Everett's Many Worlds Hypothesis, an ascertainity principle, and spooky action at a distance. Abstract quantum systems also show the consistency of backwards-in-time causality, and the influence on the present of both pasts and futures that never happened. The strongest logical argument against faster-than-light (FTL) phenomena is that since FTL implies backwards-in-time causality, temporal paradox is an unavoidable consequence of FTL; hence FTL is impossible. Since abstract quantum systems support backwards-in-time causality but avoid temporal paradox through pruning of the classical ensemble, it may be that quantum based FTL schemes are possible allowing backwards-in-time causality, but prohibiting temporal paradox.

Magneto-exciton transitions in laterally coupled quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barticevic, Zdenka; Pacheco, Monica; Duque, Carlos A.; Oliveira, Luiz E.

2008-03-01

We present a study of the electronic and optical properties of laterally coupled quantum dots. The excitonic spectra of this system under the effects of an external magnetic field applied perpendicular to the plane of the dots is obtained, with the potential of every individual dot taken as the superposition of a quantum well potential along the axial direction with a lateral parabolic confinement potential, and the coupled two- dot system then modeled by a superposition of the potentials of each dot, with their minima at different positions and truncated at the intersection plane. The wave functions and eigenvalues are obtained in the effective-mass approximation by using an extended variational approach in which the magneto- exciton states are simultaneously obtained [1]. The allowed magneto-exciton transitions are investigated by using circularly polarized radiation in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. We present results on the excitonic absorption coefficient as a function of the photon energy for different geometric quantum-dot confinement and magnetic-field values. Reference: [1] Z. Barticevic, M. Pacheco, C. A. Duque and L. E. Oliveira, Phys. Rev. B 68, 073312 (2003).

Robust Multiple-Range Coherent Quantum State Transfer

PubMed Central

Chen, Bing; Peng, Yan-Dong; Li, Yong; Qian, Xiao-Feng

2016-01-01

We propose a multiple-range quantum communication channel to realize coherent two-way quantum state transport with high fidelity. In our scheme, an information carrier (a qubit) and its remote partner are both adiabatically coupled to the same data bus, i.e., an N-site tight-binding chain that has a single defect at the center. At the weak interaction regime, our system is effectively equivalent to a three level system of which a coherent superposition of the two carrier states constitutes a dark state. The adiabatic coupling allows a well controllable information exchange timing via the dark state between the two carriers. Numerical results show that our scheme is robust and efficient under practically inevitable perturbative defects of the data bus as well as environmental dephasing noise. PMID:27364891

Weak measurements and quantum weak values for NOON states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosales-Zárate, L.; Opanchuk, B.; Reid, M. D.

2018-03-01

Quantum weak values arise when the mean outcome of a weak measurement made on certain preselected and postselected quantum systems goes beyond the eigenvalue range for a quantum observable. Here, we propose how to determine quantum weak values for superpositions of states with a macroscopically or mesoscopically distinct mode number, that might be realized as two-mode Bose-Einstein condensate or photonic NOON states. Specifically, we give a model for a weak measurement of the Schwinger spin of a two-mode NOON state, for arbitrary N . The weak measurement arises from a nondestructive measurement of the two-mode occupation number difference, which for atomic NOON states might be realized via phase contrast imaging and the ac Stark effect using an optical meter prepared in a coherent state. The meter-system coupling results in an entangled cat-state. By subsequently evolving the system under the action of a nonlinear Josephson Hamiltonian, we show how postselection leads to quantum weak values, for arbitrary N . Since the weak measurement can be shown to be minimally invasive, the weak values provide a useful strategy for a Leggett-Garg test of N -scopic realism.

Quantum optical circulator controlled by a single chirally coupled atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheucher, Michael; Hilico, Adèle; Will, Elisa; Volz, Jürgen; Rauschenbeutel, Arno

2016-12-01

Integrated nonreciprocal optical components, which have an inherent asymmetry between their forward and backward propagation direction, are key for routing signals in photonic circuits. Here, we demonstrate a fiber-integrated quantum optical circulator operated by a single atom. Its nonreciprocal behavior arises from the chiral interaction between the atom and the transversally confined light. We demonstrate that the internal quantum state of the atom controls the operation direction of the circulator and that it features a strongly nonlinear response at the single-photon level. This enables, for example, photon number-dependent routing and novel quantum simulation protocols. Furthermore, such a circulator can in principle be prepared in a coherent superposition of its operational states and may become a key element for quantum information processing in scalable integrated optical circuits.

Dark state with counter-rotating dissipative channels.

PubMed

Zhou, Zheng-Yang; Chen, Mi; Wu, Lian-Ao; Yu, Ting; You, J Q

2017-07-24

Dark state as a consequence of interference between different quantum states has great importance in the fields of chip-scale atomic clock and quantum information. For the Λ-type three-level system, this dark state is generally regarded as being dissipation-free because it is a superposition of two lowest states without dipole transition between them. However, previous studies are based on the rotating-wave approximation (RWA) by neglecting the counter-rotating terms in the system-environment interaction. In this work, we study non-Markovian quantum dynamics of the dark state in a Λ-type three-level system coupled to two bosonic baths and reveal the effect of counter-rotating terms on the dark state. In contrast to the dark state within the RWA, leakage of the dark state occurs even at zero temperature, as a result of these counter-rotating terms. Also, we present a method to restore the quantum coherence of the dark state by applying a leakage elimination operator to the system.

Quantum coherence: Reciprocity and distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Asutosh

2017-03-01

Quantum coherence is the outcome of the superposition principle. Recently, it has been theorized as a quantum resource, and is the premise of quantum correlations in multipartite systems. It is therefore interesting to study the coherence content and its distribution in a multipartite quantum system. In this work, we show analytically as well as numerically the reciprocity between coherence and mixedness of a quantum state. We find that this trade-off is a general feature in the sense that it is true for large spectra of measures of coherence and of mixedness. We also study the distribution of coherence in multipartite systems by looking at monogamy-type relation-which we refer to as additivity relation-between coherences of different parts of the system. We show that for the Dicke states, while the normalized measures of coherence violate the additivity relation, the unnormalized ones satisfy the same.

Constructiveness and destructiveness of temperature in asymmetric quantum pseudo dot qubit system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ying-Jie; Song, Hai-Tao; Xiao, Jing-Lin

2018-06-01

By using the variational method of the Pekar type, we theoretically study the temperature effects on the asymmetric quantum pseudo dot qubit with a pseudoharmonic potential under an electromagnetic field. The numerical results are analyzed and discussed in detail and show that the relationships of the ground and first excited state energies, the electron oscillation period and the electron probability density in the superposition state of the ground state and the first-excited state with the temperature, the chemical potential, the pseudoharmonic potential, the electric field strength, the cyclotron frequency, the electron phonon coupling constant, the transverse and longitudinal effective confinement length, respectively.

Observing Quantum State Diffusion by Heterodyne Detection of Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagne-Ibarcq, P.; Six, P.; Bretheau, L.; Sarlette, A.; Mirrahimi, M.; Rouchon, P.; Huard, B.

2016-01-01

A qubit can relax by fluorescence, which prompts the release of a photon into its electromagnetic environment. By counting the emitted photons, discrete quantum jumps of the qubit state can be observed. The succession of states occupied by the qubit in a single experiment, its quantum trajectory, depends in fact on the kind of detector. How are the quantum trajectories modified if one measures continuously the amplitude of the fluorescence field instead? Using a superconducting parametric amplifier, we perform heterodyne detection of the fluorescence of a superconducting qubit. For each realization of the measurement record, we can reconstruct a different quantum trajectory for the qubit. The observed evolution obeys quantum state diffusion, which is characteristic of quantum measurements subject to zero-point fluctuations. Independent projective measurements of the qubit at various times provide a quantitative verification of the reconstructed trajectories. By exploring the statistics of quantum trajectories, we demonstrate that the qubit states span a deterministic surface in the Bloch sphere at each time in the evolution. Additionally, we show that when monitoring fluorescence field quadratures, coherent superpositions are generated during the decay from excited to ground state. Counterintuitively, measuring light emitted during relaxation can give rise to trajectories with increased excitation probability.

Evolution equation for quantum entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konrad, Thomas; de Melo, Fernando; Tiersch, Markus; Kasztelan, Christian; Aragão, Adriano; Buchleitner, Andreas

2008-02-01

Quantum information technology largely relies on a precious and fragile resource, quantum entanglement, a highly non-trivial manifestation of the coherent superposition of states of composite quantum systems. However, our knowledge of the time evolution of this resource under realistic conditions-that is, when corrupted by environment-induced decoherence-is so far limited, and general statements on entanglement dynamics in open systems are scarce. Here we prove a simple and general factorization law for quantum systems shared by two parties, which describes the time evolution of entanglement on passage of either component through an arbitrary noisy channel. The robustness of entanglement-based quantum information processing protocols is thus easily and fully characterized by a single quantity.

Atomic Schroedinger cat-like states

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Enriquez-Flores, Marco; Rosas-Ortiz, Oscar; Departamento de Fisica, Cinvestav, A.P. 14-740, Mexico D.F. 07000

2010-10-11

After a short overview of the basic mathematical structure of quantum mechanics we analyze the Schroedinger's antinomic example of a living and dead cat mixed in equal parts. Superpositions of Glauber kets are shown to approximate such macroscopic states. Then, two-level atomic states are used to construct mesoscopic kittens as appropriate linear combinations of angular momentum eigenkets for j = 1/2. Some general comments close the present contribution.

Testing quantum mechanics against macroscopic realism using the output of {chi}{sup (2)} nonlinearity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Podoshvedov, Sergey A.; Kim, Jaewan

2006-09-15

We suggest an all-optical scheme to generate entangled superposition of a single photon with macroscopic entangled states for testing macroscopic realism. The scheme consists of source of single photons, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in routes of which a system of coupled-down converters with type-I phase matching is inserted, and a beam splitter for the other auxiliary modes of the scheme. We use quantization of the pumping modes, depletion of the coherent states passing through the system, and interference effect in the pumping modes in the process of erasing which-path information of the single-photon on exit from the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. We showmore » the macroscopic fields of the output superposition are distinguishable states. This scheme generates macroscopic entangled state that violates Bell's inequality. Moreover, the detailed analysis concerning change of amplitudes of entangled superposition by means of repeating this process many times is accomplished. We show our scheme works without photon number resolving detection and it is robust to detector inefficiency.« less

Holonomic Quantum Control with Continuous Variable Systems.

PubMed

Albert, Victor V; Shu, Chi; Krastanov, Stefan; Shen, Chao; Liu, Ren-Bao; Yang, Zhen-Biao; Schoelkopf, Robert J; Mirrahimi, Mazyar; Devoret, Michel H; Jiang, Liang

2016-04-08

Universal computation of a quantum system consisting of superpositions of well-separated coherent states of multiple harmonic oscillators can be achieved by three families of adiabatic holonomic gates. The first gate consists of moving a coherent state around a closed path in phase space, resulting in a relative Berry phase between that state and the other states. The second gate consists of "colliding" two coherent states of the same oscillator, resulting in coherent population transfer between them. The third gate is an effective controlled-phase gate on coherent states of two different oscillators. Such gates should be realizable via reservoir engineering of systems that support tunable nonlinearities, such as trapped ions and circuit QED.

Strong monogamy of multiparty quantum entanglement for partially coherently superposed states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeong San

2016-03-01

We provide evidence for the validity of strong monogamy inequality of multiparty quantum entanglement using the square of convex-roof extended negativity (SCREN). We first consider a large class of multiqudit mixed states that are in a partially coherent superposition of a generalized W -class state and the vacuum, and provide some useful properties about this class of states. We show that monogamy inequality of multiqudit entanglement in terms of SCREN holds for this class of states. We further show that SCREN strong monogamy inequality of multiqudit entanglement also holds for this class of states. Thus SCREN is a good alternative for characterizing the monogamous and strongly monogamous properties of multiqudit entanglement.

Quantum Time Evolution in a Qubit Readout Process with a Josephson Bifurcation Amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Hayato; Saito, Shiro; Semba, Kouichi; Takayanagi, Hideaki

2009-06-01

We analyzed the Josephson bifurcation amplifier (JBA) readout process of a superconducting qubit quantum mechanically by calculating the dynamics of the density operator of a driven nonlinear oscillator and a qubit coupled system during the measurement process. In purely quantum cases, bifurcation is impossible. Introducing decoherence enables us to reproduce the bifurcation with a finite hysteresis. When a qubit is initially in a superposition state, we have observed the qubit-probe (JBA) entangled state, and it is divided into two separable states at the moment the JBA transition begins. This corresponds to “projection.” To readout the measurement result, however, we must wait until the two JBA states are macroscopically well separated. The waiting time is determined by the strength of the decoherence in the JBA.

Efficient multiparticle entanglement via asymmetric Rydberg blockade.

PubMed

Saffman, M; Mølmer, K

2009-06-19

We present an efficient method for producing N particle entangled states using Rydberg blockade interactions. Optical excitation of Rydberg states that interact weakly, yet have a strong coupling to a second control state is used to achieve state dependent qubit rotations in small ensembles. On the basis of quantitative calculations, we predict that an entangled quantum superposition state of eight atoms can be produced with a fidelity of 84% in cold Rb atoms.

Quantum Optics with Superconducting Circuits: From Single Photons to Schrodinger Cats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schoelkopf, Rob

Over the last decade and a half, superconducting circuits have advanced to the point where we can generate and detect highly-entangled states, and perform universal quantum gates. Meanwhile, the coherence properties of these systems have improved more than 10,000-fold. I will describe recent experiments, such as the latest advance in coherence using a three-dimensional implementation of qubits interacting with microwave cavities, called “3D circuit QED.” The control and strong interactions possible in superconducting circuits make it possible to generate non-classical states of light, including large superpositions known as “Schrodinger cat” states. This field has many interesting prospects both for applicationsmore » in quantum information processing, and fundamental investigations of the boundary between the macroscopic classical world and the microscopic world of the quantum.« less

Continuous generation and stabilization of mesoscopic field superposition states in a quantum circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Ananda; Leghtas, Zaki; Stone, A. Douglas; Devoret, Michel; Mirrahimi, Mazyar

2015-01-01

While dissipation is widely considered to be harmful for quantum coherence, it can, when properly engineered, lead to the stabilization of nontrivial pure quantum states. We propose a scheme for continuous generation and stabilization of Schrödinger cat states in a cavity using dissipation engineering. We first generate nonclassical photon states with definite parity by means of a two-photon drive and dissipation, and then stabilize these transient states against single-photon decay. The single-photon stabilization is autonomous, and is implemented through a second engineered bath, which exploits the photon-number-dependent frequency splitting due to Kerr interactions in the strongly dispersive regime of circuit QED. Starting with the Hamiltonian of the baths plus cavity, we derive an effective model of only the cavity photon states along with analytic expressions for relevant physical quantities, such as the stabilization rate. The deterministic generation of such cat states is one of the key ingredients in performing universal quantum computation.

Consciousness, the brain, and spacetime geometry.

PubMed

Hameroff, S

2001-04-01

What is consciousness? Conventional approaches see it as an emergent property of complex interactions among individual neurons; however these approaches fail to address enigmatic features of consciousness. Accordingly, some philosophers have contended that "qualia," or an experiential medium from which consciousness is derived, exists as a fundamental component of reality. Whitehead, for example, described the universe as being composed of "occasions of experience." To examine this possibility scientifically, the very nature of physical reality must be re-examined. We must come to terms with the physics of spacetime--as described by Einstein's general theory of relativity, and its relation to the fundamental theory of matter--as described by quantum theory. Roger Penrose has proposed a new physics of objective reduction: "OR," which appeals to a form of quantum gravity to provide a useful description of fundamental processes at the quantum/classical borderline. Within the OR scheme, we consider that consciousness occurs if an appropriately organized system is able to develop and maintain quantum coherent superposition until a specific "objective" criterion (a threshold related to quantum gravity) is reached; the coherent system then self-reduces (objective reduction: OR). We contend that this type of objective self-collapse introduces non-computability, an essential feature of consciousness which distinguishes our minds from classical computers. Each OR is taken as an instantaneous event--the climax of a self-organizing process in fundamental spacetime--and a candidate for a conscious Whitehead "occasion of experience." How could an OR process occur in the brain, be coupled to neural activities, and account for other features of consciousness? We nominate a quantum computational OR process with the requisite characteristics to be occurring in cytoskeletal micro-tubules within the brain's neurons. In this model, quantum-superposed states develop in microtubule subunit proteins ("tubulins") within certain brain neurons, remain coherent, and recruit more superposed tubulins until a mass-time-energy threshold (related to quantum gravity) is reached. At that point, self-collapse, or objective reduction (OR), abruptly occurs. We equate the pre-reduction, coherent superposition ("quantum computing") phase with pre-conscious processes, and each instantaneous (and non-computable) OR, or self-collapse, with a discrete conscious event. Sequences of OR events give rise to a "stream" of consciousness. Microtubule-associated proteins can "tune" the quantum oscillations of the coherent superposed states; the OR is thus self-organized, or "orchestrated" ("Orch OR"). Each Orch OR event selects (non-computably) microtubule subunit states which regulate synaptic/neural functions using classical signaling. The quantum gravity threshold for self-collapse is relevant to consciousness, according to our arguments, because macroscopic superposed quantum states each have their own spacetime geometries. These geometries are also superposed, and in some way "separated," but when sufficiently separated, the superposition of spacetime geometries becomes significantly unstable and reduces to a single universe state. Quantum gravity determines the limits of the instability; we contend that the actual choice of state made by Nature is non-computable. Thus each Orch OR event is a self-selection of spacetime geometry, coupled to the brain through microtubules and other biomolecules. If conscious experience is intimately connected with the very physics underlying spacetime structure, then Orch OR in microtubules indeed provides us with a completely new and uniquely promising perspective on the difficult problems of consciousness.

On-chip generation of high-dimensional entangled quantum states and their coherent control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kues, Michael; Reimer, Christian; Roztocki, Piotr; Cortés, Luis Romero; Sciara, Stefania; Wetzel, Benjamin; Zhang, Yanbing; Cino, Alfonso; Chu, Sai T.; Little, Brent E.; Moss, David J.; Caspani, Lucia; Azaña, José; Morandotti, Roberto

2017-06-01

Optical quantum states based on entangled photons are essential for solving questions in fundamental physics and are at the heart of quantum information science. Specifically, the realization of high-dimensional states (D-level quantum systems, that is, qudits, with D > 2) and their control are necessary for fundamental investigations of quantum mechanics, for increasing the sensitivity of quantum imaging schemes, for improving the robustness and key rate of quantum communication protocols, for enabling a richer variety of quantum simulations, and for achieving more efficient and error-tolerant quantum computation. Integrated photonics has recently become a leading platform for the compact, cost-efficient, and stable generation and processing of non-classical optical states. However, so far, integrated entangled quantum sources have been limited to qubits (D = 2). Here we demonstrate on-chip generation of entangled qudit states, where the photons are created in a coherent superposition of multiple high-purity frequency modes. In particular, we confirm the realization of a quantum system with at least one hundred dimensions, formed by two entangled qudits with D = 10. Furthermore, using state-of-the-art, yet off-the-shelf telecommunications components, we introduce a coherent manipulation platform with which to control frequency-entangled states, capable of performing deterministic high-dimensional gate operations. We validate this platform by measuring Bell inequality violations and performing quantum state tomography. Our work enables the generation and processing of high-dimensional quantum states in a single spatial mode.

On-chip generation of high-dimensional entangled quantum states and their coherent control.

PubMed

Kues, Michael; Reimer, Christian; Roztocki, Piotr; Cortés, Luis Romero; Sciara, Stefania; Wetzel, Benjamin; Zhang, Yanbing; Cino, Alfonso; Chu, Sai T; Little, Brent E; Moss, David J; Caspani, Lucia; Azaña, José; Morandotti, Roberto

2017-06-28

Optical quantum states based on entangled photons are essential for solving questions in fundamental physics and are at the heart of quantum information science. Specifically, the realization of high-dimensional states (D-level quantum systems, that is, qudits, with D > 2) and their control are necessary for fundamental investigations of quantum mechanics, for increasing the sensitivity of quantum imaging schemes, for improving the robustness and key rate of quantum communication protocols, for enabling a richer variety of quantum simulations, and for achieving more efficient and error-tolerant quantum computation. Integrated photonics has recently become a leading platform for the compact, cost-efficient, and stable generation and processing of non-classical optical states. However, so far, integrated entangled quantum sources have been limited to qubits (D = 2). Here we demonstrate on-chip generation of entangled qudit states, where the photons are created in a coherent superposition of multiple high-purity frequency modes. In particular, we confirm the realization of a quantum system with at least one hundred dimensions, formed by two entangled qudits with D = 10. Furthermore, using state-of-the-art, yet off-the-shelf telecommunications components, we introduce a coherent manipulation platform with which to control frequency-entangled states, capable of performing deterministic high-dimensional gate operations. We validate this platform by measuring Bell inequality violations and performing quantum state tomography. Our work enables the generation and processing of high-dimensional quantum states in a single spatial mode.

Near-field interferometry of a free-falling nanoparticle from a point-like source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bateman, James; Nimmrichter, Stefan; Hornberger, Klaus; Ulbricht, Hendrik

2014-09-01

Matter-wave interferometry performed with massive objects elucidates their wave nature and thus tests the quantum superposition principle at large scales. Whereas standard quantum theory places no limit on particle size, alternative, yet untested theories—conceived to explain the apparent quantum to classical transition—forbid macroscopic superpositions. Here we propose an interferometer with a levitated, optically cooled and then free-falling silicon nanoparticle in the mass range of one million atomic mass units, delocalized over >150 nm. The scheme employs the near-field Talbot effect with a single standing-wave laser pulse as a phase grating. Our analysis, which accounts for all relevant sources of decoherence, indicates that this is a viable route towards macroscopic high-mass superpositions using available technology.

The Role of Quantum Decoherence in FRET.

PubMed

Nelson, Philip C

2018-02-16

Resonance energy transfer has become an indispensable experimental tool for single-molecule and single-cell biophysics. Its physical underpinnings, however, are subtle: it involves a discrete jump of excitation from one molecule to another, and so we regard it as a strongly quantum-mechanical process. And yet its kinetics differ from what many of us were taught about two-state quantum systems, quantum superpositions of the states do not seem to arise, and so on. Although J. R. Oppenheimer and T. Förster navigated these subtleties successfully, it remains hard to find an elementary derivation in modern language. The key step involves acknowledging quantum decoherence. Appreciating that aspect can be helpful when we attempt to extend our understanding to situations in which Förster's original analysis is not applicable. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantum Properties of the Superposition of Two Nearly Identical Coherent States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othman, Anas; Yevick, David

2018-04-01

In this paper, we examine the properties of the state obtained when two nearly identical coherent states are superimposed. We found that this state exhibits many nonclassical properties such as sub-Poissonian statistics, squeezing and a partially negative Wigner function. These and other properties indicate that such states, here termed near coherent states, are significantly closer to coherent states more than the generalized Schrördinger cat states. We finally provide an experimental procedure for generating the near coherent states.

Tunable ion-photon entanglement in an optical cavity.

PubMed

Stute, A; Casabone, B; Schindler, P; Monz, T; Schmidt, P O; Brandstätter, B; Northup, T E; Blatt, R

2012-05-23

Proposed quantum networks require both a quantum interface between light and matter and the coherent control of quantum states. A quantum interface can be realized by entangling the state of a single photon with the state of an atomic or solid-state quantum memory, as demonstrated in recent experiments with trapped ions, neutral atoms, atomic ensembles and nitrogen-vacancy spins. The entangling interaction couples an initial quantum memory state to two possible light-matter states, and the atomic level structure of the memory determines the available coupling paths. In previous work, the transition parameters of these paths determined the phase and amplitude of the final entangled state, unless the memory was initially prepared in a superposition state (a step that requires coherent control). Here we report fully tunable entanglement between a single (40)Ca(+) ion and the polarization state of a single photon within an optical resonator. Our method, based on a bichromatic, cavity-mediated Raman transition, allows us to select two coupling paths and adjust their relative phase and amplitude. The cavity setting enables intrinsically deterministic, high-fidelity generation of any two-qubit entangled state. This approach is applicable to a broad range of candidate systems and thus is a promising method for distributing information within quantum networks.

Decoherence in quantum systems in a static gravitational field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shariati, Ahmad; Khorrami, Mohammad; Loran, Farhang

2016-09-01

A small quantum system is studied which is a superposition of states localized in different positions in a static gravitational field. The time evolution of the correlation between different positions is investigated, and it is seen that there are two time scales for such an evolution (decoherence). Both time scales are inversely proportional to the red shift difference between the two points. These time scales correspond to decoherences which are linear and quadratic, respectively, in time.

Information Theoretic Characterization of Physical Theories with Projective State Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaopo, Marco

2015-08-01

Probabilistic theories are a natural framework to investigate the foundations of quantum theory and possible alternative or deeper theories. In a generic probabilistic theory, states of a physical system are represented as vectors of outcomes probabilities and state spaces are convex cones. In this picture the physics of a given theory is related to the geometric shape of the cone of states. In quantum theory, for instance, the shape of the cone of states corresponds to a projective space over complex numbers. In this paper we investigate geometric constraints on the state space of a generic theory imposed by the following information theoretic requirements: every non completely mixed state of a system is perfectly distinguishable from some other state in a single shot measurement; information capacity of physical systems is conserved under making mixtures of states. These assumptions guarantee that a generic physical system satisfies a natural principle asserting that the more a state of the system is mixed the less information can be stored in the system using that state as logical value. We show that all theories satisfying the above assumptions are such that the shape of their cones of states is that of a projective space over a generic field of numbers. Remarkably, these theories constitute generalizations of quantum theory where superposition principle holds with coefficients pertaining to a generic field of numbers in place of complex numbers. If the field of numbers is trivial and contains only one element we obtain classical theory. This result tells that superposition principle is quite common among probabilistic theories while its absence gives evidence of either classical theory or an implausible theory.

Magnetic control of dipolaritons in quantum dots.

PubMed

Rojas-Arias, J S; Rodríguez, B A; Vinck-Posada, H

2016-12-21

Dipolaritons are quasiparticles that arise in coupled quantum wells embedded in a microcavity, they are a superposition of a photon, a direct exciton and an indirect exciton. We propose the existence of dipolaritons in a system of two coupled quantum dots inside a microcavity in direct analogy with the quantum well case and find that, despite some similarities, dipolaritons in quantum dots have different properties and can lead to true dark polariton states. We use a finite system theory to study the effects of the magnetic field on the system, including the emission, and find that it can be used as a control parameter of the properties of excitons and dipolaritons, and the overall magnetic behaviour of the structure.

Nonexponential Decoherence and Subdiffusion in Atom-Optics Kicked Rotor.

PubMed

Sarkar, Sumit; Paul, Sanku; Vishwakarma, Chetan; Kumar, Sunil; Verma, Gunjan; Sainath, M; Rapol, Umakant D; Santhanam, M S

2017-04-28

Quantum systems lose coherence upon interaction with the environment and tend towards classical states. Quantum coherence is known to exponentially decay in time so that macroscopic quantum superpositions are generally unsustainable. In this work, slower than exponential decay of coherences is experimentally realized in an atom-optics kicked rotor system subjected to nonstationary Lévy noise in the applied kick sequence. The slower coherence decay manifests in the form of quantum subdiffusion that can be controlled through the Lévy exponent. The experimental results are in good agreement with the analytical estimates and numerical simulations for the mean energy growth and momentum profiles of an atom-optics kicked rotor.

Polarized ensembles of random pure states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deelan Cunden, Fabio; Facchi, Paolo; Florio, Giuseppe

2013-08-01

A new family of polarized ensembles of random pure states is presented. These ensembles are obtained by linear superposition of two random pure states with suitable distributions, and are quite manageable. We will use the obtained results for two purposes: on the one hand we will be able to derive an efficient strategy for sampling states from isopurity manifolds. On the other, we will characterize the deviation of a pure quantum state from separability under the influence of noise.

Faithful conversion of propagating quantum information to mechanical motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, A. P.; Mayer, K. H.; Teufel, J. D.; Burkhart, L. D.; Pfaff, W.; Reagor, M.; Sletten, L.; Ma, X.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Knill, E.; Lehnert, K. W.

2017-12-01

The motion of micrometre-sized mechanical resonators can now be controlled and measured at the fundamental limits imposed by quantum mechanics. These resonators have been prepared in their motional ground state or in squeezed states, measured with quantum-limited precision, and even entangled with microwave fields. Such advances make it possible to process quantum information using the motion of a macroscopic object. In particular, recent experiments have combined mechanical resonators with superconducting quantum circuits to frequency-convert, store and amplify propagating microwave fields. But these systems have not been used to manipulate states that encode quantum bits (qubits), which are required for quantum communication and modular quantum computation. Here we demonstrate the conversion of propagating qubits encoded as superpositions of zero and one photons to the motion of a micromechanical resonator with a fidelity in excess of the classical bound. This ability is necessary for mechanical resonators to convert quantum information between the microwave and optical domains or to act as storage elements in a modular quantum information processor. Additionally, these results are an important step towards testing speculative notions that quantum theory may not be valid for sufficiently massive systems.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paavola, Janika; Hall, Michael J. W.; Paris, Matteo G. A.

The transition from quantum to classical, in the case of a quantum harmonic oscillator, is typically identified with the transition from a quantum superposition of macroscopically distinguishable states, such as the Schroedinger-cat state, into the corresponding statistical mixture. This transition is commonly characterized by the asymptotic loss of the interference term in the Wigner representation of the cat state. In this paper we show that the quantum-to-classical transition has different dynamical features depending on the measure for nonclassicality used. Measures based on an operatorial definition have well-defined physical meaning and allow a deeper understanding of the quantum-to-classical transition. Our analysismore » shows that, for most nonclassicality measures, the Schroedinger-cat state becomes classical after a finite time. Moreover, our results challenge the prevailing idea that more macroscopic states are more susceptible to decoherence in the sense that the transition from quantum to classical occurs faster. Since nonclassicality is a prerequisite for entanglement generation our results also bridge the gap between decoherence, which is lost only asymptotically, and entanglement, which may show a ''sudden death''. In fact, whereas the loss of coherences still remains asymptotic, we emphasize that the transition from quantum to classical can indeed occur at a finite time.« less

Generalized quantum interference of correlated photon pairs.

PubMed

Kim, Heonoh; Lee, Sang Min; Moon, Han Seb

2015-05-07

Superposition and indistinguishablility between probability amplitudes have played an essential role in observing quantum interference effects of correlated photons. The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and interferences of the path-entangled photon number state are of special interest in the field of quantum information technologies. However, a fully generalized two-photon quantum interferometric scheme accounting for the Hong-Ou-Mandel scheme and path-entangled photon number states has not yet been proposed. Here we report the experimental demonstrations of the generalized two-photon interferometry with both the interferometric properties of the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect and the fully unfolded version of the path-entangled photon number state using photon-pair sources, which are independently generated by spontaneous parametric down-conversion. Our experimental scheme explains two-photon interference fringes revealing single- and two-photon coherence properties in a single interferometer setup. Using the proposed interferometric measurement, it is possible to directly estimate the joint spectral intensity of a photon pair source.

Minimal excitation states for heat transport in driven quantum Hall systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vannucci, Luca; Ronetti, Flavio; Rech, Jérôme; Ferraro, Dario; Jonckheere, Thibaut; Martin, Thierry; Sassetti, Maura

2017-06-01

We investigate minimal excitation states for heat transport into a fractional quantum Hall system driven out of equilibrium by means of time-periodic voltage pulses. A quantum point contact allows for tunneling of fractional quasiparticles between opposite edge states, thus acting as a beam splitter in the framework of the electron quantum optics. Excitations are then studied through heat and mixed noise generated by the random partitioning at the barrier. It is shown that levitons, the single-particle excitations of a filled Fermi sea recently observed in experiments, represent the cleanest states for heat transport since excess heat and mixed shot noise both vanish only when Lorentzian voltage pulses carrying integer electric charge are applied to the conductor. This happens in the integer quantum Hall regime and for Laughlin fractional states as well, with no influence of fractional physics on the conditions for clean energy pulses. In addition, we demonstrate the robustness of such excitations to the overlap of Lorentzian wave packets. Even though mixed and heat noise have nonlinear dependence on the voltage bias, and despite the noninteger power-law behavior arising from the fractional quantum Hall physics, an arbitrary superposition of levitons always generates minimal excitation states.

Superposition Quantification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Li-Na; Luo, Shun-Long; Sun, Yuan

2017-11-01

The principle of superposition is universal and lies at the heart of quantum theory. Although ever since the inception of quantum mechanics a century ago, superposition has occupied a central and pivotal place, rigorous and systematic studies of the quantification issue have attracted significant interests only in recent years, and many related problems remain to be investigated. In this work we introduce a figure of merit which quantifies superposition from an intuitive and direct perspective, investigate its fundamental properties, connect it to some coherence measures, illustrate it through several examples, and apply it to analyze wave-particle duality. Supported by Science Challenge Project under Grant No. TZ2016002, Laboratory of Computational Physics, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, Key Laboratory of Random Complex Structures and Data Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Grant under No. 2008DP173182

Quantum scattering beyond the plane-wave approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlovets, Dmitry

2017-12-01

While a plane-wave approximation in high-energy physics works well in a majority of practical cases, it becomes inapplicable for scattering of the vortex particles carrying orbital angular momentum, of Airy beams, of the so-called Schrödinger cat states, and their generalizations. Such quantum states of photons, electrons and neutrons have been generated experimentally in recent years, opening up new perspectives in quantum optics, electron microscopy, particle physics, and so forth. Here we discuss the non-plane-wave effects in scattering brought about by the novel quantum numbers of these wave packets. For the well-focused electrons of intermediate energies, already available at electron microscopes, the corresponding contribution can surpass that of the radiative corrections. Moreover, collisions of the cat-like superpositions of such focused beams with atoms allow one to probe effects of the quantum interference, which have never played any role in particle scattering.

Kerr-like behaviour of second harmonic generation in the far-off resonant regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peřinová, Vlasta; Lukš, Antonín; Křepelka, Jaromír; Leoński, Wiesław; Peřina, Jan

2018-05-01

We separate the Kerr-like behaviour of the second-harmonic generation in the far-off resonant regime from the oscillations caused by the time-dependence of the interaction energy. To this purpose, we consider the approximation obtained from the exact dynamics by the method of small rotations. The Floquet-type decomposition of the approximate dynamics comprises the Kerr-like dynamics and oscillations of the same order of magnitude as those assumed for the exact dynamics of the second-harmonic generation. We have found that a superposition of two states of concentrated quantum phase arises in the fundamental mode in the second-harmonic generation in the far-off resonant limit at a later time than a superposition of two coherent states in the corresponding Kerr medium and the difference is larger for higher initial coherent amplitudes. The quantum phase fluctuation is higher for the same initial coherent amplitudes in the fundamental mode in the second-harmonic generation in the far-off resonant limit than in the corresponding Kerr medium and the difference is larger for higher initial coherent amplitudes.

Coherent optimal control of photosynthetic molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caruso, F.; Montangero, S.; Calarco, T.; Huelga, S. F.; Plenio, M. B.

2012-04-01

We demonstrate theoretically that open-loop quantum optimal control techniques can provide efficient tools for the verification of various quantum coherent transport mechanisms in natural and artificial light-harvesting complexes under realistic experimental conditions. To assess the feasibility of possible biocontrol experiments, we introduce the main settings and derive optimally shaped and robust laser pulses that allow for the faithful preparation of specified initial states (such as localized excitation or coherent superposition, i.e., propagating and nonpropagating states) of the photosystem and probe efficiently the subsequent dynamics. With these tools, different transport pathways can be discriminated, which should facilitate the elucidation of genuine quantum dynamical features of photosystems and therefore enhance our understanding of the role that coherent processes may play in actual biological complexes.

Negativity and strong monogamy of multiparty quantum entanglement beyond qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jin Hyuk; Kim, Jeong San

2015-10-01

We propose the square of convex-roof extended negativity (SCREN) as a powerful candidate to characterize strong monogamy of multiparty quantum entanglement. We first provide a strong monogamy inequality of multiparty entanglement using SCREN and show that the tangle-based multiqubit strong-monogamy inequality can be rephrased by SCREN. We further show that the SCREN strong-monogamy inequality is still true for the counterexamples that violate tangle-based the strong-monogamy inequality in higher-dimensional quantum systems other than qubits. We also analytically show that SCREN strong-monogamy inequality is true for a large class of multiqudit states, a superposition of multiqudit generalized W -class states and vacuums. Thus SCREN is a good alternative to characterize the strong monogamy of entanglement even in multiqudit systems.

Observing single quantum trajectories of a superconducting quantum bit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murch, K. W.; Weber, S. J.; Macklin, C.; Siddiqi, I.

2013-10-01

The length of time that a quantum system can exist in a superposition state is determined by how strongly it interacts with its environment. This interaction entangles the quantum state with the inherent fluctuations of the environment. If these fluctuations are not measured, the environment can be viewed as a source of noise, causing random evolution of the quantum system from an initially pure state into a statistical mixture--a process known as decoherence. However, by accurately measuring the environment in real time, the quantum system can be maintained in a pure state and its time evolution described by a `quantum trajectory' determined by the measurement outcome. Here we use weak measurements to monitor a microwave cavity containing a superconducting quantum bit (qubit), and track the individual quantum trajectories of the system. In this set-up, the environment is dominated by the fluctuations of a single electromagnetic mode of the cavity. Using a near-quantum-limited parametric amplifier, we selectively measure either the phase or the amplitude of the cavity field, and thereby confine trajectories to either the equator or a meridian of the Bloch sphere. We perform quantum state tomography at discrete times along the trajectory to verify that we have faithfully tracked the state of the quantum system as it diffuses on the surface of the Bloch sphere. Our results demonstrate that decoherence can be mitigated by environmental monitoring, and validate the foundation of quantum feedback approaches based on Bayesian statistics. Moreover, our experiments suggest a new means of implementing `quantum steering'--the harnessing of action at a distance to manipulate quantum states through measurement.

Observing single quantum trajectories of a superconducting quantum bit.

PubMed

Murch, K W; Weber, S J; Macklin, C; Siddiqi, I

2013-10-10

The length of time that a quantum system can exist in a superposition state is determined by how strongly it interacts with its environment. This interaction entangles the quantum state with the inherent fluctuations of the environment. If these fluctuations are not measured, the environment can be viewed as a source of noise, causing random evolution of the quantum system from an initially pure state into a statistical mixture--a process known as decoherence. However, by accurately measuring the environment in real time, the quantum system can be maintained in a pure state and its time evolution described by a 'quantum trajectory' determined by the measurement outcome. Here we use weak measurements to monitor a microwave cavity containing a superconducting quantum bit (qubit), and track the individual quantum trajectories of the system. In this set-up, the environment is dominated by the fluctuations of a single electromagnetic mode of the cavity. Using a near-quantum-limited parametric amplifier, we selectively measure either the phase or the amplitude of the cavity field, and thereby confine trajectories to either the equator or a meridian of the Bloch sphere. We perform quantum state tomography at discrete times along the trajectory to verify that we have faithfully tracked the state of the quantum system as it diffuses on the surface of the Bloch sphere. Our results demonstrate that decoherence can be mitigated by environmental monitoring, and validate the foundation of quantum feedback approaches based on Bayesian statistics. Moreover, our experiments suggest a new means of implementing 'quantum steering'--the harnessing of action at a distance to manipulate quantum states through measurement.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Kaifeng; Lim, Jaehoon; Klimov, Victor I.

Application of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) in optical and optoelectronic devices is often complicated by unintentional generation of extra charges, which opens fast nonradiative Auger recombination pathways whereby the recombination energy of an exciton is quickly transferred to the extra carrier(s) and ultimately dissipated as heat. Previous studies of Auger recombination have primarily focused on neutral and, more recently, negatively charged multicarrier states. Auger dynamics of positively charged species remains more poorly explored due to difficulties in creating, stabilizing, and detecting excess holes in the QDs. Here we apply photochemical doping to prepare both negatively and positively charged CdSe/CdSmore » QDs with two distinct core/shell interfacial profiles (“sharp” versus “smooth”). Using neutral and charged QD samples we evaluate Auger lifetimes of biexcitons, negative and positive trions (an exciton with an extra electron or a hole, respectively), and multiply negatively charged excitons. Using these measurements, we demonstrate that Auger decay of both neutral and charged multicarrier states can be presented as a superposition of independent elementary three-particle Auger events. As one of the manifestations of the superposition principle, we observe that the biexciton Auger decay rate can be presented as a sum of the Auger rates for independent negative and positive trion pathways. Furthermore, by comparing the measurements on the QDs with the “sharp” versus “smooth” interfaces, we also find that while affecting the absolute values of Auger lifetimes, manipulation of the shape of the confinement potential does not lead to violation of the superposition principle, which still allows us to accurately predict the biexciton Auger lifetimes based on the measured negative and positive trion dynamics. Our findings indicate considerable robustness of the superposition principle as applied to Auger decay of charged and neutral multicarrier states, suggesting its generality to quantum-confined nanocrystals of arbitrary compositions and complexities.« less

Coherent control with optical pulses for deterministic spin-photon entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truex, Katherine; Webster, L. A.; Duan, L.-M.; Sham, L. J.; Steel, D. G.

2013-11-01

We present a procedure for the optical coherent control of quantum bits within a quantum dot spin-exciton system, as a preliminary step to implementing a proposal by Yao, Liu, and Sham [Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.95.030504 95, 030504 (2005)] for deterministic spin-photon entanglement. The experiment proposed here utilizes a series of picosecond optical pulses from a single laser to coherently control a single self-assembled quantum dot in a magnetic field, creating the precursor state in 25 ps with a predicted fidelity of 0.991. If allowed to decay in an appropriate cavity, the ideal precursor superposition state would create maximum spin-photon entanglement. Numerical simulations using values typical of InAs quantum dots give a predicted entropy of entanglement of 0.929, largely limited by radiative decay and electron spin flips.

Deterministic entanglement of superconducting qubits by parity measurement and feedback.

PubMed

Ristè, D; Dukalski, M; Watson, C A; de Lange, G; Tiggelman, M J; Blanter, Ya M; Lehnert, K W; Schouten, R N; DiCarlo, L

2013-10-17

The stochastic evolution of quantum systems during measurement is arguably the most enigmatic feature of quantum mechanics. Measuring a quantum system typically steers it towards a classical state, destroying the coherence of an initial quantum superposition and the entanglement with other quantum systems. Remarkably, the measurement of a shared property between non-interacting quantum systems can generate entanglement, starting from an uncorrelated state. Of special interest in quantum computing is the parity measurement, which projects the state of multiple qubits (quantum bits) to a state with an even or odd number of excited qubits. A parity meter must discern the two qubit-excitation parities with high fidelity while preserving coherence between same-parity states. Despite numerous proposals for atomic, semiconducting and superconducting qubits, realizing a parity meter that creates entanglement for both even and odd measurement results has remained an outstanding challenge. Here we perform a time-resolved, continuous parity measurement of two superconducting qubits using the cavity in a three-dimensional circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture and phase-sensitive parametric amplification. Using postselection, we produce entanglement by parity measurement reaching 88 per cent fidelity to the closest Bell state. Incorporating the parity meter in a feedback-control loop, we transform the entanglement generation from probabilistic to fully deterministic, achieving 66 per cent fidelity to a target Bell state on demand. These realizations of a parity meter and a feedback-enabled deterministic measurement protocol provide key ingredients for active quantum error correction in the solid state.

Passive states as optimal inputs for single-jump lossy quantum channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Palma, Giacomo; Mari, Andrea; Lloyd, Seth; Giovannetti, Vittorio

2016-06-01

The passive states of a quantum system minimize the average energy among all the states with a given spectrum. We prove that passive states are the optimal inputs of single-jump lossy quantum channels. These channels arise from a weak interaction of the quantum system of interest with a large Markovian bath in its ground state, such that the interaction Hamiltonian couples only consecutive energy eigenstates of the system. We prove that the output generated by any input state ρ majorizes the output generated by the passive input state ρ0 with the same spectrum of ρ . Then, the output generated by ρ can be obtained applying a random unitary operation to the output generated by ρ0. This is an extension of De Palma et al. [IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory 62, 2895 (2016)], 10.1109/TIT.2016.2547426, where the same result is proved for one-mode bosonic Gaussian channels. We also prove that for finite temperature this optimality property can fail already in a two-level system, where the best input is a coherent superposition of the two energy eigenstates.

Experiments testing macroscopic quantum superpositions must be slow

PubMed Central

Mari, Andrea; De Palma, Giacomo; Giovannetti, Vittorio

2016-01-01

We consider a thought experiment where the preparation of a macroscopically massive or charged particle in a quantum superposition and the associated dynamics of a distant test particle apparently allow for superluminal communication. We give a solution to the paradox which is based on the following fundamental principle: any local experiment, discriminating a coherent superposition from an incoherent statistical mixture, necessarily requires a minimum time proportional to the mass (or charge) of the system. For a charged particle, we consider two examples of such experiments, and show that they are both consistent with the previous limitation. In the first, the measurement requires to accelerate the charge, that can entangle with the emitted photons. In the second, the limitation can be ascribed to the quantum vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. On the other hand, when applied to massive particles our result provides an indirect evidence for the existence of gravitational vacuum fluctuations and for the possibility of entangling a particle with quantum gravitational radiation. PMID:26959656

Quantum Probability -- A New Direction for Modeling in Cognitive Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sisir

2014-07-01

Human cognition is still a puzzling issue in research and its appropriate modeling. It depends on how the brain behaves at that particular instance and identifies and responds to a signal among myriads of noises that are present in the surroundings (called external noise) as well as in the neurons themselves (called internal noise). Thus it is not surprising to assume that the functionality consists of various uncertainties, possibly a mixture of aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. It is also possible that a complicated pathway consisting of both types of uncertainties in continuum play a major role in human cognition. For more than 200 years mathematicians and philosophers have been using probability theory to describe human cognition. Recently in several experiments with human subjects, violation of traditional probability theory has been clearly revealed in plenty of cases. Literature survey clearly suggests that classical probability theory fails to model human cognition beyond a certain limit. While the Bayesian approach may seem to be a promising candidate to this problem, the complete success story of Bayesian methodology is yet to be written. The major problem seems to be the presence of epistemic uncertainty and its effect on cognition at any given time. Moreover the stochasticity in the model arises due to the unknown path or trajectory (definite state of mind at each time point), a person is following. To this end a generalized version of probability theory borrowing ideas from quantum mechanics may be a plausible approach. A superposition state in quantum theory permits a person to be in an indefinite state at each point of time. Such an indefinite state allows all the states to have the potential to be expressed at each moment. Thus a superposition state appears to be able to represent better, the uncertainty, ambiguity or conflict experienced by a person at any moment demonstrating that mental states follow quantum mechanics during perception and cognition of ambiguous figures.

Parametric source of two-photon states with a tunable degree of entanglement and mixing: Experimental preparation of Werner states and maximally entangled mixed states

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cinelli, C.; Di Nepi, G.; De Martini, F.

2004-08-01

A parametric source of polarization-entangled photon pairs with striking spatial characteristics is reported. The distribution of the output electromagnetic k modes excited by spontaneous parametric down-conversion and coupled to the output detectors can be very broad. Using these states realized over a full entanglement ring output distribution, the nonlocal properties of the generated entanglement have been tested by standard Bell measurements and by Ou-Mandel interferometry. A 'mode-patchwork' technique based on the quantum superposition principle is adopted to synthesize in a straightforward and reliable way any kind of mixed state, of large conceptual and technological interest in modern quantum information. Tunablemore » Werner states and maximally entangled mixed states have indeed been created by this technique and investigated by quantum tomography. A study of the entropic and nonlocal properties of these states has been undertaken experimentally and theoretically, by a unifying variational approach.« less

A modular design of molecular qubits to implement universal quantum gates

PubMed Central

Ferrando-Soria, Jesús; Moreno Pineda, Eufemio; Chiesa, Alessandro; Fernandez, Antonio; Magee, Samantha A.; Carretta, Stefano; Santini, Paolo; Vitorica-Yrezabal, Iñigo J.; Tuna, Floriana; Timco, Grigore A.; McInnes, Eric J.L.; Winpenny, Richard E.P.

2016-01-01

The physical implementation of quantum information processing relies on individual modules—qubits—and operations that modify such modules either individually or in groups—quantum gates. Two examples of gates that entangle pairs of qubits are the controlled NOT-gate (CNOT) gate, which flips the state of one qubit depending on the state of another, and the gate that brings a two-qubit product state into a superposition involving partially swapping the qubit states. Here we show that through supramolecular chemistry a single simple module, molecular {Cr7Ni} rings, which act as the qubits, can be assembled into structures suitable for either the CNOT or gate by choice of linker, and we characterize these structures by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. We introduce two schemes for implementing such gates with these supramolecular assemblies and perform detailed simulations, based on the measured parameters including decoherence, to demonstrate how the gates would operate. PMID:27109358

Decoherence of odd compass states in the phase-sensitive amplifying/dissipating environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dodonov, V. V.; Valverde, C.; Souza, L. S.; Baseia, B.

2016-08-01

We study the evolution of odd compass states (specific superpositions of four coherent states), governed by the standard master equation with phase-sensitive amplifying/attenuating terms, in the presence of a Hamiltonian describing a parametric degenerate linear amplifier. Explicit expressions for the time-dependent Wigner function are obtained. The time of disappearance of the so called ;sub-Planck structures; is calculated using the negative value of the Wigner function at the origin of phase space. It is shown that this value rapidly decreases during a short ;conventional interference degradation time; (CIDT), which is inversely proportional to the size of quantum superposition, provided the anti-Hermitian terms in the master equation are of the same order (or stronger) as the Hermitian ones (governing the parametric amplification). The CIDT is compared with the final positivization time (FPT), when the Wigner function becomes positive. It appears that the FPT does not depend on the size of superpositions, moreover, it can be much bigger in the amplifying media than in the attenuating ones. Paradoxically, strengthening the Hamiltonian part results in decreasing the CIDT, so that the CIDT almost does not depend on the size of superpositions in the asymptotical case of very weak reservoir coupling. We also analyze the evolution of the Mandel factor, showing that for some sets of parameters this factor remains significantly negative, even when the Wigner function becomes positive.

Entanglement Potential Versus Negativity of Wigner Function for SUP-Operated Quantum States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Arpita

2018-02-01

We construct a distinct category of nonclassical quantum states by applying a superposition of products (SUP) of field annihilation (\\hat {a}) and creation (\\hat {a}^{\\dagger }) operators of the type (s\\hat {a}\\hat {a}^{\\dagger }+t\\hat {a}^{\\dagger }\\hat {a}), with s2+t2=1, upon thermal and even coherent states. We allow these SUP operated states to undergo a decoherence process and then describe the nonclassical features of the resulted field by using the entanglement potential (EP) and the negativity of the Wigner distribution function. Our analysis reveals that both the measures are reduced in the linear loss process. The partial negativity of the Wigner function disappears when losses exceed 50% but EP exists always.

Quantum Computing and High Performance Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

entangled with the macroscopic environment. The result is either a 0 or a 1 , and the original superposition is lost. This is an example of “phase...Sample Decoherence Matrix in XML Amplitude Damping Suppose that a qubit in state 1 can “decay” into state 0 by emitting a photon . This does two...to affect the environment in different ways. Only one of these two states can 10 emit a photon into the environment. Because of the second effect

Satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution.

PubMed

Liao, Sheng-Kai; Cai, Wen-Qi; Liu, Wei-Yue; Zhang, Liang; Li, Yang; Ren, Ji-Gang; Yin, Juan; Shen, Qi; Cao, Yuan; Li, Zheng-Ping; Li, Feng-Zhi; Chen, Xia-Wei; Sun, Li-Hua; Jia, Jian-Jun; Wu, Jin-Cai; Jiang, Xiao-Jun; Wang, Jian-Feng; Huang, Yong-Mei; Wang, Qiang; Zhou, Yi-Lin; Deng, Lei; Xi, Tao; Ma, Lu; Hu, Tai; Zhang, Qiang; Chen, Yu-Ao; Liu, Nai-Le; Wang, Xiang-Bin; Zhu, Zhen-Cai; Lu, Chao-Yang; Shu, Rong; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Wang, Jian-Yu; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-09-07

Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses individual light quanta in quantum superposition states to guarantee unconditional communication security between distant parties. However, the distance over which QKD is achievable has been limited to a few hundred kilometres, owing to the channel loss that occurs when using optical fibres or terrestrial free space that exponentially reduces the photon transmission rate. Satellite-based QKD has the potential to help to establish a global-scale quantum network, owing to the negligible photon loss and decoherence experienced in empty space. Here we report the development and launch of a low-Earth-orbit satellite for implementing decoy-state QKD-a form of QKD that uses weak coherent pulses at high channel loss and is secure because photon-number-splitting eavesdropping can be detected. We achieve a kilohertz key rate from the satellite to the ground over a distance of up to 1,200 kilometres. This key rate is around 20 orders of magnitudes greater than that expected using an optical fibre of the same length. The establishment of a reliable and efficient space-to-ground link for quantum-state transmission paves the way to global-scale quantum networks.

A review on quantum search algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, Pulak Ranjan; Korepin, Vladimir E.

2017-12-01

The use of superposition of states in quantum computation, known as quantum parallelism, has significant advantage in terms of speed over the classical computation. It is evident from the early invented quantum algorithms such as Deutsch's algorithm, Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm and its variation as Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm, Simon algorithm, Shor's algorithms, etc. Quantum parallelism also significantly speeds up the database search algorithm, which is important in computer science because it comes as a subroutine in many important algorithms. Quantum database search of Grover achieves the task of finding the target element in an unsorted database in a time quadratically faster than the classical computer. We review Grover's quantum search algorithms for a singe and multiple target elements in a database. The partial search algorithm of Grover and Radhakrishnan and its optimization by Korepin called GRK algorithm are also discussed.

Characterizing entanglement of an artificial atom and a cavity cat state with Bell's inequality

PubMed Central

Vlastakis, Brian; Petrenko, Andrei; Ofek, Nissim; Sun, Luyan; Leghtas, Zaki; Sliwa, Katrina; Liu, Yehan; Hatridge, Michael; Blumoff, Jacob; Frunzio, Luigi; Mirrahimi, Mazyar; Jiang, Liang; Devoret, M. H.; Schoelkopf, R. J.

2015-01-01

The Schrodinger's cat thought experiment highlights the counterintuitive concept of entanglement in macroscopically distinguishable systems. The hallmark of entanglement is the detection of strong correlations between systems, most starkly demonstrated by the violation of a Bell inequality. No violation of a Bell inequality has been observed for a system entangled with a superposition of coherent states, known as a cat state. Here we use the Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt formulation of a Bell test to characterize entanglement between an artificial atom and a cat state, or a Bell-cat. Using superconducting circuits with high-fidelity measurements and real-time feedback, we detect correlations that surpass the classical maximum of the Bell inequality. We investigate the influence of decoherence with states up to 16 photons in size and characterize the system by introducing joint Wigner tomography. Such techniques demonstrate that information stored in superpositions of coherent states can be extracted efficiently, a crucial requirement for quantum computing with resonators. PMID:26611724

Characterizing entanglement of an artificial atom and a cavity cat state with Bell's inequality.

PubMed

Vlastakis, Brian; Petrenko, Andrei; Ofek, Nissim; Sun, Luyan; Leghtas, Zaki; Sliwa, Katrina; Liu, Yehan; Hatridge, Michael; Blumoff, Jacob; Frunzio, Luigi; Mirrahimi, Mazyar; Jiang, Liang; Devoret, M H; Schoelkopf, R J

2015-11-27

The Schrodinger's cat thought experiment highlights the counterintuitive concept of entanglement in macroscopically distinguishable systems. The hallmark of entanglement is the detection of strong correlations between systems, most starkly demonstrated by the violation of a Bell inequality. No violation of a Bell inequality has been observed for a system entangled with a superposition of coherent states, known as a cat state. Here we use the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt formulation of a Bell test to characterize entanglement between an artificial atom and a cat state, or a Bell-cat. Using superconducting circuits with high-fidelity measurements and real-time feedback, we detect correlations that surpass the classical maximum of the Bell inequality. We investigate the influence of decoherence with states up to 16 photons in size and characterize the system by introducing joint Wigner tomography. Such techniques demonstrate that information stored in superpositions of coherent states can be extracted efficiently, a crucial requirement for quantum computing with resonators.

Demonstration of two-qubit algorithms with a superconducting quantum processor.

PubMed

DiCarlo, L; Chow, J M; Gambetta, J M; Bishop, Lev S; Johnson, B R; Schuster, D I; Majer, J; Blais, A; Frunzio, L; Girvin, S M; Schoelkopf, R J

2009-07-09

Quantum computers, which harness the superposition and entanglement of physical states, could outperform their classical counterparts in solving problems with technological impact-such as factoring large numbers and searching databases. A quantum processor executes algorithms by applying a programmable sequence of gates to an initialized register of qubits, which coherently evolves into a final state containing the result of the computation. Building a quantum processor is challenging because of the need to meet simultaneously requirements that are in conflict: state preparation, long coherence times, universal gate operations and qubit readout. Processors based on a few qubits have been demonstrated using nuclear magnetic resonance, cold ion trap and optical systems, but a solid-state realization has remained an outstanding challenge. Here we demonstrate a two-qubit superconducting processor and the implementation of the Grover search and Deutsch-Jozsa quantum algorithms. We use a two-qubit interaction, tunable in strength by two orders of magnitude on nanosecond timescales, which is mediated by a cavity bus in a circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture. This interaction allows the generation of highly entangled states with concurrence up to 94 per cent. Although this processor constitutes an important step in quantum computing with integrated circuits, continuing efforts to increase qubit coherence times, gate performance and register size will be required to fulfil the promise of a scalable technology.

Electron Spin Polarization and Detection in InAs Quantum Dots Through p-Shell Trions

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-08

Bracker, D. Gershoni, V. L. Korenev , S. C. Badescu, Y. Lyanda- Geller, and T. L. Reinecke, Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 177403 2005. 16A. Babinski, M...V. L. Korenev , and I. A. Merkulov, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 047402 2005. 28Excitation of trion superposition states has also been considered but it has

Quantum walks and wavepacket dynamics on a lattice with twisted photons.

PubMed

Cardano, Filippo; Massa, Francesco; Qassim, Hammam; Karimi, Ebrahim; Slussarenko, Sergei; Paparo, Domenico; de Lisio, Corrado; Sciarrino, Fabio; Santamato, Enrico; Boyd, Robert W; Marrucci, Lorenzo

2015-03-01

The "quantum walk" has emerged recently as a paradigmatic process for the dynamic simulation of complex quantum systems, entanglement production and quantum computation. Hitherto, photonic implementations of quantum walks have mainly been based on multipath interferometric schemes in real space. We report the experimental realization of a discrete quantum walk taking place in the orbital angular momentum space of light, both for a single photon and for two simultaneous photons. In contrast to previous implementations, the whole process develops in a single light beam, with no need of interferometers; it requires optical resources scaling linearly with the number of steps; and it allows flexible control of input and output superposition states. Exploiting the latter property, we explored the system band structure in momentum space and the associated spin-orbit topological features by simulating the quantum dynamics of Gaussian wavepackets. Our demonstration introduces a novel versatile photonic platform for quantum simulations.

Chiral quantum optics.

PubMed

Lodahl, Peter; Mahmoodian, Sahand; Stobbe, Søren; Rauschenbeutel, Arno; Schneeweiss, Philipp; Volz, Jürgen; Pichler, Hannes; Zoller, Peter

2017-01-25

Advanced photonic nanostructures are currently revolutionizing the optics and photonics that underpin applications ranging from light technology to quantum-information processing. The strong light confinement in these structures can lock the local polarization of the light to its propagation direction, leading to propagation-direction-dependent emission, scattering and absorption of photons by quantum emitters. The possibility of such a propagation-direction-dependent, or chiral, light-matter interaction is not accounted for in standard quantum optics and its recent discovery brought about the research field of chiral quantum optics. The latter offers fundamentally new functionalities and applications: it enables the assembly of non-reciprocal single-photon devices that can be operated in a quantum superposition of two or more of their operational states and the realization of deterministic spin-photon interfaces. Moreover, engineered directional photonic reservoirs could lead to the development of complex quantum networks that, for example, could simulate novel classes of quantum many-body systems.

Quantum walks and wavepacket dynamics on a lattice with twisted photons

PubMed Central

Cardano, Filippo; Massa, Francesco; Qassim, Hammam; Karimi, Ebrahim; Slussarenko, Sergei; Paparo, Domenico; de Lisio, Corrado; Sciarrino, Fabio; Santamato, Enrico; Boyd, Robert W.; Marrucci, Lorenzo

2015-01-01

The “quantum walk” has emerged recently as a paradigmatic process for the dynamic simulation of complex quantum systems, entanglement production and quantum computation. Hitherto, photonic implementations of quantum walks have mainly been based on multipath interferometric schemes in real space. We report the experimental realization of a discrete quantum walk taking place in the orbital angular momentum space of light, both for a single photon and for two simultaneous photons. In contrast to previous implementations, the whole process develops in a single light beam, with no need of interferometers; it requires optical resources scaling linearly with the number of steps; and it allows flexible control of input and output superposition states. Exploiting the latter property, we explored the system band structure in momentum space and the associated spin-orbit topological features by simulating the quantum dynamics of Gaussian wavepackets. Our demonstration introduces a novel versatile photonic platform for quantum simulations. PMID:26601157

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ngo, Anh T.; Kim, Eugene H.; Ulloa, Sergio E.

Single-atom gating, achieved by manipulation of adatoms on a surface, has been shown in experiments to allow precise control over superposition of electronic states in quantum corrals. Using a Green's function approach, we demonstrate theoretically that such atom gating can also be used to control the coupling between magnetic degrees of freedom in these systems. Atomic gating enables control not only on the direct interaction between magnetic adatoms, but also over superpositions of many-body states which can then control long distance interactions. We illustrate this effect by considering the competition between direct exchange between magnetic impurities and the Kondo screeningmore » mediated by the host electrons, and how this is affected by gating. These results suggest that both magnetic and nonmagnetic single-atom gating may be used to investigate magnetic impurity systems with tailored interactions, and may allow the control of entanglement of different spin states.« less

Quantum Computer Games: Quantum Minesweeper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Michal; Gordon, Goren

2010-01-01

The computer game of quantum minesweeper is introduced as a quantum extension of the well-known classical minesweeper. Its main objective is to teach the unique concepts of quantum mechanics in a fun way. Quantum minesweeper demonstrates the effects of superposition, entanglement and their non-local characteristics. While in the classical…

Integrated generation of complex optical quantum states and their coherent control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roztocki, Piotr; Kues, Michael; Reimer, Christian; Romero Cortés, Luis; Sciara, Stefania; Wetzel, Benjamin; Zhang, Yanbing; Cino, Alfonso; Chu, Sai T.; Little, Brent E.; Moss, David J.; Caspani, Lucia; Azaña, José; Morandotti, Roberto

2018-01-01

Complex optical quantum states based on entangled photons are essential for investigations of fundamental physics and are the heart of applications in quantum information science. Recently, integrated photonics has become a leading platform for the compact, cost-efficient, and stable generation and processing of optical quantum states. However, onchip sources are currently limited to basic two-dimensional (qubit) two-photon states, whereas scaling the state complexity requires access to states composed of several (<2) photons and/or exhibiting high photon dimensionality. Here we show that the use of integrated frequency combs (on-chip light sources with a broad spectrum of evenly-spaced frequency modes) based on high-Q nonlinear microring resonators can provide solutions for such scalable complex quantum state sources. In particular, by using spontaneous four-wave mixing within the resonators, we demonstrate the generation of bi- and multi-photon entangled qubit states over a broad comb of channels spanning the S, C, and L telecommunications bands, and control these states coherently to perform quantum interference measurements and state tomography. Furthermore, we demonstrate the on-chip generation of entangled high-dimensional (quDit) states, where the photons are created in a coherent superposition of multiple pure frequency modes. Specifically, we confirm the realization of a quantum system with at least one hundred dimensions. Moreover, using off-the-shelf telecommunications components, we introduce a platform for the coherent manipulation and control of frequencyentangled quDit states. Our results suggest that microcavity-based entangled photon state generation and the coherent control of states using accessible telecommunications infrastructure introduce a powerful and scalable platform for quantum information science.

Amplification, Decoherence, and the Acquisition of Information by Spin Environments

PubMed Central

Zwolak, Michael; Riedel, C. Jess; Zurek, Wojciech H.

2016-01-01

Quantum Darwinism recognizes the role of the environment as a communication channel: Decoherence can selectively amplify information about the pointer states of a system of interest (preventing access to complementary information about their superpositions) and can make records of this information accessible to many observers. This redundancy explains the emergence of objective, classical reality in our quantum Universe. Here, we demonstrate that the amplification of information in realistic spin environments can be quantified by the quantum Chernoff information, which characterizes the distinguishability of partial records in individual environment subsystems. We show that, except for a set of initial states of measure zero, the environment always acquires redundant information. Moreover, the Chernoff information captures the rich behavior of amplification in both finite and infinite spin environments, from quadratic growth of the redundancy to oscillatory behavior. These results will considerably simplify experimental testing of quantum Darwinism, e.g., using nitrogen vacancies in diamond. PMID:27193389

Amplification, Decoherence, and the Acquisition of Information by Spin Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zwolak, Michael; Riedel, C. Jess; Zurek, Wojciech H.

2016-05-01

Quantum Darwinism recognizes the role of the environment as a communication channel: Decoherence can selectively amplify information about the pointer states of a system of interest (preventing access to complementary information about their superpositions) and can make records of this information accessible to many observers. This redundancy explains the emergence of objective, classical reality in our quantum Universe. Here, we demonstrate that the amplification of information in realistic spin environments can be quantified by the quantum Chernoff information, which characterizes the distinguishability of partial records in individual environment subsystems. We show that, except for a set of initial states of measure zero, the environment always acquires redundant information. Moreover, the Chernoff information captures the rich behavior of amplification in both finite and infinite spin environments, from quadratic growth of the redundancy to oscillatory behavior. These results will considerably simplify experimental testing of quantum Darwinism, e.g., using nitrogen vacancies in diamond.

Generalized quantum no-go theorems of pure states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui-Ran; Luo, Ming-Xing; Lai, Hong

2018-07-01

Various results of the no-cloning theorem, no-deleting theorem and no-superposing theorem in quantum mechanics have been proved using the superposition principle and the linearity of quantum operations. In this paper, we investigate general transformations forbidden by quantum mechanics in order to unify these theorems. First, we prove that any useful information cannot be created from an unknown pure state which is randomly chosen from a Hilbert space according to the Harr measure. And then, we propose a unified no-go theorem based on a generalized no-superposing result. The new theorem includes the no-cloning theorem, no-anticloning theorem, no-partial-erasure theorem, no-splitting theorem, no-superposing theorem or no-encoding theorem as a special case. Moreover, it implies various new results. Third, we extend the new theorem into another form that includes the no-deleting theorem as a special case.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sciarrino, Fabio; De Martini, Francesco

In several quantum information (QI) phenomena of large technological importance the information is carried by the phase of the quantum superposition states, or qubits. The phase-covariant cloning machine (PQCM) addresses precisely the problem of optimally copying these qubits with the largest attainable 'fidelity'. We present a general scheme which realizes the 1{yields}3 phase covariant cloning process by a combination of three different QI processes: the universal cloning, the NOT gate, and the projection over the symmetric subspace of the output qubits. The experimental implementation of a PQCM for polarization encoded qubits, the first ever realized with photons, is reported.

Qubit-Programmable Operations on Quantum Light Fields

PubMed Central

Barbieri, Marco; Spagnolo, Nicolò; Ferreyrol, Franck; Blandino, Rémi; Smith, Brian J.; Tualle-Brouri, Rosa

2015-01-01

Engineering quantum operations is a crucial capability needed for developing quantum technologies and designing new fundamental physics tests. Here we propose a scheme for realising a controlled operation acting on a travelling continuous-variable quantum field, whose functioning is determined by a discrete input qubit. This opens a new avenue for exploiting advantages of both information encoding approaches. Furthermore, this approach allows for the program itself to be in a superposition of operations, and as a result it can be used within a quantum processor, where coherences must be maintained. Our study can find interest not only in general quantum state engineering and information protocols, but also details an interface between different physical platforms. Potential applications can be found in linking optical qubits to optical systems for which coupling is best described in terms of their continuous variables, such as optomechanical devices. PMID:26468614

Rotations of a logical qubit using the quantum Zeno effect extended to a manifold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Touzard, S.; Grimm, A.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Reinhold, P.; Heeres, R.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

Encoding Quantum Information in the large Hilbert space of a harmonic oscillator has proven to have advantages over encoding in a register of physical qubits, but has also provided new challenges. While recent experiments have demonstrated quantum error correction using such an encoding based on superpositions of coherent states, these codes are still susceptible to non-corrected errors and lack controllability: compared to physical qubits it is hard to make arbitrary states and to perform operations on them. Our approach is to engineer the dynamics and the dissipation of a microwave cavity to implement a continuous dissipative measurement yielding two degenerate outcomes. This extends the quantum Zeno effect to a manifold, which in our case is spanned by two coherent states of opposite phases. In this second talk we present the result and analysis of an experiment that performs rotations on a logical qubit encoded in this protected manifold. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR and YINQE.

Rotations of a logical qubit using the quantum Zeno effect extended to a manifold - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, A.; Touzard, S.; Leghtas, Z.; Mundhada, S. O.; Reinhold, P.; Heeres, R.; Axline, C.; Reagor, M.; Chou, K.; Blumoff, J.; Sliwa, K. M.; Shankar, S.; Frunzio, L.; Schoelkopf, R. J.; Mirrahimi, M.; Devoret, M. H.

Encoding Quantum Information in the large Hilbert space of a harmonic oscillator has proven to have advantages over encoding in a register of physical qubits, but has also provided new challenges. While recent experiments have demonstrated quantum error correction using such an encoding based on superpositions of coherent states, these codes are still susceptible to non-corrected errors and lack controllability: compared to physical qubits it is hard to make arbitrary states and to perform operations on them. Our approach is to engineer the dynamics and the dissipation of a microwave cavity to implement a continuous dissipative measurement yielding two degenerate outcomes. This extends the quantum Zeno effect to a manifold, which in our case is spanned by two coherent states of opposite phases. In this first talk we present the concept and architecture of an experiment that performs rotations on a logical qubit encoded in this protected manifold. Work supported by: ARO, ONR, AFOSR and YINQE.

Generalized quantum interference of correlated photon pairs

PubMed Central

Kim, Heonoh; Lee, Sang Min; Moon, Han Seb

2015-01-01

Superposition and indistinguishablility between probability amplitudes have played an essential role in observing quantum interference effects of correlated photons. The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and interferences of the path-entangled photon number state are of special interest in the field of quantum information technologies. However, a fully generalized two-photon quantum interferometric scheme accounting for the Hong-Ou-Mandel scheme and path-entangled photon number states has not yet been proposed. Here we report the experimental demonstrations of the generalized two-photon interferometry with both the interferometric properties of the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect and the fully unfolded version of the path-entangled photon number state using photon-pair sources, which are independently generated by spontaneous parametric down-conversion. Our experimental scheme explains two-photon interference fringes revealing single- and two-photon coherence properties in a single interferometer setup. Using the proposed interferometric measurement, it is possible to directly estimate the joint spectral intensity of a photon pair source. PMID:25951143

Displacemon Electromechanics: How to Detect Quantum Interference in a Nanomechanical Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosla, K. E.; Vanner, M. R.; Ares, N.; Laird, E. A.

2018-04-01

We introduce the "displacemon" electromechanical architecture that comprises a vibrating nanobeam, e.g., a carbon nanotube, flux coupled to a superconducting qubit. This platform can achieve strong and even ultrastrong coupling, enabling a variety of quantum protocols. We use this system to describe a protocol for generating and measuring quantum interference between trajectories of a nanomechanical resonator. The scheme uses a sequence of qubit manipulations and measurements to cool the resonator, to apply two effective diffraction gratings, and then to measure the resulting interference pattern. We demonstrate the feasibility of generating a spatially distinct quantum superposition state of motion containing more than 1 06 nucleons using a vibrating nanotube acting as a junction in this new superconducting qubit configuration.

Quantum interference of position and momentum: A particle propagation paradox

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, Holger F.

2017-08-01

Optimal simultaneous control of position and momentum can be achieved by maximizing the probabilities of finding their experimentally observed values within two well-defined intervals. The assumption that particles move along straight lines in free space can then be tested by deriving a lower limit for the probability of finding the particle in a corresponding spatial interval at any intermediate time t . Here, it is shown that this lower limit can be violated by quantum superpositions of states confined within the respective position and momentum intervals. These violations of the particle propagation inequality show that quantum mechanics changes the laws of motion at a fundamental level, providing a different perspective on causality relations and time evolution in quantum mechanics.

Quantum Chess: Making Quantum Phenomena Accessible

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantwell, Christopher

Quantum phenomena have remained largely inaccessible to the general public. There tends to be a scare factor associated with the word ``Quantum''. This is in large part due to the alien nature of phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. However, Quantum Computing is a very active area of research and one day we will have games that run on those quantum computers. Quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement will seem as normal as gravity. Is it possible to create such games today? Can we make games that are built on top of a realistic quantum simulation and introduce players of any background to quantum concepts in a fun and mentally stimulating way? One of the difficulties with any quantum simulation run on a classical computer is that the Hilbert space grows exponentially, making simulations of an appreciable size physically impossible due largely to memory restrictions. Here we will discuss the conception and development of Quantum Chess, and how to overcome some of the difficulties faced. We can then ask the question, ``What's next?'' What are some of the difficulties Quantum Chess still faces, and what is the future of quantum games?

Quantum error-correcting code for ternary logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumdar, Ritajit; Basu, Saikat; Ghosh, Shibashis; Sur-Kolay, Susmita

2018-05-01

Ternary quantum systems are being studied because they provide more computational state space per unit of information, known as qutrit. A qutrit has three basis states, thus a qubit may be considered as a special case of a qutrit where the coefficient of one of the basis states is zero. Hence both (2 ×2 ) -dimensional and (3 ×3 ) -dimensional Pauli errors can occur on qutrits. In this paper, we (i) explore the possible (2 ×2 ) -dimensional as well as (3 ×3 ) -dimensional Pauli errors in qutrits and show that any pairwise bit swap error can be expressed as a linear combination of shift errors and phase errors, (ii) propose a special type of error called a quantum superposition error and show its equivalence to arbitrary rotation, (iii) formulate a nine-qutrit code which can correct a single error in a qutrit, and (iv) provide its stabilizer and circuit realization.

Objectivism, naturalism, and the revision of quantum theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cordero-Lecca, A.

1992-01-01

Because of its remarkable predictive power and general scientific fertility, there is a temptation to take quantum theory (QT) seriously as the best statement science can currently make about the world. But when the consequences of the theory are draw out, they reveal strange, indeed paradoxical, possibilities of superpositions. QT seems to imply that the entire world, not just the world of microparticles, is considerably less [open quotes]objective[close quotes] than common intuition suggests. To what extent, if any, however, is QT at odds with a reasonable conception of scientific objectivity The author argues that, far from committing us to paradox,more » quantum physics actually encourages us to think of the world in strong objectivist naturalist terms. After examining various influential programs in the field, An approach to the foundational problems of QT which is less [open quotes]theory-down[close quotes] than usual is proposed. In particular, the author argues that recent studies of metastable states both support a strongly objectivist formulation and revision of QT. The model that thus emerges turns out to be a member of the stochastic family of QT revisions developed by Ghirardi, Rimini Weber, Pearle, and Gisin, which are theories that preserve the level of peaceful coexistence with special relativity that standard QT and its field-theoretic generalizations have. The specific-proposal advanced in this monograph focuses on spontaneous transitions to bound energy states. No ad hoc parameters are assumed. The resulting approach seems able to explain successful working-level talk about such topics as quantum jumps, localization by interaction with macrosystems, standard measurement rules, all this without denying the existence of either quantum superpositions or EPR correlations.« less

Attosecond transient absorption probing of electronic superpositions of bound states in neon. Detection of quantum beats

DOE PAGES

Beck, Annelise R; Bernhardt, Birgitta; Warrick, Erika R.; ...

2014-11-07

Electronic wavepackets composed of multiple bound excited states of atomic neon lying between 19.6 and 21.5 eV are launched using an isolated attosecond pulse. Individual quantum beats of the wavepacket are detected by perturbing the induced polarization of the medium with a time-delayed few-femtosecond near-infrared (NIR) pulse via coupling the individual states to multiple neighboring levels. All of the initially excited states are monitored simultaneously in the attosecond transient absorption spectrum, revealing Lorentzian to Fano lineshape spectral changes as well as quantum beats. The most prominent beating of the several that were observed was in the spin–orbit split 3d absorptionmore » features, which has a 40 femtosecond period that corresponds to the spin–orbit splitting of 0.1 eV. The few-level models and multilevel calculations confirm that the observed magnitude of oscillation depends strongly on the spectral bandwidth and tuning of the NIR pulse and on the location of possible coupling states.« less

Quantum Locality, Rings a Bell?: Bell's Inequality Meets Local Reality and True Determinism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Kuntz, Natalia; Nahmad-Achar, Eduardo

2018-01-01

By assuming a deterministic evolution of quantum systems and taking realism into account, we carefully build a hidden variable theory for Quantum Mechanics (QM) based on the notion of ontological states proposed by 't Hooft (The cellular automaton interpretation of quantum mechanics, arXiv:1405.1548v3, 2015; Springer Open 185, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41285-6, 2016). We view these ontological states as the ones embedded with realism and compare them to the (usual) quantum states that represent superpositions, viewing the latter as mere information of the system they describe. Such a deterministic model puts forward conditions for the applicability of Bell's inequality: the usual inequality cannot be applied to the usual experiments. We build a Bell-like inequality that can be applied to the EPR scenario and show that this inequality is always satisfied by QM. In this way we show that QM can indeed have a local interpretation, and thus meet with the causal structure imposed by the Theory of Special Relativity in a satisfying way.

Quantum coherent optical phase modulation in an ultrafast transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Feist, Armin; Echternkamp, Katharina E; Schauss, Jakob; Yalunin, Sergey V; Schäfer, Sascha; Ropers, Claus

2015-05-14

Coherent manipulation of quantum systems with light is expected to be a cornerstone of future information and communication technology, including quantum computation and cryptography. The transfer of an optical phase onto a quantum wavefunction is a defining aspect of coherent interactions and forms the basis of quantum state preparation, synchronization and metrology. Light-phase-modulated electron states near atoms and molecules are essential for the techniques of attosecond science, including the generation of extreme-ultraviolet pulses and orbital tomography. In contrast, the quantum-coherent phase-modulation of energetic free-electron beams has not been demonstrated, although it promises direct access to ultrafast imaging and spectroscopy with tailored electron pulses on the attosecond scale. Here we demonstrate the coherent quantum state manipulation of free-electron populations in an electron microscope beam. We employ the interaction of ultrashort electron pulses with optical near-fields to induce Rabi oscillations in the populations of electron momentum states, observed as a function of the optical driving field. Excellent agreement with the scaling of an equal-Rabi multilevel quantum ladder is obtained, representing the observation of a light-driven 'quantum walk' coherently reshaping electron density in momentum space. We note that, after the interaction, the optically generated superposition of momentum states evolves into a train of attosecond electron pulses. Our results reveal the potential of quantum control for the precision structuring of electron densities, with possible applications ranging from ultrafast electron spectroscopy and microscopy to accelerator science and free-electron lasers.

Quantum coherent optical phase modulation in an ultrafast transmission electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feist, Armin; Echternkamp, Katharina E.; Schauss, Jakob; Yalunin, Sergey V.; Schäfer, Sascha; Ropers, Claus

2015-05-01

Coherent manipulation of quantum systems with light is expected to be a cornerstone of future information and communication technology, including quantum computation and cryptography. The transfer of an optical phase onto a quantum wavefunction is a defining aspect of coherent interactions and forms the basis of quantum state preparation, synchronization and metrology. Light-phase-modulated electron states near atoms and molecules are essential for the techniques of attosecond science, including the generation of extreme-ultraviolet pulses and orbital tomography. In contrast, the quantum-coherent phase-modulation of energetic free-electron beams has not been demonstrated, although it promises direct access to ultrafast imaging and spectroscopy with tailored electron pulses on the attosecond scale. Here we demonstrate the coherent quantum state manipulation of free-electron populations in an electron microscope beam. We employ the interaction of ultrashort electron pulses with optical near-fields to induce Rabi oscillations in the populations of electron momentum states, observed as a function of the optical driving field. Excellent agreement with the scaling of an equal-Rabi multilevel quantum ladder is obtained, representing the observation of a light-driven `quantum walk' coherently reshaping electron density in momentum space. We note that, after the interaction, the optically generated superposition of momentum states evolves into a train of attosecond electron pulses. Our results reveal the potential of quantum control for the precision structuring of electron densities, with possible applications ranging from ultrafast electron spectroscopy and microscopy to accelerator science and free-electron lasers.

Decoherence of odd compass states in the phase-sensitive amplifying/dissipating environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dodonov, V.V., E-mail: vdodonov@fis.unb.br; Valverde, C.; Universidade Paulista, BR 153, km 7, 74845-090 Goiânia, GO

2016-08-15

We study the evolution of odd compass states (specific superpositions of four coherent states), governed by the standard master equation with phase-sensitive amplifying/attenuating terms, in the presence of a Hamiltonian describing a parametric degenerate linear amplifier. Explicit expressions for the time-dependent Wigner function are obtained. The time of disappearance of the so called “sub-Planck structures” is calculated using the negative value of the Wigner function at the origin of phase space. It is shown that this value rapidly decreases during a short “conventional interference degradation time” (CIDT), which is inversely proportional to the size of quantum superposition, provided the anti-Hermitianmore » terms in the master equation are of the same order (or stronger) as the Hermitian ones (governing the parametric amplification). The CIDT is compared with the final positivization time (FPT), when the Wigner function becomes positive. It appears that the FPT does not depend on the size of superpositions, moreover, it can be much bigger in the amplifying media than in the attenuating ones. Paradoxically, strengthening the Hamiltonian part results in decreasing the CIDT, so that the CIDT almost does not depend on the size of superpositions in the asymptotical case of very weak reservoir coupling. We also analyze the evolution of the Mandel factor, showing that for some sets of parameters this factor remains significantly negative, even when the Wigner function becomes positive.« less

Cavity-QED interactions of two correlated atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esfandiarpour, Saeideh; Safari, Hassan; Bennett, Robert; Yoshi Buhmann, Stefan

2018-05-01

We consider the resonant van der Waals (vdW) interaction between two correlated identical two-level atoms (at least one of which being excited) within the framework of macroscopic cavity quantum electrodynamics in linear, dispersing and absorbing media. The interaction of both atoms with the body-assisted electromagnetic field of the cavity is assumed to be strong. Our time-independent evaluation is based on an extended Jaynes–Cummings model. For a system prepared in a superposition of its dressed states, we derive the general form of the vdW forces, using a Lorentzian single-mode approximation. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach by considering the case of a planar cavity and showing the position dependence of Rabi oscillations. We also show that in the limiting case of weak coupling, our results reproduce the perturbative ones for the case where the field is initially in vacuum state while the atomic state is in a superposition of two correlated states sharing one excitation.

Teleporting photonic qudits using multimode quantum scissors.

PubMed

Goyal, Sandeep K; Konrad, Thomas

2013-12-19

Teleportation plays an important role in the communication of quantum information between the nodes of a quantum network and is viewed as an essential ingredient for long-distance Quantum Cryptography. We describe a method to teleport the quantum information carried by a photon in a superposition of a number d of light modes (a "qudit") by the help of d additional photons based on transcription. A qudit encoded into a single excitation of d light modes (in our case Laguerre-Gauss modes which carry orbital angular momentum) is transcribed to d single-rail photonic qubits, which are spatially separated. Each single-rail qubit consists of a superposition of vacuum and a single photon in each one of the modes. After successful teleportation of each of the d single-rail qubits by means of "quantum scissors" they are converted back into a qudit carried by a single photon which completes the teleportation scheme.

Teleporting photonic qudits using multimode quantum scissors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goyal, Sandeep K.; Konrad, Thomas

2013-12-01

Teleportation plays an important role in the communication of quantum information between the nodes of a quantum network and is viewed as an essential ingredient for long-distance Quantum Cryptography. We describe a method to teleport the quantum information carried by a photon in a superposition of a number d of light modes (a ``qudit'') by the help of d additional photons based on transcription. A qudit encoded into a single excitation of d light modes (in our case Laguerre-Gauss modes which carry orbital angular momentum) is transcribed to d single-rail photonic qubits, which are spatially separated. Each single-rail qubit consists of a superposition of vacuum and a single photon in each one of the modes. After successful teleportation of each of the d single-rail qubits by means of ``quantum scissors'' they are converted back into a qudit carried by a single photon which completes the teleportation scheme.

Accelerated quantum control using superadiabatic dynamics in a solid-state lambda system

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Brian B.; Baksic, Alexandre; Ribeiro, Hugo; ...

2016-11-28

Adiabatic evolutions find widespread utility in applications to quantum state engineering1 , geometric quantum computation2 , and quantum simulation3 . Although offering desirable robustness to experimental imperfections, adiabatic techniques are susceptible to decoherence during their long operation time. A recent strategy termed ‘shortcuts to adiabaticity’ 4–10 (STA) aims to circumvent this trade-off by designing fast dynamics to reproduce the results of infinitely slow, adiabatic processes. Here, as a realization of this strategy, we implement ‘superadiabatic’ transitionless driving11 (SATD) to speed up stimulated Raman adiabatic passage1,12–15 (STIRAP) in a solid-state lambda (Λ) system. Utilizing optical transitions to a dissipative excited statemore » in the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond, we demonstrate the accelerated performance of different shortcut trajectories for population transfer and for the transfer and initialization of coherent superpositions. We reveal that SATD protocols exhibit robustness to dissipation and experimental uncertainty, and can be optimized when these effects are present. These results motivate STA as a promising tool for controlling open quantum systems comprising individual or hybrid nanomechanical, superconducting, and photonic elements in the solid state12–17.« less

Localization and loss of coherence in molecular double slit experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langer, Burkhard; Becker, Uwe

2009-11-01

In their famous paper Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen questioned 1935 the completeness of quantum mechanics concerning a local realistic description of our reality. They argued on the basis of superpositions of position and momentum states against the inherent non-locality and loss of information on prior conditions by quantum mechanics. This pioneering proposal was, however, too vague to be implemented in any experimental proof. Consequently, angular momentum related variables such as the polarization of light became the working horse of all experiments proving the EPR predictions. However, the spin and its related polarization properties are abstract quantities compared to position and momentum. Here we present the first evidence that non-locality and loss of prior quantum state information occurs also for position in ordinary space. This shows that the tunnelling effect and entanglement are inherently correlated

A modified Stern-Gerlach experiment using a quantum two-state magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daghigh, Ramin G.; Green, Michael D.; West, Christopher J.

2018-06-01

The Stern-Gerlach experiment has played an important role in our understanding of quantum behavior. We propose and analyze a modified version of this experiment where the magnetic field of the detector is in a quantum superposition, which may be experimentally realized using a superconducting flux qubit. We show that if incident spin-1/2 particles couple with the two-state magnetic field, a discrete target distribution results that resembles the distribution in the classical Stern-Gerlach experiment. As an application of the general result, we compute the distribution for a Gaussian waveform of the incident fermion. This analysis allows us to demonstrate theoretically: (1) the quantization of the intrinsic angular momentum of a spin-1/2 particle, and (2) a correlation between EPR pairs leading to nonlocality, without necessarily collapsing the particle's spin wavefunction.

Synthetic Elucidation of Design Principles for Molecular Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, Michael James

Quantum information processing (QIP) is an emerging computational paradigm with the potential to enable a vast increase in computational power, fundamentally transforming fields from structural biology to finance. QIP employs qubits, or quantum bits, as its fundamental units of information, which can exist in not just the classical states of 0 or 1, but in a superposition of the two. In order to successfully perform QIP, this superposition state must be sufficiently long-lived. One promising paradigm for the implementation of QIP involves employing unpaired electrons in coordination complexes as qubits. This architecture is highly tunable and scalable, however coordination complexes frequently suffer from short superposition lifetimes, or T2. In order to capitalize on the promise of molecular qubits, it is necessary to develop a set of design principles that allow the rational synthesis of complexes with sufficiently long values of T2. In this dissertation, I report efforts to use the synthesis of series of complexes to elucidate design principles for molecular qubits. Chapter 1 details previous work by our group and others in the field. Chapter 2 details the first efforts of our group to determine the impact of varying spin and spin-orbit coupling on T2. Chapter 3 examines the effect of removing nuclear spins on coherence time, and reports a series of vanadyl bis(dithiolene) complexes which exhibit extremely long coherence lifetimes, in excess of the 100 mus threshold for qubit viability. Chapters 4 and 5 form two complimentary halves of a study to determine the exact relationship between electronic spin-nuclear spin distance and the effect of the nuclear spins on T2. Finally, chapter 6 suggests next directions for the field as a whole, including the potential for work in this field to impact the development of other technologies as diverse as quantum sensors and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

Converting multilevel nonclassicality into genuine multipartite entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regula, Bartosz; Piani, Marco; Cianciaruso, Marco; Bromley, Thomas R.; Streltsov, Alexander; Adesso, Gerardo

2018-03-01

Characterizing genuine quantum resources and determining operational rules for their manipulation are crucial steps to appraise possibilities and limitations of quantum technologies. Two such key resources are nonclassicality, manifested as quantum superposition between reference states of a single system, and entanglement, capturing quantum correlations among two or more subsystems. Here we present a general formalism for the conversion of nonclassicality into multipartite entanglement, showing that a faithful reversible transformation between the two resources is always possible within a precise resource-theoretic framework. Specializing to quantum coherence between the levels of a quantum system as an instance of nonclassicality, we introduce explicit protocols for such a mapping. We further show that the conversion relates multilevel coherence and multipartite entanglement not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively, restricting the amount of entanglement achievable in the process and in particular yielding an equality between the two resources when quantified by fidelity-based geometric measures.

On-chip quantum interference of a superconducting microsphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pino, H.; Prat-Camps, J.; Sinha, K.; Prasanna Venkatesh, B.; Romero-Isart, O.

2018-04-01

We propose and analyze an all-magnetic scheme to perform a Young’s double slit experiment with a micron-sized superconducting sphere of mass ≳ {10}13 amu. We show that its center of mass could be prepared in a spatial quantum superposition state with an extent of the order of half a micrometer. The scheme is based on magnetically levitating the sphere above a superconducting chip and letting it skate through a static magnetic potential landscape where it interacts for short intervals with quantum circuits. In this way, a protocol for fast quantum interferometry using quantum magnetomechanics is passively implemented. Such a table-top earth-based quantum experiment would operate in a parameter regime where gravitational energy scales become relevant. In particular, we show that the faint parameter-free gravitationally-induced decoherence collapse model, proposed by Diósi and Penrose, could be unambiguously falsified.

Entropy generation in Gaussian quantum transformations: applying the replica method to continuous-variable quantum information theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagatsos, Christos N.; Karanikas, Alexandros I.; Kordas, Georgios; Cerf, Nicolas J.

2016-02-01

In spite of their simple description in terms of rotations or symplectic transformations in phase space, quadratic Hamiltonians such as those modelling the most common Gaussian operations on bosonic modes remain poorly understood in terms of entropy production. For instance, determining the quantum entropy generated by a Bogoliubov transformation is notably a hard problem, with generally no known analytical solution, while it is vital to the characterisation of quantum communication via bosonic channels. Here we overcome this difficulty by adapting the replica method, a tool borrowed from statistical physics and quantum field theory. We exhibit a first application of this method to continuous-variable quantum information theory, where it enables accessing entropies in an optical parametric amplifier. As an illustration, we determine the entropy generated by amplifying a binary superposition of the vacuum and a Fock state, which yields a surprisingly simple, yet unknown analytical expression.

Proliferation of Observables and Measurement in Quantum-Classical Hybrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elze, Hans-Thomas

2012-01-01

Following a review of quantum-classical hybrid dynamics, we discuss the ensuing proliferation of observables and relate it to measurements of (would-be) quantum mechanical degrees of freedom performed by (would-be) classical ones (if they were separable). Hybrids consist in coupled classical (CL) and quantum mechanical (QM) objects. Numerous consistency requirements for their description have been discussed and are fulfilled here. We summarize a representation of quantum mechanics in terms of classical analytical mechanics which is naturally extended to QM-CL hybrids. This framework allows for superposition, separable, and entangled states originating in the QM sector, admits experimenter's "Free Will", and is local and nonsignaling. Presently, we study the set of hybrid observables, which is larger than the Cartesian product of QM and CL observables of its components; yet it is smaller than a corresponding product of all-classical observables. Thus, quantumness and classicality infect each other.

Clock-Work Trade-Off Relation for Coherence in Quantum Thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Hyukjoon; Jeong, Hyunseok; Jennings, David; Yadin, Benjamin; Kim, M. S.

2018-04-01

In thermodynamics, quantum coherences—superpositions between energy eigenstates—behave in distinctly nonclassical ways. Here we describe how thermodynamic coherence splits into two kinds—"internal" coherence that admits an energetic value in terms of thermodynamic work, and "external" coherence that does not have energetic value, but instead corresponds to the functioning of the system as a quantum clock. For the latter form of coherence, we provide dynamical constraints that relate to quantum metrology and macroscopicity, while for the former, we show that quantum states exist that have finite internal coherence yet with zero deterministic work value. Finally, under minimal thermodynamic assumptions, we establish a clock-work trade-off relation between these two types of coherences. This can be viewed as a form of time-energy conjugate relation within quantum thermodynamics that bounds the total maximum of clock and work resources for a given system.

Quantum fluctuations and gapped Goldstone modes in spinor Bose-Einstein condensates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beekman, Aron

2015-03-01

The classical Heisenberg ferromagnet is an exact eigenstate of the quantum Hamiltonian and therefore has no quantum fluctuations. Furthermore it has a reduced number of Goldstone modes, an order parameter that is itself a symmetry generator, is a highest-weight state for the spin algebra, and has no tower of states of vanishing energy. We derive the connection between all these properties and provide general criteria for their presence in other spontaneously-broken symmetry states. The phletora of groundstates in spinor Bose-Einstein condensates is an ideal testing ground for these predictions. In particular the phases with non-maximal polarization (e.g. the F-phase in spin-3 condensates) have an additional gapped mode that is a partner to the quadratically dispersing Goldstone mode, as compared to the maximally polarized, ferromagnetic phase. Furthermore there is a fundamental limit to the coherence time of superpositions in the non-maximally polarized state, which should manifest itself for small-size systems.

Engineering the Eigenstates of Coupled Spin-1/2 Atoms on a Surface.

PubMed

Yang, Kai; Bae, Yujeong; Paul, William; Natterer, Fabian D; Willke, Philip; Lado, Jose L; Ferrón, Alejandro; Choi, Taeyoung; Fernández-Rossier, Joaquín; Heinrich, Andreas J; Lutz, Christopher P

2017-12-01

Quantum spin networks having engineered geometries and interactions are eagerly pursued for quantum simulation and access to emergent quantum phenomena such as spin liquids. Spin-1/2 centers are particularly desirable, because they readily manifest coherent quantum fluctuations. Here we introduce a controllable spin-1/2 architecture consisting of titanium atoms on a magnesium oxide surface. We tailor the spin interactions by atomic-precision positioning using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and subsequently perform electron spin resonance on individual atoms to drive transitions into and out of quantum eigenstates of the coupled-spin system. Interactions between the atoms are mapped over a range of distances extending from highly anisotropic dipole coupling to strong exchange coupling. The local magnetic field of the magnetic STM tip serves to precisely tune the superposition states of a pair of spins. The precise control of the spin-spin interactions and ability to probe the states of the coupled-spin network by addressing individual spins will enable the exploration of quantum many-body systems based on networks of spin-1/2 atoms on surfaces.

Engineering the Eigenstates of Coupled Spin-1 /2 Atoms on a Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kai; Bae, Yujeong; Paul, William; Natterer, Fabian D.; Willke, Philip; Lado, Jose L.; Ferrón, Alejandro; Choi, Taeyoung; Fernández-Rossier, Joaquín; Heinrich, Andreas J.; Lutz, Christopher P.

2017-12-01

Quantum spin networks having engineered geometries and interactions are eagerly pursued for quantum simulation and access to emergent quantum phenomena such as spin liquids. Spin-1 /2 centers are particularly desirable, because they readily manifest coherent quantum fluctuations. Here we introduce a controllable spin-1 /2 architecture consisting of titanium atoms on a magnesium oxide surface. We tailor the spin interactions by atomic-precision positioning using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and subsequently perform electron spin resonance on individual atoms to drive transitions into and out of quantum eigenstates of the coupled-spin system. Interactions between the atoms are mapped over a range of distances extending from highly anisotropic dipole coupling to strong exchange coupling. The local magnetic field of the magnetic STM tip serves to precisely tune the superposition states of a pair of spins. The precise control of the spin-spin interactions and ability to probe the states of the coupled-spin network by addressing individual spins will enable the exploration of quantum many-body systems based on networks of spin-1 /2 atoms on surfaces.

An atom interferometer inside a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber

PubMed Central

Xin, Mingjie; Leong, Wui Seng; Chen, Zilong; Lan, Shau-Yu

2018-01-01

Coherent interactions between electromagnetic and matter waves lie at the heart of quantum science and technology. However, the diffraction nature of light has limited the scalability of many atom-light–based quantum systems. We use the optical fields in a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber to spatially split, reflect, and recombine a coherent superposition state of free-falling 85Rb atoms to realize an inertia-sensitive atom interferometer. The interferometer operates over a diffraction-free distance, and the contrasts and phase shifts at different distances agree within one standard error. The integration of phase coherent photonic and quantum systems here shows great promise to advance the capability of atom interferometers in the field of precision measurement and quantum sensing with miniature design of apparatus and high efficiency of laser power consumption. PMID:29372180

Super-dense teleportation for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeitler, Chris; Graham, Trent M.; Chapman, Joseph; Bernstein, Herbert; Kwiat, Paul G.

2016-03-01

Establishing a quantum communication network would provide advantages in areas such as security and information processing. Such a network would require the implementation of quantum teleportation between remote parties. However, for photonic "qudits" of dimension greater than two, this teleportation always fails due to the inability to carry out the required quantum Bell-state measurement. A quantum communication protocol called Superdense Teleportation (SDT) can allow the reconstruction of a state without the usual 2-photon Bell-state measurements, enabling the protocol to succeed deterministically even for high dimensional qudits. This technique restricts the class of states transferred to equimodular states, a type of superposition state where each term can differ from the others in phase but not in amplitude; this restricted space of transmitted states allows the transfer to occur deterministically. We report on our implementation of SDT using photon pairs that are entangled in both polarization and temporal mode. After encoding the phases of the desired equimodular state on the signal photon, we perform a complete tomography on the idler photon to verify that we properly prepared the chosen state. Beyond our tabletop demonstration, we are working towards an implementation between a space platform in low earth orbit and a ground telescope, to demonstrate the feasibility of space-based quantum communication. We will discuss the various challenges presented by moving the experiment out of the laboratory, and our proposed solutions to make Superdense Teleportation realizable in the space setting.

Enhanced Communication with the Assistance of Indefinite Causal Order

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebler, Daniel; Salek, Sina; Chiribella, Giulio

2018-03-01

In quantum Shannon theory, the way information is encoded and decoded takes advantage of the laws of quantum mechanics, while the way communication channels are interlinked is assumed to be classical. In this Letter, we relax the assumption that quantum channels are combined classically, showing that a quantum communication network where quantum channels are combined in a superposition of different orders can achieve tasks that are impossible in conventional quantum Shannon theory. In particular, we show that two identical copies of a completely depolarizing channel become able to transmit information when they are combined in a quantum superposition of two alternative orders. This finding runs counter to the intuition that if two communication channels are identical, using them in different orders should not make any difference. The failure of such intuition stems from the fact that a single noisy channel can be a random mixture of elementary, noncommuting processes, whose order (or lack thereof) can affect the ability to transmit information.

Enhanced Communication with the Assistance of Indefinite Causal Order.

PubMed

Ebler, Daniel; Salek, Sina; Chiribella, Giulio

2018-03-23

In quantum Shannon theory, the way information is encoded and decoded takes advantage of the laws of quantum mechanics, while the way communication channels are interlinked is assumed to be classical. In this Letter, we relax the assumption that quantum channels are combined classically, showing that a quantum communication network where quantum channels are combined in a superposition of different orders can achieve tasks that are impossible in conventional quantum Shannon theory. In particular, we show that two identical copies of a completely depolarizing channel become able to transmit information when they are combined in a quantum superposition of two alternative orders. This finding runs counter to the intuition that if two communication channels are identical, using them in different orders should not make any difference. The failure of such intuition stems from the fact that a single noisy channel can be a random mixture of elementary, noncommuting processes, whose order (or lack thereof) can affect the ability to transmit information.

Quantum Computer Games: Schrodinger Cat and Hounds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Michal; Gordon, Goren

2012-01-01

The quantum computer game "Schrodinger cat and hounds" is the quantum extension of the well-known classical game fox and hounds. Its main objective is to teach the unique concepts of quantum mechanics in a fun way. "Schrodinger cat and hounds" demonstrates the effects of superposition, destructive and constructive interference, measurements and…

Generalization of some hidden subgroup algorithms for input sets of arbitrary size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poslu, Damla; Say, A. C. Cem

2006-05-01

We consider the problem of generalizing some quantum algorithms so that they will work on input domains whose cardinalities are not necessarily powers of two. When analyzing the algorithms we assume that generating superpositions of arbitrary subsets of basis states whose cardinalities are not necessarily powers of two perfectly is possible. We have taken Ballhysa's model as a template and have extended it to Chi, Kim and Lee's generalizations of the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm and to Simon's algorithm. With perfectly equal superpositions of input sets of arbitrary size, Chi, Kim and Lee's generalized Deutsch-Jozsa algorithms, both for evenly-distributed and evenly-balanced functions, worked with one-sided error property. For Simon's algorithm the success probability of the generalized algorithm is the same as that of the original for input sets of arbitrary cardinalities with equiprobable superpositions, since the property that the measured strings are all those which have dot product zero with the string we search, for the case where the function is 2-to-1, is not lost.

Manipulation of ultracold Rb atoms using a single linearly chirped laser pulse.

PubMed

Collins, T A; Malinovskaya, S A

2012-06-15

At ultracold temperatures, atoms are free from thermal motion, which makes them ideal objects of investigations aiming to advance high-precision spectroscopy, metrology, quantum computation, producing Bose condensates, etc. The quantum state of ultracold atoms may be created and manipulated by making use of quantum control methods employing low-intensity pulses. We theoretically investigate population dynamics of ultracold Rb vapor induced by nanosecond linearly chirped pulses having kW/cm2 beam intensity and show a possibility of controllable population transfer between hyperfine (HpF) levels of 5(2)/S(1/2) state through Raman transitions. Satisfying the one-photon resonance condition with the lowest of the HpF states of 5(2)/P(1/2) or 5(2)/P(3/2) state allows us to enter the adiabatic region of population transfer at very low field intensities, such that corresponding Rabi frequencies are less than or equal to the HpF splitting. This methodology provides a robust way to create a specifically designed superposition state in Rb in the basis of HpF levels and perform state manipulation controllable on the picosecond-to-nanosecond time scale.

Quantum mechanical tunneling in the automerization of cyclobutadiene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoonmaker, R.; Lancaster, T.; Clark, S. J.

2018-03-01

Cyclobutadiene has a four-membered carbon ring with two double bonds, but this highly strained molecular configuration is almost square and, via a coordinated motion, the nuclei quantum mechanically tunnels through the high-energy square state to a configuration equivalent to the initial configuration under a 90° rotation. This results in a square ground state, comprising a superposition of two molecular configurations, that is driven by quantum tunneling. Using a quantum mechanical model, and an effective nuclear potential from density functional theory, we calculate the vibrational energy spectrum and the accompanying wavefunctions. We use the wavefunctions to identify the motions of the molecule and detail how different motions can enhance or suppress the tunneling rate. This is relevant for kinematics of tunneling-driven reactions, and we discuss these implications. We are also able to provide a qualitative account of how the molecule will respond to an external perturbation and how this may enhance or suppress infra-red-active vibrational transitions.

Large tunable valley splitting in edge-free graphene quantum dots on boron nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitag, Nils M.; Reisch, Tobias; Chizhova, Larisa A.; Nemes-Incze, Péter; Holl, Christian; Woods, Colin R.; Gorbachev, Roman V.; Cao, Yang; Geim, Andre K.; Novoselov, Kostya S.; Burgdörfer, Joachim; Libisch, Florian; Morgenstern, Markus

2018-05-01

Coherent manipulation of the binary degrees of freedom is at the heart of modern quantum technologies. Graphene offers two binary degrees: the electron spin and the valley. Efficient spin control has been demonstrated in many solid-state systems, whereas exploitation of the valley has only recently been started, albeit without control at the single-electron level. Here, we show that van der Waals stacking of graphene onto hexagonal boron nitride offers a natural platform for valley control. We use a graphene quantum dot induced by the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope and demonstrate valley splitting that is tunable from -5 to +10 meV (including valley inversion) by sub-10-nm displacements of the quantum dot position. This boosts the range of controlled valley splitting by about one order of magnitude. The tunable inversion of spin and valley states should enable coherent superposition of these degrees of freedom as a first step towards graphene-based qubits.

Quantum coherence in photo-ionisation with tailored XUV pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlström, Stefanos; Mauritsson, Johan; Schafer, Kenneth J.; L'Huillier, Anne; Gisselbrecht, Mathieu

2018-01-01

Ionisation with ultrashort pulses in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) regime can be used to prepare an ion in a superposition of spin-orbit substates. In this work, we study the coherence properties of such a superposition, created by ionising xenon atoms using two phase-locked XUV pulses at different frequencies. In general, if the duration of the driving pulse exceeds the quantum beat period, dephasing will occur. If however, the frequency difference of the two pulses matches the spin-orbit splitting, the coherence can be efficiently increased and dephasing does not occur.

Tomography of a displacement photon counter for discrimination of single-rail optical qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izumi, Shuro; Neergaard-Nielsen, Jonas S.; Andersen, Ulrik L.

2018-04-01

We investigate the performance of a detection strategy composed of a displacement operation and a photon counter, which is known as a beneficial tool in optical coherent communications, to the quantum state discrimination of the two superpositions of vacuum and single photon states corresponding to the {\\hat{σ }}x eigenstates in the single-rail encoding of photonic qubits. We experimentally characterize the detection strategy in vacuum-single photon two-dimensional space using quantum detector tomography and evaluate the achievable discrimination error probability from the reconstructed measurement operators. We furthermore derive the minimum error rate obtainable with Gaussian transformations and homodyne detection. Our proof-of-principle experiment shows that the proposed scheme can achieve a discrimination error surpassing homodyne detection.

Recovery time in quantum dynamics of wave packets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strekalov, M. L., E-mail: strekalov@kinetics.nsc.ru

2017-01-15

A wave packet formed by a linear superposition of bound states with an arbitrary energy spectrum returns arbitrarily close to the initial state after a quite long time. A method in which quantum recovery times are calculated exactly is developed. In particular, an exact analytic expression is derived for the recovery time in the limiting case of a two-level system. In the general case, the reciprocal recovery time is proportional to the Gauss distribution that depends on two parameters (mean value and variance of the return probability). The dependence of the recovery time on the mean excitation level of themore » system is established. The recovery time is the longest for the maximal excitation level.« less

Entanglement between collective fields via atomic coherence effects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Xiu; Department of Physics, Xiaogan University, Xiaogan 432000; Hu Xiangming

2010-01-15

We explore the quantum entanglement between two collective fields via atomic coherence effects. For three-level atoms in V configuration driven by two applied fields on two-photon resonance, one coherent superposition of the excited states is not excited, which is the counterpart of coherent population trapping. The coherence-induced depopulation makes two cavity fields in each collection combine into a quantum-beat, i.e., equivalently, the difference mode of the two components decouples from the driven atoms. The two sum modes, when they are arranged in the four-wave mixinglike interactions, can be prepared in Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entangled state. Correspondingly, any two individual fields from differentmore » collective modes are entangled with each other. Furthermore, the effects of thermal reservoir and laser linewidths are discussed, and a generalization is given to the case in which each quantum beat involves more than two modes.« less

An elementary quantum network using robust nuclear spin qubits in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalb, Norbert; Reiserer, Andreas; Humphreys, Peter; Blok, Machiel; van Bemmelen, Koen; Twitchen, Daniel; Markham, Matthew; Taminiau, Tim; Hanson, Ronald

Quantum registers containing multiple robust qubits can form the nodes of future quantum networks for computation and communication. Information storage within such nodes must be resilient to any type of local operation. Here we demonstrate multiple robust memories by employing five nuclear spins adjacent to a nitrogen-vacancy defect centre in diamond. We characterize the storage of quantum superpositions and their resilience to entangling attempts with the electron spin of the defect centre. The storage fidelity is found to be limited by the probabilistic electron spin reset after failed entangling attempts. Control over multiple memories is then utilized to encode states in decoherence protected subspaces with increased robustness. Furthermore we demonstrate memory control in two optically linked network nodes and characterize the storage capabilities of both memories in terms of the process fidelity with the identity. These results pave the way towards multi-qubit quantum algorithms in a remote network setting.

On readout of vibrational qubits using quantum beats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shyshlov, Dmytro; Babikov, Dmitri, E-mail: Dmitri.Babikov@mu.edu; Berrios, Eduardo

2014-12-14

Readout of the final states of qubits is a crucial step towards implementing quantum computation in experiment. Although not scalable to large numbers of qubits per molecule, computational studies show that molecular vibrations could provide a significant (factor 2–5 in the literature) increase in the number of qubits compared to two-level systems. In this theoretical work, we explore the process of readout from vibrational qubits in thiophosgene molecule, SCCl{sub 2}, using quantum beat oscillations. The quantum beats are measured by first exciting the superposition of the qubit-encoding vibrational states to the electronically excited readout state with variable time-delay pulses. Themore » resulting oscillation of population of the readout state is then detected as a function of time delay. In principle, fitting the quantum beat signal by an analytical expression should allow extracting the values of probability amplitudes and the relative phases of the vibrational qubit states. However, we found that if this procedure is implemented using the standard analytic expression for quantum beats, a non-negligible phase error is obtained. We discuss the origin and properties of this phase error, and propose a new analytical expression to correct the phase error. The corrected expression fits the quantum beat signal very accurately, which may permit reading out the final state of vibrational qubits in experiments by combining the analytic fitting expression with numerical modelling of the readout process. The new expression is also useful as a simple model for fitting any quantum beat experiments where more accurate phase information is desired.« less

Quantum Computing in Fock Space Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berezin, Alexander A.

1997-04-01

Fock space system (FSS) has unfixed number (N) of particles and/or degrees of freedom. In quantum computing (QC) main requirement is sustainability of coherent Q-superpositions. This normally favoured by low noise environment. High excitation/high temperature (T) limit is hence discarded as unfeasible for QC. Conversely, if N is itself a quantized variable, the dimensionality of Hilbert basis for qubits may increase faster (say, N-exponentially) than thermal noise (likely, in powers of N and T). Hence coherency may win over T-randomization. For this type of QC speed (S) of factorization of long integers (with D digits) may increase with D (for 'ordinary' QC speed polynomially decreases with D). This (apparent) paradox rests on non-monotonic bijectivity (cf. Georg Cantor's diagonal counting of rational numbers). This brings entire aleph-null structurality ("Babylonian Library" of infinite informational content of integer field) to superposition determining state of quantum analogue of Turing machine head. Structure of integer infinititude (e.g. distribution of primes) results in direct "Platonic pressure" resembling semi-virtual Casimir efect (presure of cut-off vibrational modes). This "effect", the embodiment of Pythagorean "Number is everything", renders Godelian barrier arbitrary thin and hence FSS-based QC can in principle be unlimitedly efficient (e.g. D/S may tend to zero when D tends to infinity).

Macroscopic superpositions and gravimetry with quantum magnetomechanics.

PubMed

Johnsson, Mattias T; Brennen, Gavin K; Twamley, Jason

2016-11-21

Precision measurements of gravity can provide tests of fundamental physics and are of broad practical interest for metrology. We propose a scheme for absolute gravimetry using a quantum magnetomechanical system consisting of a magnetically trapped superconducting resonator whose motion is controlled and measured by a nearby RF-SQUID or flux qubit. By driving the mechanical massive resonator to be in a macroscopic superposition of two different heights our we predict that our interferometry protocol could, subject to systematic errors, achieve a gravimetric sensitivity of Δg/g ~ 2.2 × 10 -10  Hz -1/2 , with a spatial resolution of a few nanometres. This sensitivity and spatial resolution exceeds the precision of current state of the art atom-interferometric and corner-cube gravimeters by more than an order of magnitude, and unlike classical superconducting interferometers produces an absolute rather than relative measurement of gravity. In addition, our scheme takes measurements at ~10 kHz, a region where the ambient vibrational noise spectrum is heavily suppressed compared the ~10 Hz region relevant for current cold atom gravimeters.

Macroscopic superpositions and gravimetry with quantum magnetomechanics

PubMed Central

Johnsson, Mattias T.; Brennen, Gavin K.; Twamley, Jason

2016-01-01

Precision measurements of gravity can provide tests of fundamental physics and are of broad practical interest for metrology. We propose a scheme for absolute gravimetry using a quantum magnetomechanical system consisting of a magnetically trapped superconducting resonator whose motion is controlled and measured by a nearby RF-SQUID or flux qubit. By driving the mechanical massive resonator to be in a macroscopic superposition of two different heights our we predict that our interferometry protocol could, subject to systematic errors, achieve a gravimetric sensitivity of Δg/g ~ 2.2 × 10−10 Hz−1/2, with a spatial resolution of a few nanometres. This sensitivity and spatial resolution exceeds the precision of current state of the art atom-interferometric and corner-cube gravimeters by more than an order of magnitude, and unlike classical superconducting interferometers produces an absolute rather than relative measurement of gravity. In addition, our scheme takes measurements at ~10 kHz, a region where the ambient vibrational noise spectrum is heavily suppressed compared the ~10 Hz region relevant for current cold atom gravimeters. PMID:27869142

Quantum mechanical treatment of the F+H2 --> HF+H reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baer, Michael; Jellinek, Julius; Kouri, D. J.

1983-03-01

In this paper is presented a quantum dynamical study of the F+H2 reaction within the infinite order sudden approximation for the energy range Etot=0.28-0.50 eV. Results at various stages of the calculation are given ranging from the most detailed phases and S matrices to the total integral cross sections. The accuracy of the IOS is assessed by comparisons of the average l-labeled quantal IOS results with exact classical, initial-l labeled classical IOS, and l-initial labeled quantum IOS results. Comparison with experiment indicates that the qualitative state-to-state angular distributions are reproduced within this method. On the other hand, vibrational branching ratios for the product HF molecule are only partially reproduced. The main part of the discussion in the paper is devoted to the recent hypothesis concerning the existence of a superposition of resonances which strongly influence the angular distributions as a function of final vibrational state of the HF product.

Experimental quantum simulations of many-body physics with trapped ions.

PubMed

Schneider, Ch; Porras, Diego; Schaetz, Tobias

2012-02-01

Direct experimental access to some of the most intriguing quantum phenomena is not granted due to the lack of precise control of the relevant parameters in their naturally intricate environment. Their simulation on conventional computers is impossible, since quantum behaviour arising with superposition states or entanglement is not efficiently translatable into the classical language. However, one could gain deeper insight into complex quantum dynamics by experimentally simulating the quantum behaviour of interest in another quantum system, where the relevant parameters and interactions can be controlled and robust effects detected sufficiently well. Systems of trapped ions provide unique control of both the internal (electronic) and external (motional) degrees of freedom. The mutual Coulomb interaction between the ions allows for large interaction strengths at comparatively large mutual ion distances enabling individual control and readout. Systems of trapped ions therefore exhibit a prominent system in several physical disciplines, for example, quantum information processing or metrology. Here, we will give an overview of different trapping techniques of ions as well as implementations for coherent manipulation of their quantum states and discuss the related theoretical basics. We then report on the experimental and theoretical progress in simulating quantum many-body physics with trapped ions and present current approaches for scaling up to more ions and more-dimensional systems.

How far do EPR-Bell experiments constrain physical collapse theories?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leggett, A. J.

2007-03-01

A class of theories alternative to standard quantum mechanics, including that of Ghirardi et al ('GRWP'), postulates that when a quantum superposition becomes amplified to the point that the superposed states reach some level of 'macroscopic distinctness', then some non-quantum-mechanical principle comes into play and realizes one or other of the two macroscopic outcomes. Without specializing to any particular theory of this class, I ask how far such 'macrorealistic' theories are generically constrained, if one insists that the physical reduction process should respect Einstein locality, by the results of existing EPR-Bell experiments. I conclude that provided one does not demand that the prescription for reduction respects Lorentz invariance, at least some theories of this type, while in principle inevitably making some predictions that conflict with those of standard quantum mechanics, are not refuted by any existing experiment.

Quantum Iterative Deepening with an Application to the Halting Problem

PubMed Central

Tarrataca, Luís; Wichert, Andreas

2013-01-01

Classical models of computation traditionally resort to halting schemes in order to enquire about the state of a computation. In such schemes, a computational process is responsible for signaling an end of a calculation by setting a halt bit, which needs to be systematically checked by an observer. The capacity of quantum computational models to operate on a superposition of states requires an alternative approach. From a quantum perspective, any measurement of an equivalent halt qubit would have the potential to inherently interfere with the computation by provoking a random collapse amongst the states. This issue is exacerbated by undecidable problems such as the Entscheidungsproblem which require universal computational models, e.g. the classical Turing machine, to be able to proceed indefinitely. In this work we present an alternative view of quantum computation based on production system theory in conjunction with Grover's amplitude amplification scheme that allows for (1) a detection of halt states without interfering with the final result of a computation; (2) the possibility of non-terminating computation and (3) an inherent speedup to occur during computations susceptible of parallelization. We discuss how such a strategy can be employed in order to simulate classical Turing machines. PMID:23520465

Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in open quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zixian; Lü, Zhiguo; Zheng, Hang; Goan, Hsi-Sheng

2017-09-01

The traditional approach to the quantum Zeno effect (QZE) and quantum anti-Zeno effect (QAZE) in open quantum systems (implicitly) assumes that the bath (environment) state returns to its original state after each instantaneous projective measurement on the system and thus ignores the cross-correlations of the bath operators between different Zeno intervals. However, this assumption is not generally true, especially for a bath with a considerably nonnegligible memory effect and for a system repeatedly projected into an initial general superposition state. We find that, in stark contrast to the result of a constant value found in the traditional approach, the scaled average decay rate in unit Zeno interval of the survival probability is generally time dependent or shows an oscillatory behavior. In the case of a strong bath correlation, the transition between the QZE and the QAZE depends sensitively on the number of measurements N . For a fixed N , a QZE region predicted by the traditional approach may in fact already be in the QAZE region. We illustrate our findings using an exactly solvable open qubit system model with a Lorentzian bath spectral density, which is directly related to realistic circuit cavity quantum electrodynamics systems. Thus the results and dynamics presented here can be verified with current superconducting circuit technology.

Magnon localization and Bloch oscillations in finite Heisenberg spin chains in an inhomogeneous magnetic field.

PubMed

Kosevich, Yuriy A; Gann, Vladimir V

2013-06-19

We study the localization of magnon states in finite defect-free Heisenberg spin-1/2 ferromagnetic chains placed in an inhomogeneous magnetic field with a constant spatial gradient. Continuous transformation from the extended magnon states to the localized Wannier-Zeeman states in a finite spin chain placed in an inhomogeneous field is described both analytically and numerically. We describe for the first time the non-monotonic dependence of the energy levels of magnons, both long and short wavelength, on the magnetic field gradient, which is a consequence of magnon localization in a finite spin chain. We show that, in contrast to the destruction of the magnon band and the establishment of the Wannier-Stark ladder in a vanishingly small field gradient in an infinite chain, the localization of magnon states at the chain ends preserves the memory of the magnon band. Essentially, the localization at the lower- or higher-field chain end resembles the localization of the positive- or negative-effective-mass band quasiparticles. We also show how the beat dynamics of coherent superposition of extended spin waves in a finite chain in a homogeneous or weakly inhomogeneous field transforms into magnon Bloch oscillations of the superposition of localized Wannier-Zeeman states in a strongly inhomogeneous field. We provide a semiclassical description of the magnon Bloch oscillations and show that the correspondence between the quantum and semiclassical descriptions is most accurate for Bloch oscillations of the magnon coherent states, which are built from a coherent superposition of a large number of the nearest-neighbour Wannier-Zeeman states.

In search of multipath interference using large molecules

PubMed Central

Cotter, Joseph P.; Brand, Christian; Knobloch, Christian; Lilach, Yigal; Cheshnovsky, Ori; Arndt, Markus

2017-01-01

The superposition principle is fundamental to the quantum description of both light and matter. Recently, a number of experiments have sought to directly test this principle using coherent light, single photons, and nuclear spin states. We extend these experiments to massive particles for the first time. We compare the interference patterns arising from a beam of large dye molecules diffracting at single, double, and triple slit material masks to place limits on any high-order, or multipath, contributions. We observe an upper bound of less than one particle in a hundred deviating from the expectations of quantum mechanics over a broad range of transverse momenta and de Broglie wavelength. PMID:28819641

Spin Current through a Quantum Dot in the Presence of an Oscillating Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ping; Xue, Qi-Kun; Xie, X. C.

2003-11-01

Nonequilibrium spin transport through an interacting quantum dot is analyzed. The coherent spin oscillations in the dot provide a generating source for spin current. In the interacting regime, the Kondo effect is influenced in a significant way by the presence of the processing magnetic field. In particular, when the precession frequency is tuned to resonance between spin-up and spin-down states of the dot, Kondo singularity for each spin splits into a superposition of two resonance peaks. The Kondo-type cotunneling contribution is manifested by a large enhancement of the pumped spin current in the strong coupling low temperature regime.

Quantum mechanics and reality: An interpretation of Everett's theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehner, Christoph Albert

The central part of Everett's formulation of quantum mechanics is a quantum mechanical model of memory and of observation as the recording of information in a memory. To use this model as an answer to the measurement problem, Everett has to assume that a conscious observer can be in a superposition of such memory states and be unaware of it. This assumption has puzzled generations of readers. The fundamental aim of this dissertation is to find a set of simpler assumptions which are sufficient to show that Everett's model is empirically adequate. I argue that Everett's model needs three assumptions to account for the process of observation: an assumption of decoherence of observers as quantum mechanical systems; an assumption of supervenience of mental states (qualities) over quantum mechanical properties; and an assumption about the interpretation of quantum mechanical states in general: quantum mechanical states describe ensembles of states of affairs coexisting in the same system. I argue that the only plausible understanding of such ensembles is as ensembles of possibilities, and that all standard no-collapse interpretations agree in this reading of quantum mechanical states. Their differences can be understood as different theories about what marks the real state within this ensemble, and Everett's theory as the claim that no additional 'mark of reality' is necessary. Using the three assumptions, I argue that introspection cannot determine the objective quantum mechanical state of an observer. Rather, the introspective qualities of a quantum mechanical state can be represented by a (classical) statistical ensemble of subjective states. An analysis of these subjective states and their dynamics leads to the conclusion that they suffice to give empirically correct predictions. The argument for the empirical adequacy of the subjective state entails that knowledge of the objective quantum mechanical state is impossible in principle. Empirical reality for a conscious observer is not described by the objective state, but by a Everettian relative state conditional on the subjective state, and no theoretical 'mark of reality' is necessary for this concept of reality. I compare the resulting concept of reality to Kant's distinction between empirical and transcendental reality.

Magnetic Molecules from Chemist's Point of View

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendrickson, David

2002-03-01

A single-molecule magnet (SMM) is a molecule that functions as a nanoscale, single-domain magnetic particle that, below its blocking temperature, exhibits magnetization hysteresis [1]. SMMs have attracted considerable interest because they : (1) can serve as the smallest nanomagnet, monodisperse in size, shape and anisotropy; (2) exhibit quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM); and (3) may function as memory devices in a quantum computer. SMM’s are synthetically designed nanomagnets, built from a core containing metal ion unpaired spin carriers bridged by oxide or other simple ions which is surrounded by organic ligands. Many systematic changes can be made in the structure of these molecular nanomagnets. Manganese-containing SMM’s are known with from Mn4 to Mn_30 compositions. The magnetic bistability, which is desirable for data storage applications, is achievable at temperatures below 3K. The largest spin of the ground state of a SMM is presently S = 13. Appreciable largely uniaxial magnetoanisotropy in the ground state leads to magnetic bistability. Rather than a continuum of higher energy states separating the “spin-up” and “spin-down” ground states, the quantum nature of the molecular nanomagnets result in a well defined ladder of discrete quantum states. Recent studies have definitively shown that, under conditions that can be controlled via the application of external perturbations, quantum tunneling may occur through the energy separating the “spin-up” and “spin-down” states. The tunneling is due to weak symmetry breaking perturbations that give rise to long-lived quantum states consisting of coherent superpositions of the “spin-up” and “spin-down” states. It is the ability to manipulate these coherent states that makes SMMs particularly attractive for quantum computation. Reference: [1] G. Christou, D. Gatteschi, D. N. Hendrickson, R. Sessoli, “Single-molecule Magnets”, M.R.S. Bull. 25, 66 (2001).

Nanofabrication of Gate-defined GaAs/AlGaAs Lateral Quantum Dots

PubMed Central

Bureau-Oxton, Chloé; Camirand Lemyre, Julien; Pioro-Ladrière, Michel

2013-01-01

A quantum computer is a computer composed of quantum bits (qubits) that takes advantage of quantum effects, such as superposition of states and entanglement, to solve certain problems exponentially faster than with the best known algorithms on a classical computer. Gate-defined lateral quantum dots on GaAs/AlGaAs are one of many avenues explored for the implementation of a qubit. When properly fabricated, such a device is able to trap a small number of electrons in a certain region of space. The spin states of these electrons can then be used to implement the logical 0 and 1 of the quantum bit. Given the nanometer scale of these quantum dots, cleanroom facilities offering specialized equipment- such as scanning electron microscopes and e-beam evaporators- are required for their fabrication. Great care must be taken throughout the fabrication process to maintain cleanliness of the sample surface and to avoid damaging the fragile gates of the structure. This paper presents the detailed fabrication protocol of gate-defined lateral quantum dots from the wafer to a working device. Characterization methods and representative results are also briefly discussed. Although this paper concentrates on double quantum dots, the fabrication process remains the same for single or triple dots or even arrays of quantum dots. Moreover, the protocol can be adapted to fabricate lateral quantum dots on other substrates, such as Si/SiGe. PMID:24300661

Quantum memory operations in a flux qubit - spin ensemble hybrid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, S.; Zhu, X.; Amsuss, R.; Matsuzaki, Y.; Kakuyanagi, K.; Shimo-Oka, T.; Mizuochi, N.; Nemoto, K.; Munro, W. J.; Semba, K.

2014-03-01

Superconducting quantum bits (qubits) are one of the most promising candidates for a future large-scale quantum processor. However for larger scale realizations the currently reported coherence times of these macroscopic objects (superconducting qubits) has not yet reached those of microscopic systems (electron spins, nuclear spins, etc). In this context, a superconductor-spin ensemble hybrid system has attracted considerable attention. The spin ensemble could operate as a quantum memory for superconducting qubits. We have experimentally demonstrated quantum memory operations in a superconductor-diamond hybrid system. An excited state and a superposition state prepared in the flux qubit can be transferred to, stored in and retrieved from the NV spin ensemble in diamond. From these experiments, we have found the coherence time of the spin ensemble is limited by the inhomogeneous broadening of the electron spin (4.4 MHz) and by the hyperfine coupling to nitrogen nuclear spins (2.3 MHz). In the future, spin echo techniques could eliminate these effects and elongate the coherence time. Our results are a significant first step in utilizing the spin ensemble as long-lived quantum memory for superconducting flux qubits. This work was supported by the FIRST program and NICT.

Fractional quantum mechanics on networks: Long-range dynamics and quantum transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riascos, A. P.; Mateos, José L.

2015-11-01

In this paper we study the quantum transport on networks with a temporal evolution governed by the fractional Schrödinger equation. We generalize the dynamics based on continuous-time quantum walks, with transitions to nearest neighbors on the network, to the fractional case that allows long-range displacements. By using the fractional Laplacian matrix of a network, we establish a formalism that combines a long-range dynamics with the quantum superposition of states; this general approach applies to any type of connected undirected networks, including regular, random, and complex networks, and can be implemented from the spectral properties of the Laplacian matrix. We study the fractional dynamics and its capacity to explore the network by means of the transition probability, the average probability of return, and global quantities that characterize the efficiency of this quantum process. As a particular case, we explore analytically these quantities for circulant networks such as rings, interacting cycles, and complete graphs.

Towards a Quantum Theory of Humour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabora, Liane; Kitto, Kirsty

2016-12-01

This paper proposes that cognitive humour can be modelled using the mathematical framework of quantum theory, suggesting that a Quantum Theory of Humour (QTH) is a viable approach. We begin with brief overviews of both research on humour, and the generalized quantum framework. We show how the bisociation of incongruous frames or word meanings in jokes can be modelled as a linear superposition of a set of basis states, or possible interpretations, in a complex Hilbert space. The choice of possible interpretations depends on the context provided by the set-up versus the punchline of a joke. We apply QTH first to a verbal pun, and then consider how this might be extended to frame blending in cartoons. An initial study of 85 participant responses to 35 jokes (and a number of variants) suggests that there is reason to believe that a quantum approach to the modelling of cognitive humour is a viable new avenue of research for the field of quantum cognition.

Fractional quantum mechanics on networks: Long-range dynamics and quantum transport.

PubMed

Riascos, A P; Mateos, José L

2015-11-01

In this paper we study the quantum transport on networks with a temporal evolution governed by the fractional Schrödinger equation. We generalize the dynamics based on continuous-time quantum walks, with transitions to nearest neighbors on the network, to the fractional case that allows long-range displacements. By using the fractional Laplacian matrix of a network, we establish a formalism that combines a long-range dynamics with the quantum superposition of states; this general approach applies to any type of connected undirected networks, including regular, random, and complex networks, and can be implemented from the spectral properties of the Laplacian matrix. We study the fractional dynamics and its capacity to explore the network by means of the transition probability, the average probability of return, and global quantities that characterize the efficiency of this quantum process. As a particular case, we explore analytically these quantities for circulant networks such as rings, interacting cycles, and complete graphs.

Analogue of the quantum Hanle effect and polarization conversion in non-Hermitian plasmonic metamaterials.

PubMed

Ginzburg, Pavel; Rodríguez-Fortuño, Francisco J; Martínez, Alejandro; Zayats, Anatoly V

2012-12-12

The Hanle effect, one of the first manifestations of quantum theory introducing the concept of coherent superposition between pure states, plays a key role in numerous aspects of science varying from applicative spectroscopy to fundamental astrophysical investigations. Optical analogues of quantum effects help to achieve deeper understanding of quantum phenomena and, in turn, to develop cross-disciplinary approaches to realizations of new applications in photonics. Here we show that metallic nanostructures can be designed to exhibit a plasmonic analogue of the quantum Hanle effect and the associated polarization rotation. In the original Hanle effect, time-reversal symmetry is broken by a static magnetic field. We achieve this by introducing dissipative level crossing of localized surface plasmons due to nonuniform losses, designed using a non-Hermitian formulation of quantum mechanics. Such artificial plasmonic "atoms" have been shown to exhibit strong circular birefringence and circular dichroism which depends on the value of loss or gain in the metal-dielectric nanostructure.

Adiabatic quantum games and phase-transition-like behavior between optimal strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Ponte, M. A.; Santos, Alan C.

2018-06-01

In this paper we propose a game of a single qubit whose strategies can be implemented adiabatically. In addition, we show how to implement the strategies of a quantum game through controlled adiabatic evolutions, where we analyze the payment of a quantum player for various situations of interest: (1) when the players receive distinct payments, (2) when the initial state is an arbitrary superposition, and (3) when the device that implements the strategy is inefficient. Through a graphical analysis, it is possible to notice that the curves that represent the gains of the players present a behavior similar to the curves that give rise to a phase transition in thermodynamics. These transitions are associated with optimal strategy changes and occur in the absence of entanglement and interaction between the players.

Cooling the center-of-mass motion of a diamond nanocrystal in a magneto-gravitational trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Jen-Feng

A magneto-gravitational trap for micro/nanometer sized diamagnetic particles, such as diamond nanocrystals, is tested and characterized. After exploring various other systems, such as a suspended graphene beam and an optical trap, this magneto-gravitational nanomechanical trapping system for diamond with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers presents unique advantages for experiments in fundamental quantum mechanics. Those include, for example, the generation of large quantum superposition states and tests of quantum gravity. Features are demonstrated for this system, such as stable and passive levitation from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum, low resonant frequencies and damping rates, and cooling of the center-of-mass motions to below 1 K. The construction of the trap, vacuum system, optics, and motion detection electronics are described in detail.

Making Sense of Bell's Theorem and Quantum Nonlocality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boughn, Stephen

2017-05-01

Bell's theorem has fascinated physicists and philosophers since his 1964 paper, which was written in response to the 1935 paper of Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen. Bell's theorem and its many extensions have led to the claim that quantum mechanics and by inference nature herself are nonlocal in the sense that a measurement on a system by an observer at one location has an immediate effect on a distant entangled system (one with which the original system has previously interacted). Einstein was repulsed by such "spooky action at a distance" and was led to question whether quantum mechanics could provide a complete description of physical reality. In this paper I argue that quantum mechanics does not require spooky action at a distance of any kind and yet it is entirely reasonable to question the assumption that quantum mechanics can provide a complete description of physical reality. The magic of entangled quantum states has little to do with entanglement and everything to do with superposition, a property of all quantum systems and a foundational tenet of quantum mechanics.

Quantum fingerprinting with coherent states and a constant mean number of photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arrazola, Juan Miguel; Lütkenhaus, Norbert

2014-06-01

We present a protocol for quantum fingerprinting that is ready to be implemented with current technology and is robust to experimental errors. The basis of our scheme is an implementation of the signal states in terms of a coherent state in a superposition of time-bin modes. Experimentally, this requires only the ability to prepare coherent states of low amplitude and to interfere them in a balanced beam splitter. The states used in the protocol are arbitrarily close in trace distance to states of O (log2n) qubits, thus exhibiting an exponential separation in abstract communication complexity compared to the classical case. The protocol uses a number of optical modes that is proportional to the size n of the input bit strings but a total mean photon number that is constant and independent of n. Given the expended resources, our protocol achieves a task that is provably impossible using classical communication only. In fact, even in the presence of realistic experimental errors and loss, we show that there exist a large range of input sizes for which our quantum protocol transmits an amount of information that can be more than two orders of magnitude smaller than a classical fingerprinting protocol.

Operational Resource Theory of Coherence.

PubMed

Winter, Andreas; Yang, Dong

2016-03-25

We establish an operational theory of coherence (or of superposition) in quantum systems, by focusing on the optimal rate of performance of certain tasks. Namely, we introduce the two basic concepts-"coherence distillation" and "coherence cost"-in the processing quantum states under so-called incoherent operations [Baumgratz, Cramer, and Plenio, Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 140401 (2014)]. We, then, show that, in the asymptotic limit of many copies of a state, both are given by simple single-letter formulas: the distillable coherence is given by the relative entropy of coherence (in other words, we give the relative entropy of coherence its operational interpretation), and the coherence cost by the coherence of formation, which is an optimization over convex decompositions of the state. An immediate corollary is that there exists no bound coherent state in the sense that one would need to consume coherence to create the state, but no coherence could be distilled from it. Further, we demonstrate that the coherence theory is generically an irreversible theory by a simple criterion that completely characterizes all reversible states.

Chip-to-chip entanglement of transmon qubits using engineered measurement fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickel, C.; Wesdorp, J. J.; Langford, N. K.; Peiter, S.; Sagastizabal, R.; Bruno, A.; Criger, B.; Motzoi, F.; DiCarlo, L.

2018-02-01

While the on-chip processing power in circuit QED devices is growing rapidly, an open challenge is to establish high-fidelity quantum links between qubits on different chips. Here, we show entanglement between transmon qubits on different cQED chips with 49 % concurrence and 73 % Bell-state fidelity. We engineer a half-parity measurement by successively reflecting a coherent microwave field off two nearly identical transmon-resonator systems. By ensuring the measured output field does not distinguish |01 > from |10 > , unentangled superposition states are probabilistically projected onto entangled states in the odd-parity subspace. We use in situ tunability and an additional weakly coupled driving field on the second resonator to overcome imperfect matching due to fabrication variations. To demonstrate the flexibility of this approach, we also produce an even-parity entangled state of similar quality, by engineering the matching of outputs for the |00 > and |11 > states. The protocol is characterized over a range of measurement strengths using quantum state tomography showing good agreement with a comprehensive theoretical model.

Fermionic entanglement via quantum walks in quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnikov, Alexey A.; Fedichkin, Leonid E.

2018-02-01

Quantum walks are fundamentally different from random walks due to the quantum superposition property of quantum objects. Quantum walk process was found to be very useful for quantum information and quantum computation applications. In this paper we demonstrate how to use quantum walks as a tool to generate high-dimensional two-particle fermionic entanglement. The generated entanglement can survive longer in the presence of depolorazing noise due to the periodicity of quantum walk dynamics. The possibility to create two distinguishable qudits in a system of tunnel-coupled semiconductor quantum dots is discussed.

Pure sources and efficient detectors for optical quantum information processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zielnicki, Kevin

Over the last sixty years, classical information theory has revolutionized the understanding of the nature of information, and how it can be quantified and manipulated. Quantum information processing extends these lessons to quantum systems, where the properties of intrinsic uncertainty and entanglement fundamentally defy classical explanation. This growing field has many potential applications, including computing, cryptography, communication, and metrology. As inherently mobile quantum particles, photons are likely to play an important role in any mature large-scale quantum information processing system. However, the available methods for producing and detecting complex multi-photon states place practical limits on the feasibility of sophisticated optical quantum information processing experiments. In a typical quantum information protocol, a source first produces an interesting or useful quantum state (or set of states), perhaps involving superposition or entanglement. Then, some manipulations are performed on this state, perhaps involving quantum logic gates which further manipulate or entangle the intial state. Finally, the state must be detected, obtaining some desired measurement result, e.g., for secure communication or computationally efficient factoring. The work presented here concerns the first and last stages of this process as they relate to photons: sources and detectors. Our work on sources is based on the need for optimized non-classical states of light delivered at high rates, particularly of single photons in a pure quantum state. We seek to better understand the properties of spontaneous parameteric downconversion (SPDC) sources of photon pairs, and in doing so, produce such an optimized source. We report an SPDC source which produces pure heralded single photons with little or no spectral filtering, allowing a significant rate enhancement. Our work on detectors is based on the need to reliably measure single-photon states. We have focused on optimizing the detection efficiency of visible light photon counters (VLPCs), a single-photon detection technology that is also capable of resolving photon number states. We report a record-breaking quantum efficiency of 91 +/- 3% observed with our detection system. Both sources and detectors are independently interesting physical systems worthy of study, but together they promise to enable entire new classes and applications of information based on quantum mechanics.

Can the Hypothesis 'Photon Interferes only with Itself' be Reconciled with Superposition of Light from Multiple Beams or Sources?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roychoudhuri, Chandrasekhar; Prasad, Narasimha S.; Peng, Qing

2007-01-01

Any superposition effect as measured (SEM) by us is the summation of simultaneous stimulations experienced by a detector due to the presence of multiple copies of a detectee each carrying different values of the same parameter. We discus the cases with light beams carrying same frequency for both diffraction and multiple beam Fabry-Perot interferometer and also a case where the two superposed light beams carry different frequencies. Our key argument is that if light really consists of indivisible elementary particle, photon, then it cannot by itself create superposition effect since the state vector of an elementary particle cannot carry more than one values of any parameter at the same time. Fortunately, semiclassical model explains all light induced interactions using quantized atoms and classical EM wave packet. Classical physics, with its deeper commitment to Reality Ontology, was better prepared to nurture the emergence of Quantum Mechanics and still can provide guidance to explore nature deeper if we pay careful attention to successful classical formulations like Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral.

Exchange-biased quantum tunnelling in a supramolecular dimer of single-molecule magnets.

PubMed

Wernsdorfer, Wolfgang; Aliaga-Alcalde, Núria; Hendrickson, David N; Christou, George

2002-03-28

Various present and future specialized applications of magnets require monodisperse, small magnetic particles, and the discovery of molecules that can function as nanoscale magnets was an important development in this regard. These molecules act as single-domain magnetic particles that, below their blocking temperature, exhibit magnetization hysteresis, a classical property of macroscopic magnets. Such 'single-molecule magnets' (SMMs) straddle the interface between classical and quantum mechanical behaviour because they also display quantum tunnelling of magnetization and quantum phase interference. Quantum tunnelling of magnetization can be advantageous for some potential applications of SMMs, for example, in providing the quantum superposition of states required for quantum computing. However, it is a disadvantage in other applications, such as information storage, where it would lead to information loss. Thus it is important to both understand and control the quantum properties of SMMs. Here we report a supramolecular SMM dimer in which antiferromagnetic coupling between the two components results in quantum behaviour different from that of the individual SMMs. Our experimental observations and theoretical analysis suggest a means of tuning the quantum tunnelling of magnetization in SMMs. This system may also prove useful for studying quantum tunnelling of relevance to mesoscopic antiferromagnets.

Effects of entanglement in an ideal optical amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franson, J. D.; Brewster, R. A.

2018-04-01

In an ideal linear amplifier, the output signal is linearly related to the input signal with an additive noise that is independent of the input. The decoherence of a quantum-mechanical state as a result of optical amplification is usually assumed to be due to the addition of quantum noise. Here we show that entanglement between the input signal and the amplifying medium can produce an exponentially-large amount of decoherence in an ideal optical amplifier even when the gain is arbitrarily close to unity and the added noise is negligible. These effects occur for macroscopic superposition states, where even a small amount of gain can leave a significant amount of which-path information in the environment. Our results show that the usual input/output relation of a linear amplifier does not provide a complete description of the output state when post-selection is used.

The Quantum-to-Classical Transition in Strongly Interacting Nanoscale Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benatov, Latchezar Latchezarov

This thesis comprises two separate but related studies, dealing with two strongly interacting nanoscale systems on the border between the quantum and classical domains. In Part 1, we use a Born-Markov approximated master equation approach to study the symmetrized-in-frequency current noise spectrum and the oscillator steady state of a nanoelectromechanical system where a nanoscale resonator is coupled linearly via its momentum to a quantum point contact (QPC). Our current noise spectra exhibit clear signatures of the quantum correlations between the QPC current and the back-action force on the oscillator at a value of the relative tunneling phase where such correlations are expected to be maximized. We also show that the steady state of the oscillator obeys a classical Fokker-Planck equation, but can experience thermomechanical noise squeezing in the presence of a momentum-coupled detector bath and a position-coupled environmental bath. Besides, the full master equation clearly shows that half of the detector back-action is correlated with electron tunneling, indicating a departure from the model of the detector as an effective bath and suggesting that a future calculation valid at lower bias voltage, stronger tunneling and/or stronger coupling might reveal interesting quantum effects in the oscillator dynamics. In the second part of the thesis, we study the subsystem dynamics and thermalization of an oscillator-spin star model, where a nanomechanical resonator is coupled to a few two-level systems (TLS's). We use a fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical algorithm to integrate the Schrodinger equation for the system and obtain our results. We find that the oscillator reaches a Boltzmann steady state when the TLS bath is initially in a thermal state at a temperature higher than the oscillator phonon energy. This occurs in both chaotic and integrable systems, and despite the small number of spins (only six) and the lack of couplings between them. At the same time, pure initial states do not thermalize well in our system, indicating that mixed state thermalization stems from the thermal nature of the initial bath state. Under the influence of a thermal TLS bath, oscillator Fock states decay in an approximately exponential manner, but there is also a concave-down trend at very early times, possibly indicative of Gaussian decay. In the case of initial Fock state superpositions, the diagonal density matrix element behaves very similarly to single initial Fock states, while the off-diagonal matrix element decays sinusoidally with an exponentially decreasing amplitude. The off-diagonal decay time is much smaller then the diagonal one, indicating that superposition states decohere much faster than they decay. Both decay times decrease with increasing Fock state number, but more slowly than the 1/n dependence seen in the presence of an external ohmic bath.

The Photon Shell Game and the Quantum von Neumann Architecture with Superconducting Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariantoni, Matteo

2012-02-01

Superconducting quantum circuits have made significant advances over the past decade, allowing more complex and integrated circuits that perform with good fidelity. We have recently implemented a machine comprising seven quantum channels, with three superconducting resonators, two phase qubits, and two zeroing registers. I will explain the design and operation of this machine, first showing how a single microwave photon | 1 > can be prepared in one resonator and coherently transferred between the three resonators. I will also show how more exotic states such as double photon states | 2 > and superposition states | 0 >+ | 1 > can be shuffled among the resonators as well [1]. I will then demonstrate how this machine can be used as the quantum-mechanical analog of the von Neumann computer architecture, which for a classical computer comprises a central processing unit and a memory holding both instructions and data. The quantum version comprises a quantum central processing unit (quCPU) that exchanges data with a quantum random-access memory (quRAM) integrated on one chip, with instructions stored on a classical computer. I will also present a proof-of-concept demonstration of a code that involves all seven quantum elements: (1), Preparing an entangled state in the quCPU, (2), writing it to the quRAM, (3), preparing a second state in the quCPU, (4), zeroing it, and, (5), reading out the first state stored in the quRAM [2]. Finally, I will demonstrate that the quantum von Neumann machine provides one unit cell of a two-dimensional qubit-resonator array that can be used for surface code quantum computing. This will allow the realization of a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum processor with the most forgiving error rates to date. [4pt] [1] M. Mariantoni et al., Nature Physics 7, 287-293 (2011.)[0pt] [2] M. Mariantoni et al., Science 334, 61-65 (2011).

Higher-Order Statistical Correlations and Mutual Information Among Particles in a Quantum Well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yépez, V. S.; Sagar, R. P.; Laguna, H. G.

2017-12-01

The influence of wave function symmetry on statistical correlation is studied for the case of three non-interacting spin-free quantum particles in a unidimensional box, in position and in momentum space. Higher-order statistical correlations occurring among the three particles in this quantum system is quantified via higher-order mutual information and compared to the correlation between pairs of variables in this model, and to the correlation in the two-particle system. The results for the higher-order mutual information show that there are states where the symmetric wave functions are more correlated than the antisymmetric ones with same quantum numbers. This holds in position as well as in momentum space. This behavior is opposite to that observed for the correlation between pairs of variables in this model, and the two-particle system, where the antisymmetric wave functions are in general more correlated. These results are also consistent with those observed in a system of three uncoupled oscillators. The use of higher-order mutual information as a correlation measure, is monitored and examined by considering a superposition of states or systems with two Slater determinants.

Shortcut loading a Bose–Einstein condensate into an optical lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiaoji; Jin, Shengjie; Schmiedmayer, Jörg

2018-05-01

We present an effective and fast (few microseconds) procedure for transferring a Bose–Einstein condensate from the ground state in a harmonic trap into the desired bands of an optical lattice. Our shortcut method is a designed pulse sequence where the time duration and the interval in each step are fully optimized in order to maximize robustness and fidelity of the final state with respect to the target state. The atoms can be prepared in a single band with even or odd parity, and superposition states of different bands can be prepared and manipulated. Furthermore, we extend this idea to the case of two-dimensional or three-dimensional optical lattices where the energies of excited states are degenerate. We experimentally demonstrate various examples and show very good agreement with the theoretical model. Efficient shortcut methods will find applications in the preparation of quantum systems, in quantum information processing, in precise measurement and as a starting point to investigate dynamics in excited bands.

Free-space entangled quantum carpets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barros, Mariana R.; Ketterer, Andreas; Farías, Osvaldo Jiménez; Walborn, Stephen P.

2017-04-01

The Talbot effect in quantum physics is known to produce intricate patterns in the probability distribution of a particle, known as "quantum carpets," corresponding to the revival and replication of the initial wave function. Recently, it was shown that one can encode a D -level qudit in such a way that the Talbot effect can be used to process the D -dimensional quantum information [Farías et al., Phys. Rev. A 91, 062328 (2015), 10.1103/PhysRevA.91.062328]. Here we introduce a scheme to produce free-propagating "entangled quantum carpets" with pairs of photons produced by spontaneous parametric down-conversion. First we introduce an optical device that can be used to synthesize arbitrary superposition states of Talbot qudits. Sending spatially entangled photon pairs through a pair of these devices produces an entangled pair of qudits. As an application, we show how the Talbot effect can be used to test a D -dimensional Bell inequality. Numerical simulations show that violation of the Bell inequality depends strongly on the amount of spatial correlation in the initial two-photon state. We briefly discuss how our optical scheme might be adapted to matter wave experiments.

Doubly tagged delayed-choice tunable quantum eraser: coherence, information and measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imran, Muhammad; Tariq, Hinna; Rameez-ul-Islam; Ikram, Manzoor

2018-01-01

We present an idea for the doubly tagged delayed-choice tunable quantum eraser in a cavity QED setup, based on fully controlled resonant as well as dispersive atom-field interactions. Two cavity fields, bound initially in the Bell state, are coupled to a three-level atom. Such an atom is initially prepared in the coherent superposition of the lower two levels and is quite capable of exhibiting Ramsey fringes if taken independently. It is shown that the coherence lost due to tagging can not only be retrieved but that the fringe visibility/path distinguishability can also be conditionally tuned in a delayed manner through local manipulation of the entangled cavity fields. The stringent condition here is the retainment of the system’s coherence during successive manipulations of the individual cavity fields. Such a quantum eraser, therefore, prominently highlights the links among all the counterintuitive features of quantum theory including the conception of time, measurement, state vector reduction, coherence and information in an unambiguous manner. The schematics can be straightforwardly extended to a multipartite scenario and employed to explore multi-player quantum games with the payoff being strangely decided through delayed choice setups.

Maximum predictive power and the superposition principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summhammer, Johann

1994-01-01

In quantum physics the direct observables are probabilities of events. We ask how observed probabilities must be combined to achieve what we call maximum predictive power. According to this concept the accuracy of a prediction must only depend on the number of runs whose data serve as input for the prediction. We transform each probability to an associated variable whose uncertainty interval depends only on the amount of data and strictly decreases with it. We find that for a probability which is a function of two other probabilities maximum predictive power is achieved when linearly summing their associated variables and transforming back to a probability. This recovers the quantum mechanical superposition principle.

Investigation of alternative mechanisms to neutrino oscillations in the MINOS experiment; Investigacao de Mecanismos Alternativos a Oscilacao de Neutrinos no Experimentos MINOS (in Spanish)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

de Abreu Barbosa Coelho, Joao

The neutrino oscillation model is very successful in explaining a large variety of experiments. The model is based on the premise that the neutrinos that interact through the weak force via charged current are not mass eigenstates, but a superposition of them. In general, a quantum superposition is subject to loss of coherence, so that pure states tend toward mixed states. This type of evolution is not possible within the context of isolated quantum systems because the evolution is unitary and, therefore, is invariant under time reversal. By breaking unitarity, an arrow of time is introduced and the characteristic effectmore » for neutrinos is a damping of oscillations. In this thesis, some phenomenological decoherence and decay models are investigated, which could be observed by MINOS, a neutrino oscillation experiment that consists of measuring the neutrino flux produced in a particle accelerator 735 km away. We analyse the disappearance of muon neutrinos in MINOS. Information from other experiments is used to constrain the number of parameters, leaving only one extra parameter in each model. We assume a power law energy dependence of the decoherence parameter. The official MINOS software and simulation are used to obtain the experiment's sensitivities to the effects of unitarity breaking considered.« less

Unveiling the curtain of superposition: Recent gedanken and laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, E.; Elitzur, A. C.

2017-08-01

What is the true meaning of quantum superposition? Can a particle genuinely reside in several places simultaneously? These questions lie at the heart of this paper which presents an updated survey of some important stages in the evolution of the three-boxes paradox, as well as novel conclusions drawn from it. We begin with the original thought experiment of Aharonov and Vaidman, and proceed to its non-counterfactual version. The latter was recently realized by Okamoto and Takeuchi using a quantum router. We then outline a dynamic version of this experiment, where a particle is shown to “disappear” and “re-appear” during the time evolution of the system. This surprising prediction based on self-cancellation of weak values is directly related to our notion of Quantum Oblivion. Finally, we present the non-counterfactual version of this disappearing-reappearing experiment. Within the near future, this last version of the experiment is likely to be realized in the lab, proving the existence of exotic hitherto unknown forms of superposition. With the aid of Bell’s theorem, we prove the inherent nonlocality and nontemporality underlying such pre- and post-selected systems, rendering anomalous weak values ontologically real.

Analysis of decoherence mechanisms in a single-atom quantum memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koerber, Matthias; Langenfeld, Stefan; Morin, Olivier; Neuzner, Andreas; Ritter, Stephan; Rempe, Gerhard

2017-04-01

While photons are ideal for the transmission of quantum information, they require dedicated memories for long-term storage. The challenge for such a photonic quantum memory is the combination of an efficient light-matter interface with a low-decoherence encoding. To increase the time before the quantum information is lost, a thorough analysis of the relevant decoherence mechanisms is indispensable. Our optical quantum memory consists of a single rubidium atom trapped in a two dimensional optical lattice in a high-finesse Fabry-Perot-type optical resonator. The qubit is initially stored in a superposition of Zeeman states, making magnetic field fluctuations the dominant source of decoherence. The impact to this type of noise is greatly reduced by transferring the qubit into a subspace less susceptible to magnetic field fluctuations. In this configuration, the achievable coherence times are no longer limited by those fluctuations, but decoherence mechanisms induced by the trapping beams pose a new limit. We will discuss the origin and magnitude of the relevant effects and strategies for possible resolutions.

Quantum correlation in degenerate optical parametric oscillators with mutual injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takata, Kenta; Marandi, Alireza; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

2015-10-01

We theoretically and numerically study the quantum dynamics of two degenerate optical parametric oscillators with mutual injections. The cavity mode in the optical coupling path between the two oscillator facets is explicitly considered. Stochastic equations for the oscillators and mutual injection path based on the positive P representation are derived. The system of two gradually pumped oscillators with out-of-phase mutual injections is simulated, and its quantum state is investigated. When the incoherent loss of the oscillators other than the mutual injections is small, the squeezed quadratic amplitudes p ̂ in the oscillators are positively correlated near the oscillation threshold. It indicates finite quantum correlation, estimated via Gaussian quantum discord, and the entanglement between the intracavity subharmonic fields. When the loss in the injection path is low, each oscillator around the phase transition point forms macroscopic superposition even under a small pump noise. It suggests that the squeezed field stored in the low-loss injection path weakens the decoherence in the oscillators.

Endohedral Metallofullerene as Molecular High Spin Qubit: Diverse Rabi Cycles in Gd2@C79N.

PubMed

Hu, Ziqi; Dong, Bo-Wei; Liu, Zheng; Liu, Jun-Jie; Su, Jie; Yu, Changcheng; Xiong, Jin; Shi, Di-Er; Wang, Yuanyuan; Wang, Bing-Wu; Ardavan, Arzhang; Shi, Zujin; Jiang, Shang-Da; Gao, Song

2018-01-24

An anisotropic high-spin qubit with long coherence time could scale the quantum system up. It has been proposed that Grover's algorithm can be implemented in such systems. Dimetallic aza[80]fullerenes M 2 @C 79 N (M = Y or Gd) possess an unpaired electron located between two metal ions, offering an opportunity to manipulate spin(s) protected in the cage for quantum information processing. Herein, we report the crystallographic determination of Gd 2 @C 79 N for the first time. This molecular magnet with a collective high-spin ground state (S = 15/2) generated by strong magnetic coupling (J Gd-Rad = 350 ± 20 cm -1 ) has been unambiguously validated by magnetic susceptibility experiments. Gd 2 @C 79 N has quantum coherence and diverse Rabi cycles, allowing arbitrary superposition state manipulation between each adjacent level. The phase memory time reaches 5 μs at 5 K by dynamic decoupling. This molecule fulfills the requirements of Grover's searching algorithm proposed by Leuenberger and Loss.

Global Dirac bispinor entanglement under Lorentz boosts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bittencourt, Victor A. S. V.; Bernardini, Alex E.; Blasone, Massimo

2018-03-01

The effects of Lorentz boosts on the quantum entanglement encoded by a pair of massive spin-1/2 particles are described according to the Lorentz covariant structure described by Dirac bispinors. The quantum system considered incorporates four degrees of freedom: two of them related to the bispinor intrinsic parity and the other two related to the bispinor spin projection, i.e., the Dirac particle helicity. Because of the natural multipartite structure involved, the Meyer-Wallach global measure of entanglement is preliminarily used for computing global quantum correlations, while the entanglement separately encoded by spin degrees of freedom is measured through the negativity of the reduced two-particle spin-spin state. A general framework to compute the changes on quantum entanglement induced by a boost is developed and then specialized to describe three particular antisymmetric two-particle states. According to the results obtained, two-particle spin-spin entanglement cannot be created by the action of a Lorentz boost in a spin-spin separable antisymmetric state. On the other hand, the maximal spin-spin entanglement encoded by antisymmetric superpositions is degraded by Lorentz boosts driven by high-speed frame transformations. Finally, the effects of boosts on chiral states are shown to exhibit interesting invariance properties, which can only be obtained through such a Lorentz covariant formulation of the problem.

Universal Expression of Efficiency at Maximum Power: A Quantum-Mechanical Brayton Engine Working with a Single Particle Confined in a Power-Law Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Zhuo-Lin; Li, Wei-Sheng; Lai, Yi-Ming; He, Ji-Zhou; Wang, Jian-Hui

2015-12-01

We propose a quantum-mechanical Brayton engine model that works between two superposed states, employing a single particle confined in an arbitrary power-law trap as the working substance. Applying the superposition principle, we obtain the explicit expressions of the power and efficiency, and find that the efficiency at maximum power is bounded from above by the function: η+ = θ/(θ + 1), with θ being a potential-dependent exponent. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11505091, 11265010, and 11365015, and the Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation under Grant No. 20132BAB212009

Bird's-eye view on noise-based logic.

PubMed

Kish, Laszlo B; Granqvist, Claes G; Horvath, Tamas; Klappenecker, Andreas; Wen, He; Bezrukov, Sergey M

2014-01-01

Noise-based logic is a practically deterministic logic scheme inspired by the randomness of neural spikes and uses a system of uncorrelated stochastic processes and their superposition to represent the logic state. We briefly discuss various questions such as ( i ) What does practical determinism mean? ( ii ) Is noise-based logic a Turing machine? ( iii ) Is there hope to beat (the dreams of) quantum computation by a classical physical noise-based processor, and what are the minimum hardware requirements for that? Finally, ( iv ) we address the problem of random number generators and show that the common belief that quantum number generators are superior to classical (thermal) noise-based generators is nothing but a myth.

Bird's-eye view on noise-based logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kish, Laszlo B.; Granqvist, Claes G.; Horvath, Tamas; Klappenecker, Andreas; Wen, He; Bezrukov, Sergey M.

2014-09-01

Noise-based logic is a practically deterministic logic scheme inspired by the randomness of neural spikes and uses a system of uncorrelated stochastic processes and their superposition to represent the logic state. We briefly discuss various questions such as (i) What does practical determinism mean? (ii) Is noise-based logic a Turing machine? (iii) Is there hope to beat (the dreams of) quantum computation by a classical physical noise-based processor, and what are the minimum hardware requirements for that? Finally, (iv) we address the problem of random number generators and show that the common belief that quantum number generators are superior to classical (thermal) noise-based generators is nothing but a myth.

Millikelvin cooling of an optically trapped microsphere in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tongcang; Kheifets, Simon; Raizen, Mark G.

2011-07-01

Cooling of micromechanical resonators towards the quantum mechanical ground state in their centre-of-mass motion has advanced rapidly in recent years. This work is an important step towards the creation of `Schrödinger cats', quantum superpositions of macroscopic observables, and the study of their destruction by decoherence. Here we report optical trapping of glass microspheres in vacuum with high oscillation frequencies, and cooling of the centre-of-mass motion from room temperature to a minimum temperature of about 1.5mK. This new system eliminates the physical contact inherent to clamped cantilevers, and can allow ground-state cooling from room temperature. More importantly, the optical trap can be switched off, allowing a microsphere to undergo free-fall in vacuum after cooling. This is ideal for studying the gravitational state reduction, a manifestation of the apparent conflict between general relativity and quantum mechanics. A cooled optically trapped object in vacuum can also be used to search for non-Newtonian gravity forces at small scales, measure the impact of a single air molecule and even produce Schrödinger cats of living organisms.

Testing quantum contextuality of continuous-variable states

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McKeown, Gerard; Paternostro, Mauro; Paris, Matteo G. A.

2011-06-15

We investigate the violation of noncontextuality by a class of continuous-variable states, including variations of entangled coherent states and a two-mode continuous superposition of coherent states. We generalize the Kochen-Specker (KS) inequality discussed by Cabello [A. Cabello, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 210401 (2008)] by using effective bidimensional observables implemented through physical operations acting on continuous-variable states, in a way similar to an approach to the falsification of Bell-Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequalities put forward recently. We test for state-independent violation of KS inequalities under variable degrees of state entanglement and mixedness. We then demonstrate theoretically the violation of a KS inequality for anymore » two-mode state by using pseudospin observables and a generalized quasiprobability function.« less

Entanglement of Multi-qudit States Constructed by Linearly Independent Coherent States: Balanced Case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najarbashi, G.; Mirzaei, S.

2016-03-01

Multi-mode entangled coherent states are important resources for linear optics quantum computation and teleportation. Here we introduce the generalized balanced N-mode coherent states which recast in the multi-qudit case. The necessary and sufficient condition for bi-separability of such balanced N-mode coherent states is found. We particularly focus on pure and mixed multi-qubit and multi-qutrit like states and examine the degree of bipartite as well as tripartite entanglement using the concurrence measure. Unlike the N-qubit case, it is shown that there are qutrit states violating monogamy inequality. Using parity, displacement operator and beam splitters, we will propose a scheme for generating balanced N-mode entangled coherent states for even number of terms in superposition.

Exact results for Schrödinger cats in driven-dissipative systems and their feedback control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minganti, Fabrizio; Bartolo, Nicola; Lolli, Jared; Casteels, Wim; Ciuti, Cristiano

2016-05-01

In quantum optics, photonic Schrödinger cats are superpositions of two coherent states with opposite phases and with a significant number of photons. Recently, these states have been observed in the transient dynamics of driven-dissipative resonators subject to engineered two-photon processes. Here we present an exact analytical solution of the steady-state density matrix for this class of systems, including one-photon losses, which are considered detrimental for the achievement of cat states. We demonstrate that the unique steady state is a statistical mixture of two cat-like states with opposite parity, in spite of significant one-photon losses. The transient dynamics to the steady state depends dramatically on the initial state and can pass through a metastable regime lasting orders of magnitudes longer than the photon lifetime. By considering individual quantum trajectories in photon-counting configuration, we find that the system intermittently jumps between two cats. Finally, we propose and study a feedback protocol based on this behaviour to generate a pure cat-like steady state.

Design of UV laser pulses for the preparation of matrix isolated homonuclear diatomic molecules in selective vibrational superposition states.

PubMed

Korolkov, M V; Manz, J

2007-05-07

The preparation of matrix isolated homonuclear diatomic molecules in a vibrational superposition state c0Phie=1,v=0+cjPhie=1,v=j, with large (|c0|2 approximately 1) plus small contributions (|cj|2<1) of the ground v=0 and specific v=j low excited vibrational eigenstates, respectively, in the electronic ground (e=1) state, and without any net population transfer to electronic excited (e>1) states, is an important challenge; it serves as a prerequisite for coherent spin control. For this purpose, the authors investigate two scenarios of laser pulse control, involving sequential or intrapulse pump- and dump-type transitions via excited vibronic states Phiex,k with a dominant singlet or triplet character. The mechanisms are demonstrated by means of quantum simulations for representative nuclear wave packets on coupled potential energy surfaces, using as an example a one-dimensional model for Cl2 in an Ar matrix. A simple three-state model (including Phi1,0, Phi1,j and Phiex,k) allows illuminating analyses and efficient determinations of the parameters of the laser pulses based on the values of the transition energies and dipole couplings of the transient state which are derived from the absorption spectra.

Thermodynamics of Weakly Measured Quantum Systems.

PubMed

Alonso, Jose Joaquin; Lutz, Eric; Romito, Alessandro

2016-02-26

We consider continuously monitored quantum systems and introduce definitions of work and heat along individual quantum trajectories that are valid for coherent superposition of energy eigenstates. We use these quantities to extend the first and second laws of stochastic thermodynamics to the quantum domain. We illustrate our results with the case of a weakly measured driven two-level system and show how to distinguish between quantum work and heat contributions. We finally employ quantum feedback control to suppress detector backaction and determine the work statistics.

SCB Quantum Computers Using iSWAP and 1-Qubit Rotations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Colin; Echtemach, Pierre

2005-01-01

Units of superconducting circuitry that exploit the concept of the single- Cooper-pair box (SCB) have been built and are undergoing testing as prototypes of logic gates that could, in principle, constitute building blocks of clocked quantum computers. These units utilize quantized charge states as the quantum information-bearing degrees of freedom. An SCB is an artificial two-level quantum system that comprises a nanoscale superconducting electrode connected to a reservoir of Cooper-pair charges via a Josephson junction. The logical quantum states of the device, .0. and .1., are implemented physically as a pair of charge-number states that differ by 2e (where e is the charge of an electron). Typically, some 109 Cooper pairs are involved. Transitions between the logical states are accomplished by tunneling of Cooper pairs through the Josephson junction. Although the two-level system contains a macroscopic number of charges, in the superconducting regime, they behave collectively, as a Bose-Einstein condensate, making possible a coherent superposition of the two logical states. This possibility makes the SCB a candidate for the physical implementation of a qubit. A set of quantum logic operations and the gates that implement them is characterized as universal if, in principle, one can form combinations of the operations in the set to implement any desired quantum computation. To be able to design a practical quantum computer, one must first specify how to decompose any valid quantum computation into a sequence of elementary 1- and 2-qubit quantum gates that are universal and that can be realized in hardware that is feasible to fabricate. Traditionally, the set of universal gates has been taken to be the set of all 1-qubit quantum gates in conjunction with the controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate, which is a 2-qubit gate. Also, it has been known for some time that the SWAP gate, which implements square root of the simple 2-qubit exchange interaction, is as computationally universal as is the CNOT operation.

Quantum fluids of light in acoustic lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerda-Méndez, E. A.; Krizhanovskii, D. N.; Skolnick, M. S.; Santos, P. V.

2018-01-01

In this topical review, we report on the recent advances on the manipulation of hybrid light-matter quasi-particles called exciton-polaritons and their quantum condensed phases by means of acoustic and static periodic potentials. Polaritons are a superposition of photons and excitons and form in optical microcavities with quantum wells embedded in it. They are low-mass bosons in the dilute limit and have strong inter-particle interactions inherited from the excitonic component. Their capability to form quantum-condensed phases at temperatures in the kelvin range and to behave like quantum fluids makes them very attractive for novel solid-state devices. Since their de Broglie wavelength is of the order of a few micrometers, polaritons can be manipulated using static or dynamic potentials with micrometer scales. We present here a summary of the techniques used to submit polaritons and their condensed phases to periodic potentials, with an emphasis in dynamic ones produced by surface acoustic waves. We discuss the interesting phenomena that occur under such a modulation, such as condensation in excited states of the Brillouin zone, fragmentation of a condensate, formation of self-localized wavepackets, and Dirac and massive polaritons in static hexagonal and kagome lattices, respectively. The different techniques explored open the way to implement polariton-based quantum simulators, nano-optomechanic resonators and polaritonic topological insulators.

Concurrent remote entanglement with quantum error correction against photon losses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Ananda; Stone, A. Douglas; Jiang, Liang

2016-09-01

Remote entanglement of distant, noninteracting quantum entities is a key primitive for quantum information processing. We present a protocol to remotely entangle two stationary qubits by first entangling them with propagating ancilla qubits and then performing a joint two-qubit measurement on the ancillas. Subsequently, single-qubit measurements are performed on each of the ancillas. We describe two continuous variable implementations of the protocol using propagating microwave modes. The first implementation uses propagating Schr o ̈ dinger cat states as the flying ancilla qubits, a joint-photon-number-modulo-2 measurement of the propagating modes for the two-qubit measurement, and homodyne detections as the final single-qubit measurements. The presence of inefficiencies in realistic quantum systems limit the success rate of generating high fidelity Bell states. This motivates us to propose a second continuous variable implementation, where we use quantum error correction to suppress the decoherence due to photon loss to first order. To that end, we encode the ancilla qubits in superpositions of Schrödinger cat states of a given photon-number parity, use a joint-photon-number-modulo-4 measurement as the two-qubit measurement, and homodyne detections as the final single-qubit measurements. We demonstrate the resilience of our quantum-error-correcting remote entanglement scheme to imperfections. Further, we describe a modification of our error-correcting scheme by incorporating additional individual photon-number-modulo-2 measurements of the ancilla modes to improve the success rate of generating high-fidelity Bell states. Our protocols can be straightforwardly implemented in state-of-the-art superconducting circuit-QED systems.

Grover's unstructured search by using a transverse field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhang; Rieffel, Eleanor; Wang, Zhihui

2017-04-01

We design a circuit-based quantum algorithm to search for a needle in a haystack, giving the same quadratic speedup achieved by Grover's original algorithm. In our circuit-based algorithm, the problem Hamiltonian (oracle) and a transverse field (instead of Grover's diffusion operator) are applied to the system alternatively. We construct a periodic time sequence such that the resultant unitary drives a closed transition between two states, which have high degrees of overlap with the initial state (even superposition of all states) and the target state, respectively. Let N =2n be the size of the search space. The transition rate in our algorithm is of order Θ(1 /√{ N}) , and the overlaps are of order Θ(1) , yielding a nearly optimal query complexity of T =√{ N}(π / 2√{ 2}) . Our algorithm is inspired by a class of algorithms proposed by Farhi et al., namely the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA); our method offers a route to optimizing the parameters in QAOA by restricting them to be periodic in time.

Can Topology and Geometry be Measured by an Operator Measurement in Quantum Gravity?

PubMed

Berenstein, David; Miller, Alexandra

2017-06-30

In the context of Lin-Lunin-Maldacena geometries, we show that superpositions of classical coherent states of trivial topology can give rise to new classical limits where the topology of spacetime has changed. We argue that this phenomenon implies that neither the topology nor the geometry of spacetime can be the result of an operator measurement. We address how to reconcile these statements with the usual semiclassical analysis of low energy effective field theory for gravity.

Research in Atomic, Ionic and Photonic Systems for Scalable Deterministic Quantum Logic

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-17

1. Ion Trap Project (DL, ANS, DS) Year 1 The “pushing gate” that we intend to use to entangle ions was thoroughly studied theoretically (milestone 1...allow more complex experimental sequences (e.g. Raman sideband cooling). We achieved important goals on the way to implementing an entangling gate in...for a two-ion entangling gate (in the method of [3]), we applied the same force to a single ion. When applied to a spin superposition state, the

Strong Photoassociation in Ultracold Fermions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Li; Jamison, Alan; Rvachov, Timur; Ebadi, Sepher; Son, Hyungmok; Jiang, Yijun; Zwierlein, Martin; Ketterle, Wolfgang

2016-05-01

Despite many studies there are still open questions about strong photoassociation in ultracold gases. Photoassociation occurs only at short range and thus can be used as a tool to probe and control the two-body correlation function in an interacting many-body system and to engineer Hamiltonians using dissipation. We propose the possibility to slow down decoherence by photoassociation through the quantum Zeno effect. This can realized by shining strong photoassociation light on the superposition of the lowest two hyperfine states of Lithium 6. NSF, ARO-MURI, Samsung, NSERC.

Quantum-Inspired Maximizer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zak, Michail

2008-01-01

A report discusses an algorithm for a new kind of dynamics based on a quantum- classical hybrid-quantum-inspired maximizer. The model is represented by a modified Madelung equation in which the quantum potential is replaced by different, specially chosen 'computational' potential. As a result, the dynamics attains both quantum and classical properties: it preserves superposition and entanglement of random solutions, while allowing one to measure its state variables, using classical methods. Such optimal combination of characteristics is a perfect match for quantum-inspired computing. As an application, an algorithm for global maximum of an arbitrary integrable function is proposed. The idea of the proposed algorithm is very simple: based upon the Quantum-inspired Maximizer (QIM), introduce a positive function to be maximized as the probability density to which the solution is attracted. Then the larger value of this function will have the higher probability to appear. Special attention is paid to simulation of integer programming and NP-complete problems. It is demonstrated that the problem of global maximum of an integrable function can be found in polynomial time by using the proposed quantum- classical hybrid. The result is extended to a constrained maximum with applications to integer programming and TSP (Traveling Salesman Problem).

Unifying neural-network quantum states and correlator product states via tensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Stephen R.

2018-04-01

Correlator product states (CPS) are a powerful and very broad class of states for quantum lattice systems whose (unnormalised) amplitudes in a fixed basis can be sampled exactly and efficiently. They work by gluing together states of overlapping clusters of sites on the lattice, called correlators. Recently Carleo and Troyer (2017 Science 355 602) introduced a new type sampleable ansatz called neural-network quantum states (NQS) that are inspired by the restricted Boltzmann model used in machine learning. By employing the formalism of tensor networks we show that NQS are a special form of CPS with novel properties. Diagramatically a number of simple observations become transparent. Namely, that NQS are CPS built from extensively sized GHZ-form correlators making them uniquely unbiased geometrically. The appearance of GHZ correlators also relates NQS to canonical polyadic decompositions of tensors. Another immediate implication of the NQS equivalence to CPS is that we are able to formulate exact NQS representations for a wide range of paradigmatic states, including superpositions of weighed-graph states, the Laughlin state, toric code states, and the resonating valence bond state. These examples reveal the potential of using higher dimensional hidden units and a second hidden layer in NQS. The major outlook of this study is the elevation of NQS to correlator operators allowing them to enhance conventional well-established variational Monte Carlo approaches for strongly correlated fermions.

Will spin-relaxation times in molecular magnets permit quantum information processing?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardavan, Arzhang

2007-03-01

Certain computational tasks can be efficiently implemented using quantum logic, in which the information-carrying elements are permitted to exist in quantum superpositions. To achieve this in practice, a physical system that is suitable for embodying quantum bits (qubits) must be identified. Some proposed scenarios employ electron spins in the solid state, for example phosphorous donors in silicon, quantum dots, heterostructures and endohedral fullerenes, motivated by the long electron-spin relaxation times exhibited by these systems. An alternative electron-spin based proposal exploits the large number of quantum states and the non-degenerate transitions available in high spin molecular magnets. Although these advantages have stimulated vigorous research in molecular magnets, the key question of whether the intrinsic spin relaxation times are long enough has hitherto remained unaddressed. Using X-band pulsed electron spin resonance, we measure the intrinsic spin-lattice (T1) and phase coherence (T2) relaxation times in molecular nanomagnets for the first time. In Cr7M heterometallic wheels, with M = Ni and Mn, phase coherence relaxation is dominated by the coupling of the electron spin to protons within the molecule. In deuterated samples T2 reaches 3 μs at low temperatures, which is several orders of magnitude longer than the duration of spin manipulations, satisfying a prerequisite for the deployment of molecular nanomagnets in quantum information applications.

The gap of the area-weighted Motzkin spin chain is exponentially small

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, Lionel; Movassagh, Ramis

2017-06-01

We prove that the energy gap of the model proposed by Zhang et al (2016 arXiv:1606.07795) is exponentially small in the square of the system size. In Movassagh and Shor (2016 Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA) a class of exactly solvable quantum spin chain models was proposed that have integer spins (s), with a nearest neighbors Hamiltonian, and a unique ground state. The ground state can be seen as a uniform superposition of all s-colored Motzkin walks. The half-chain entanglement entropy provably violates the area law by a square root factor in the system’s size (˜\\sqrt{n} ) for s  >  1. For s  =  1, the violation is logarithmic (Bravyi et al 2012 Phys. Rev. Lett. 109 207202). Moreover in Movassagh and Shor (2016 Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA) it was proved that the gap vanishes polynomially and is O(n -c ) with c≥slant2 . Recently, a deformation of Movassagh and Shor (2016 Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA), which we call ‘weighted Motzkin quantum spin chain’ was proposed Zhang et al (2016 arXiv:1606.07795). This model has a unique ground state that is a superposition of the s-colored Motzkin walks weighted by tarea\\{Motzkin walk\\} with t  >  1. The most surprising feature of this model is that it violates the area law by a factor of n. Here we prove that the gap of this model is upper bounded by 8ns t-n2/3 for t  >  1 and s  >  1.

High-Dimensional Quantum Information Processing with Linear Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzpatrick, Casey A.

Quantum information processing (QIP) is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the development of computers and information processing systems that utilize quantum mechanical properties of nature to carry out their function. QIP systems have become vastly more practical since the turn of the century. Today, QIP applications span imaging, cryptographic security, computation, and simulation (quantum systems that mimic other quantum systems). Many important strategies improve quantum versions of classical information system hardware, such as single photon detectors and quantum repeaters. Another more abstract strategy engineers high-dimensional quantum state spaces, so that each successful event carries more information than traditional two-level systems allow. Photonic states in particular bring the added advantages of weak environmental coupling and data transmission near the speed of light, allowing for simpler control and lower system design complexity. In this dissertation, numerous novel, scalable designs for practical high-dimensional linear-optical QIP systems are presented. First, a correlated photon imaging scheme using orbital angular momentum (OAM) states to detect rotational symmetries in objects using measurements, as well as building images out of those interactions is reported. Then, a statistical detection method using chains of OAM superpositions distributed according to the Fibonacci sequence is established and expanded upon. It is shown that the approach gives rise to schemes for sorting, detecting, and generating the recursively defined high-dimensional states on which some quantum cryptographic protocols depend. Finally, an ongoing study based on a generalization of the standard optical multiport for applications in quantum computation and simulation is reported upon. The architecture allows photons to reverse momentum inside the device. This in turn enables realistic implementation of controllable linear-optical scattering vertices for carrying out quantum walks on arbitrary graph structures, a powerful tool for any quantum computer. It is shown that the novel architecture provides new, efficient capabilities for the optical quantum simulation of Hamiltonians and topologically protected states. Further, these simulations use exponentially fewer resources than feedforward techniques, scale linearly to higher-dimensional systems, and use only linear optics, thus offering a concrete experimentally achievable implementation of graphical models of discrete-time quantum systems.

Twisted light transmission over 143 km

PubMed Central

Krenn, Mario; Handsteiner, Johannes; Fink, Matthias; Fickler, Robert; Ursin, Rupert; Zeilinger, Anton

2016-01-01

Spatial modes of light can potentially carry a vast amount of information, making them promising candidates for both classical and quantum communication. However, the distribution of such modes over large distances remains difficult. Intermodal coupling complicates their use with common fibers, whereas free-space transmission is thought to be strongly influenced by atmospheric turbulence. Here, we show the transmission of orbital angular momentum modes of light over a distance of 143 km between two Canary Islands, which is 50× greater than the maximum distance achieved previously. As a demonstration of the transmission quality, we use superpositions of these modes to encode a short message. At the receiver, an artificial neural network is used for distinguishing between the different twisted light superpositions. The algorithm is able to identify different mode superpositions with an accuracy of more than 80% up to the third mode order and decode the transmitted message with an error rate of 8.33%. Using our data, we estimate that the distribution of orbital angular momentum entanglement over more than 100 km of free space is feasible. Moreover, the quality of our free-space link can be further improved by the use of state-of-the-art adaptive optics systems. PMID:27856744

Twisted light transmission over 143 km

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krenn, Mario; Handsteiner, Johannes; Fink, Matthias; Fickler, Robert; Ursin, Rupert; Malik, Mehul; Zeilinger, Anton

2016-11-01

Spatial modes of light can potentially carry a vast amount of information, making them promising candidates for both classical and quantum communication. However, the distribution of such modes over large distances remains difficult. Intermodal coupling complicates their use with common fibers, whereas free-space transmission is thought to be strongly influenced by atmospheric turbulence. Here, we show the transmission of orbital angular momentum modes of light over a distance of 143 km between two Canary Islands, which is 50× greater than the maximum distance achieved previously. As a demonstration of the transmission quality, we use superpositions of these modes to encode a short message. At the receiver, an artificial neural network is used for distinguishing between the different twisted light superpositions. The algorithm is able to identify different mode superpositions with an accuracy of more than 80% up to the third mode order and decode the transmitted message with an error rate of 8.33%. Using our data, we estimate that the distribution of orbital angular momentum entanglement over more than 100 km of free space is feasible. Moreover, the quality of our free-space link can be further improved by the use of state-of-the-art adaptive optics systems.

Twisted light transmission over 143 km.

PubMed

Krenn, Mario; Handsteiner, Johannes; Fink, Matthias; Fickler, Robert; Ursin, Rupert; Malik, Mehul; Zeilinger, Anton

2016-11-29

Spatial modes of light can potentially carry a vast amount of information, making them promising candidates for both classical and quantum communication. However, the distribution of such modes over large distances remains difficult. Intermodal coupling complicates their use with common fibers, whereas free-space transmission is thought to be strongly influenced by atmospheric turbulence. Here, we show the transmission of orbital angular momentum modes of light over a distance of 143 km between two Canary Islands, which is 50× greater than the maximum distance achieved previously. As a demonstration of the transmission quality, we use superpositions of these modes to encode a short message. At the receiver, an artificial neural network is used for distinguishing between the different twisted light superpositions. The algorithm is able to identify different mode superpositions with an accuracy of more than 80% up to the third mode order and decode the transmitted message with an error rate of 8.33%. Using our data, we estimate that the distribution of orbital angular momentum entanglement over more than 100 km of free space is feasible. Moreover, the quality of our free-space link can be further improved by the use of state-of-the-art adaptive optics systems.

Probing the degenerate states of V-point singularities.

PubMed

Ram, B S Bhargava; Sharma, Anurag; Senthilkumaran, Paramasivam

2017-09-15

V-points are polarization singularities in spatially varying linearly polarized optical fields and are characterized by the Poincare-Hopf index η. Each V-point singularity is a superposition of two oppositely signed orbital angular momentum states in two orthogonal spin angular momentum states. Hence, a V-point singularity has zero net angular momentum. V-points with given |η| have the same (amplitude) intensity distribution but have four degenerate polarization distributions. Each of these four degenerate states also produce identical diffraction patterns. Hence to distinguish these degenerate states experimentally, we present in this Letter a method involving a combination of polarization transformation and diffraction. This method also shows the possibility of using polarization singularities in place of phase singularities in optical communication and quantum information processing.

Quantum Dynamics and a Semiclassical Description of the Photon.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henderson, Giles

1980-01-01

Uses computer graphics and nonstationary, superposition wave functions to reveal the dynamic quantum trajectories of several molecular and electronic transitions. These methods are then coupled with classical electromagnetic theory to provide a conceptually clear picture of the emission process and emitted radiation localized in time and space.…

The Quantum Binding Problem in the Context of Associative Memory

PubMed Central

Wichert, Andreas

2016-01-01

We present a method to solve the binding problem by using a quantum algorithm for the retrieval of associations from associative memory during visual scene analysis. The problem is solved by mapping the information representing different objects into superposition by using entanglement and Grover’s amplification algorithm. PMID:27603782

Quantum-like microeconomics: Statistical model of distribution of investments and production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khrennikov, Andrei

2008-10-01

In this paper we demonstrate that the probabilistic quantum-like (QL) behavior-the Born’s rule, interference of probabilities, violation of Bell’s inequality, representation of variables by in general noncommutative self-adjoint operators, Schrödinger’s dynamics-can be exhibited not only by processes in the micro world, but also in economics. In our approach the QL-behavior is induced not by properties of systems. Here systems (commodities) are macroscopic. They could not be superpositions of two different states. In our approach the QL-behavior of economical statistics is a consequence of the organization of the process of production as well as investments. In particular, Hamiltonian (“financial energy”) is determined by rate of return.

Quantum voting and violation of Arrow's impossibility theorem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Ning; Yunger Halpern, Nicole

2017-06-01

We propose a quantum voting system in the spirit of quantum games such as the quantum prisoner's dilemma. Our scheme enables a constitution to violate a quantum analog of Arrow's impossibility theorem. Arrow's theorem is a claim proved deductively in economics: Every (classical) constitution endowed with three innocuous-seeming properties is a dictatorship. We construct quantum analogs of constitutions, of the properties, and of Arrow's theorem. A quantum version of majority rule, we show, violates this quantum Arrow conjecture. Our voting system allows for tactical-voting strategies reliant on entanglement, interference, and superpositions. This contribution to quantum game theory helps elucidate how quantum phenomena can be harnessed for strategic advantage.

Mermin inequalities for perfect correlations in many-qutrit systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, Jay

2017-04-01

The existence of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) contradictions in many-qutrit systems was a long-standing theoretical question until its (affirmative) resolution in 2013. To enable experimental tests, we derive Mermin inequalities from concurrent observable sets identified in those proofs. These employ a weighted sum of observables, called M , in which every term has the chosen GHZ state as an eigenstate with eigenvalue unity. The quantum prediction for M is then just the number of concurrent observables, and this grows asymptotically as 2N/3 as the number of qutrits N →∞ . The maximum classical value falls short for every N ≥3 , so that the quantum to classical ratio (starting at 1.5 when N =3 ) diverges exponentially (˜1 .064N ) as N →∞ , where the system is in a Schrödinger-cat-like superposition of three macroscopically distinct states.

Zero-temperature quantum annealing bottlenecks in the spin-glass phase.

PubMed

Knysh, Sergey

2016-08-05

A promising approach to solving hard binary optimization problems is quantum adiabatic annealing in a transverse magnetic field. An instantaneous ground state-initially a symmetric superposition of all possible assignments of N qubits-is closely tracked as it becomes more and more localized near the global minimum of the classical energy. Regions where the energy gap to excited states is small (for instance at the phase transition) are the algorithm's bottlenecks. Here I show how for large problems the complexity becomes dominated by O(log N) bottlenecks inside the spin-glass phase, where the gap scales as a stretched exponential. For smaller N, only the gap at the critical point is relevant, where it scales polynomially, as long as the phase transition is second order. This phenomenon is demonstrated rigorously for the two-pattern Gaussian Hopfield model. Qualitative comparison with the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model leads to similar conclusions.

Experimental Observation of a Generalized Thouless Pump with a Single Spin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wenchao; Zhou, Longwen; Zhang, Qi; Li, Min; Cheng, Chunyang; Geng, Jianpei; Rong, Xing; Shi, Fazhan; Gong, Jiangbin; Du, Jiangfeng

2018-03-01

Adiabatic cyclic modulation of a one-dimensional periodic potential will result in quantized charge transport, which is termed the Thouless pump. In contrast to the original Thouless pump restricted by the topology of the energy band, here we experimentally observe a generalized Thouless pump that can be extensively and continuously controlled. The extraordinary features of the new pump originate from interband coherence in nonequilibrium initial states, and this fact indicates that a quantum superposition of different eigenstates individually undergoing quantum adiabatic following can also be an important ingredient unavailable in classical physics. The quantum simulation of this generalized Thouless pump in a two-band insulator is achieved by applying delicate control fields to a single spin in diamond. The experimental results demonstrate all principal characteristics of the generalized Thouless pump. Because the pumping in our system is most pronounced around a band-touching point, this work also suggests an alternative means to detect quantum or topological phase transitions.

Explaining electric conductivity using the particle-in-a-box model: quantum superposition is the key

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivanesan, Umaseh; Tsang, Kin; Izmaylov, Artur F.

2017-12-01

Most of the textbooks explaining electric conductivity in the context of quantum mechanics provide either incomplete or semi-classical explanations that are not connected with the elementary concepts of quantum mechanics. We illustrate the conduction phenomena using the simplest model system in quantum dynamics, a particle in a box (PIB). To induce the particle dynamics, a linear potential tilting the bottom of the box is introduced, which is equivalent to imposing a constant electric field for a charged particle. Although the PIB model represents a closed system that cannot have a flow of electrons through the system, we consider the oscillatory dynamics of the particle probability density as the analogue of the electric current. Relating the amplitude and other parameters of the particle oscillatory dynamics with the gap between the ground and excited states of the PIB model allows us to demonstrate one of the most basic dependencies of electric conductivity on the valence-conduction band gap of the material.

Quantum synchronization of many coupled atoms for an ultranarrow linewidth laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Peiru; Xu, Minghui; Tieri, David; Zhu, Bihui; Rey, Ana Maria; Hazzard, Kaden; Holland, Murray

2014-05-01

We theoretically investigate the effect of quantum synchronization on many coupled two-level atoms acting as high quality oscillators. We show that quantum synchronization - the spontaneous alignment of the phase (of the two-level superposition) between different atoms - provides a potential approach to produce robust atomic coherences and coherent light with ultranarrow linewidth and extreme phase stability. The atoms may be coupled either through their direct dipole-dipole interactions or, as in a superradiant laser, through an optical cavity. We develop a variety of analytic and computational approaches for this problem, including exact open quantum system methods for small systems, semiclassical theories, and approaches that make use of the permutation symmetry of identically coupled ensembles. We investigate the first and second order coherence properties of both the optical and atomic degrees of freedom. We study synchronization in both the steady-state, as well as during the dynamically applied pulse sequences of Rabi and Ramsey interferometry. This work was supported by the DARPA QuASAR program, the NSF, and NIST.

Cooling the Motion of Diamond Nanocrystals in a Magneto-Gravitational Trap in High Vacuum.

PubMed

Hsu, Jen-Feng; Ji, Peng; Lewandowski, Charles W; D'Urso, Brian

2016-07-22

Levitated diamond nanocrystals with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in high vacuum have been proposed as a unique system for experiments in fundamental quantum mechanics, including the generation of large quantum superposition states and tests of quantum gravity. This system promises extreme isolation from its environment while providing quantum control and sensing through the NV centre spin. While optical trapping has been the most explored method of levitation, recent results indicate that excessive optical heating of the nanodiamonds under vacuum may make the method impractical with currently available materials. Here, we study an alternative magneto-gravitational trap for diamagnetic particles, such as diamond nanocrystals, with stable levitation from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Magnetic field gradients from permanent magnets confine the particle in two dimensions, while confinement in the third dimension is gravitational. We demonstrate that feedback cooling of the centre-of-mass motion of a trapped nanodiamond cluster results in cooling of one degree of freedom to less than 1 K.

Cooling the motion of diamond nanocrystals in a magneto-gravitational trap in high vacuum

DOE PAGES

Hsu, Jen -Feng; Ji, Peng; Lewandowski, Charles W.; ...

2016-07-22

Levitated diamond nanocrystals with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in high vacuum have been proposed as a unique system for experiments in fundamental quantum mechanics, including the generation of large quantum superposition states and tests of quantum gravity. This system promises extreme isolation from its environment while providing quantum control and sensing through the NV centre spin. While optical trapping has been the most explored method of levitation, recent results indicate that excessive optical heating of the nanodiamonds under vacuum may make the method impractical with currently available materials. Here, we study an alternative magneto-gravitational trap for diamagnetic particles, such as diamondmore » nanocrystals, with stable levitation from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Magnetic field gradients from permanent magnets confine the particle in two dimensions, while confinement in the third dimension is gravitational. Furthermore, we demonstrate that feedback cooling of the centre-of-mass motion of a trapped nanodiamond cluster results in cooling of one degree of freedom to less than 1 K.« less

Cooling the Motion of Diamond Nanocrystals in a Magneto-Gravitational Trap in High Vacuum

PubMed Central

Hsu, Jen-Feng; Ji, Peng; Lewandowski, Charles W.; D’Urso, Brian

2016-01-01

Levitated diamond nanocrystals with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in high vacuum have been proposed as a unique system for experiments in fundamental quantum mechanics, including the generation of large quantum superposition states and tests of quantum gravity. This system promises extreme isolation from its environment while providing quantum control and sensing through the NV centre spin. While optical trapping has been the most explored method of levitation, recent results indicate that excessive optical heating of the nanodiamonds under vacuum may make the method impractical with currently available materials. Here, we study an alternative magneto-gravitational trap for diamagnetic particles, such as diamond nanocrystals, with stable levitation from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Magnetic field gradients from permanent magnets confine the particle in two dimensions, while confinement in the third dimension is gravitational. We demonstrate that feedback cooling of the centre-of-mass motion of a trapped nanodiamond cluster results in cooling of one degree of freedom to less than 1 K. PMID:27444654

Proposal for quantum many-body simulation and torsional matter-wave interferometry with a levitated nanodiamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yue; Hoang, Thai M.; Gong, Ming; Li, Tongcang; Yin, Zhang-qi

2017-08-01

Hybrid spin-mechanical systems have great potential in sensing, macroscopic quantum mechanics, and quantum information science. In order to induce strong coupling between an electron spin and the center-of-mass motion of a mechanical oscillator, a large magnetic gradient usually is required, which is difficult to achieve. Here we show that strong coupling between the electron spin of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center and the torsional vibration of an optically levitated nanodiamond can be achieved in a uniform magnetic field. Thanks to the uniform magnetic field, multiple spins can strongly couple to the torsional vibration at the same time. We propose utilizing this coupling mechanism to realize the Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick (LMG) model by an ensemble of NV centers in a levitated nanodiamond. The quantum phase transition in the LMG model and finite number effects can be observed with this system. We also propose generating torsional superposition states and realizing torsional matter-wave interferometry with spin-torsional coupling.

Coherent quantum phase slip.

PubMed

Astafiev, O V; Ioffe, L B; Kafanov, S; Pashkin, Yu A; Arutyunov, K Yu; Shahar, D; Cohen, O; Tsai, J S

2012-04-18

A hundred years after the discovery of superconductivity, one fundamental prediction of the theory, coherent quantum phase slip (CQPS), has not been observed. CQPS is a phenomenon exactly dual to the Josephson effect; whereas the latter is a coherent transfer of charges between superconducting leads, the former is a coherent transfer of vortices or fluxes across a superconducting wire. In contrast to previously reported observations of incoherent phase slip, CQPS has been only a subject of theoretical study. Its experimental demonstration is made difficult by quasiparticle dissipation due to gapless excitations in nanowires or in vortex cores. This difficulty might be overcome by using certain strongly disordered superconductors near the superconductor-insulator transition. Here we report direct observation of CQPS in a narrow segment of a superconducting loop made of strongly disordered indium oxide; the effect is made manifest through the superposition of quantum states with different numbers of flux quanta. As with the Josephson effect, our observation should lead to new applications in superconducting electronics and quantum metrology.

Information transport in classical statistical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetterich, C.

2018-02-01

For "static memory materials" the bulk properties depend on boundary conditions. Such materials can be realized by classical statistical systems which admit no unique equilibrium state. We describe the propagation of information from the boundary to the bulk by classical wave functions. The dependence of wave functions on the location of hypersurfaces in the bulk is governed by a linear evolution equation that can be viewed as a generalized Schrödinger equation. Classical wave functions obey the superposition principle, with local probabilities realized as bilinears of wave functions. For static memory materials the evolution within a subsector is unitary, as characteristic for the time evolution in quantum mechanics. The space-dependence in static memory materials can be used as an analogue representation of the time evolution in quantum mechanics - such materials are "quantum simulators". For example, an asymmetric Ising model on a Euclidean two-dimensional lattice represents the time evolution of free relativistic fermions in two-dimensional Minkowski space.

Fast, noise-free memory for photon synchronization at room temperature.

PubMed

Finkelstein, Ran; Poem, Eilon; Michel, Ohad; Lahad, Ohr; Firstenberg, Ofer

2018-01-01

Future quantum photonic networks require coherent optical memories for synchronizing quantum sources and gates of probabilistic nature. We demonstrate a fast ladder memory (FLAME) mapping the optical field onto the superposition between electronic orbitals of rubidium vapor. Using a ladder-level system of orbital transitions with nearly degenerate frequencies simultaneously enables high bandwidth, low noise, and long memory lifetime. We store and retrieve 1.7-ns-long pulses, containing 0.5 photons on average, and observe short-time external efficiency of 25%, memory lifetime (1/ e ) of 86 ns, and below 10 -4 added noise photons. Consequently, coupling this memory to a probabilistic source would enhance the on-demand photon generation probability by a factor of 12, the highest number yet reported for a noise-free, room temperature memory. This paves the way toward the controlled production of large quantum states of light from probabilistic photon sources.

Spontaneous decoherence of coupled harmonic oscillators confined in a ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, ZhiRui; Zhang, ZhenWei; Xu, DaZhi; Zhao, Nan; Sun, ChangPu

2018-04-01

We study the spontaneous decoherence of coupled harmonic oscillators confined in a ring container, where the nearest-neighbor harmonic potentials are taken into consideration. Without any external symmetry-breaking field or surrounding environment, the quantum superposition state prepared in the relative degrees of freedom gradually loses its quantum coherence spontaneously. This spontaneous decoherence is interpreted by the gauge couplings between the center-of-mass and the relative degrees of freedoms, which actually originate from the symmetries of the ring geometry and the corresponding nontrivial boundary conditions. In particular, such spontaneous decoherence does not occur at all at the thermodynamic limit because the nontrivial boundary conditions become the trivial Born-von Karman boundary conditions when the perimeter of the ring container tends to infinity. Our investigation shows that a thermal macroscopic object with certain symmetries has a chance for its quantum properties to degrade even without applying an external symmetry-breaking field or surrounding environment.

Trial wave functions for ring-trapped ions and neutral atoms: Microscopic description of the quantum space-time crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yannouleas, Constantine; Landman, Uzi

2017-10-01

A constructive theoretical platform for the description of quantum space-time crystals uncovers for N interacting and ring-confined rotating particles the existence of low-lying states with proper space-time crystal behavior. The construction of the corresponding many-body trial wave functions proceeds first via symmetry breaking at the mean-field level followed by symmetry restoration using projection techniques. The ensuing correlated many-body wave functions are stationary states and preserve the rotational symmetries, and at the same time they reflect the point-group symmetries of the mean-field crystals. This behavior results in the emergence of sequences of select magic angular momenta Lm. For angular-momenta away from the magic values, the trial functions vanish. Symmetry breaking beyond the mean-field level can be induced by superpositions of such good-Lm many-body stationary states. We show that superposing a pair of adjacent magic angular momenta states leads to formation of special broken-symmetry states exhibiting quantum space-time-crystal behavior. In particular, the corresponding particle densities rotate around the ring, showing undamped and nondispersed periodic crystalline evolution in both space and time. The experimental synthesis of such quantum space-time-crystal wave packets is predicted to be favored in the vicinity of ground-state energy crossings of the Aharonov-Bohm-type spectra accessed via an externally applied, natural or synthetic, magnetic field. These results are illustrated here for Coulomb-repelling fermionic ions and for a lump of contact-interaction attracting bosons.

Protecting unknown two-qubit entangled states by nesting Uhrig's dynamical decoupling sequences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukhtar, Musawwadah; Soh, Wee Tee; Saw, Thuan Beng

2010-11-15

Future quantum technologies rely heavily on good protection of quantum entanglement against environment-induced decoherence. A recent study showed that an extension of Uhrig's dynamical decoupling (UDD) sequence can (in theory) lock an arbitrary but known two-qubit entangled state to the Nth order using a sequence of N control pulses [Mukhtar et al., Phys. Rev. A 81, 012331 (2010)]. By nesting three layers of explicitly constructed UDD sequences, here we first consider the protection of unknown two-qubit states as superposition of two known basis states, without making assumptions of the system-environment coupling. It is found that the obtained decoherence suppression canmore » be highly sensitive to the ordering of the three UDD layers and can be remarkably effective with the correct ordering. The detailed theoretical results are useful for general understanding of the nature of controlled quantum dynamics under nested UDD. As an extension of our three-layer UDD, it is finally pointed out that a completely unknown two-qubit state can be protected by nesting four layers of UDD sequences. This work indicates that when UDD is applicable (e.g., when the environment has a sharp frequency cutoff and when control pulses can be taken as instantaneous pulses), dynamical decoupling using nested UDD sequences is a powerful approach for entanglement protection.« less

Quantum walks in brain microtubules--a biomolecular basis for quantum cognition?

PubMed

Hameroff, Stuart

2014-01-01

Cognitive decisions are best described by quantum mathematics. Do quantum information devices operate in the brain? What would they look like? Fuss and Navarro () describe quantum lattice registers in which quantum superpositioned pathways interact (compute/integrate) as 'quantum walks' akin to Feynman's path integral in a lattice (e.g. the 'Feynman quantum chessboard'). Simultaneous alternate pathways eventually reduce (collapse), selecting one particular pathway in a cognitive decision, or choice. This paper describes how quantum walks in a Feynman chessboard are conceptually identical to 'topological qubits' in brain neuronal microtubules, as described in the Penrose-Hameroff 'Orch OR' theory of consciousness. Copyright © 2013 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Experimental two-dimensional quantum walk on a photonic chip

PubMed Central

Lin, Xiao-Feng; Feng, Zhen; Chen, Jing-Yuan; Gao, Jun; Sun, Ke; Wang, Chao-Yue; Lai, Peng-Cheng; Xu, Xiao-Yun; Wang, Yao; Qiao, Lu-Feng; Yang, Ai-Lin

2018-01-01

Quantum walks, in virtue of the coherent superposition and quantum interference, have exponential superiority over their classical counterpart in applications of quantum searching and quantum simulation. The quantum-enhanced power is highly related to the state space of quantum walks, which can be expanded by enlarging the photon number and/or the dimensions of the evolution network, but the former is considerably challenging due to probabilistic generation of single photons and multiplicative loss. We demonstrate a two-dimensional continuous-time quantum walk by using the external geometry of photonic waveguide arrays, rather than the inner degree of freedoms of photons. Using femtosecond laser direct writing, we construct a large-scale three-dimensional structure that forms a two-dimensional lattice with up to 49 × 49 nodes on a photonic chip. We demonstrate spatial two-dimensional quantum walks using heralded single photons and single photon–level imaging. We analyze the quantum transport properties via observing the ballistic evolution pattern and the variance profile, which agree well with simulation results. We further reveal the transient nature that is the unique feature for quantum walks of beyond one dimension. An architecture that allows a quantum walk to freely evolve in all directions and at a large scale, combining with defect and disorder control, may bring up powerful and versatile quantum walk machines for classically intractable problems. PMID:29756040

Experimental two-dimensional quantum walk on a photonic chip.

PubMed

Tang, Hao; Lin, Xiao-Feng; Feng, Zhen; Chen, Jing-Yuan; Gao, Jun; Sun, Ke; Wang, Chao-Yue; Lai, Peng-Cheng; Xu, Xiao-Yun; Wang, Yao; Qiao, Lu-Feng; Yang, Ai-Lin; Jin, Xian-Min

2018-05-01

Quantum walks, in virtue of the coherent superposition and quantum interference, have exponential superiority over their classical counterpart in applications of quantum searching and quantum simulation. The quantum-enhanced power is highly related to the state space of quantum walks, which can be expanded by enlarging the photon number and/or the dimensions of the evolution network, but the former is considerably challenging due to probabilistic generation of single photons and multiplicative loss. We demonstrate a two-dimensional continuous-time quantum walk by using the external geometry of photonic waveguide arrays, rather than the inner degree of freedoms of photons. Using femtosecond laser direct writing, we construct a large-scale three-dimensional structure that forms a two-dimensional lattice with up to 49 × 49 nodes on a photonic chip. We demonstrate spatial two-dimensional quantum walks using heralded single photons and single photon-level imaging. We analyze the quantum transport properties via observing the ballistic evolution pattern and the variance profile, which agree well with simulation results. We further reveal the transient nature that is the unique feature for quantum walks of beyond one dimension. An architecture that allows a quantum walk to freely evolve in all directions and at a large scale, combining with defect and disorder control, may bring up powerful and versatile quantum walk machines for classically intractable problems.

New class of photonic quantum error correction codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silveri, Matti; Michael, Marios; Brierley, R. T.; Salmilehto, Juha; Albert, Victor V.; Jiang, Liang; Girvin, S. M.

We present a new class of quantum error correction codes for applications in quantum memories, communication and scalable computation. These codes are constructed from a finite superposition of Fock states and can exactly correct errors that are polynomial up to a specified degree in creation and destruction operators. Equivalently, they can perform approximate quantum error correction to any given order in time step for the continuous-time dissipative evolution under these errors. The codes are related to two-mode photonic codes but offer the advantage of requiring only a single photon mode to correct loss (amplitude damping), as well as the ability to correct other errors, e.g. dephasing. Our codes are also similar in spirit to photonic ''cat codes'' but have several advantages including smaller mean occupation number and exact rather than approximate orthogonality of the code words. We analyze how the rate of uncorrectable errors scales with the code complexity and discuss the unitary control for the recovery process. These codes are realizable with current superconducting qubit technology and can increase the fidelity of photonic quantum communication and memories.

Kicking atoms with finite duration pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fekete, Julia; Chai, Shijie; Daszuta, Boris; Andersen, Mikkel F.

2016-05-01

The atom optics delta-kicked particle is a paradigmatic system for experimental studies of quantum chaos and classical-quantum correspondence. It consists of a cloud of laser cooled atoms exposed to a periodically pulsed standing wave of far off-resonant laser light. A purely quantum phenomena in such systems are quantum resonances which transfers the atoms into a coherent superposition of largely separated momentum states. Using such large momentum transfer ``beamsplitters'' in atom interferometers may have applications in high precision metrology. The growth in momentum separation cannot be maintained indefinitely due to finite laser power. The largest momentum transfer is achieved by violating the usual delta-kick assumption. Therefore we explore the behavior of the atom optics kicked particle with finite pulse duration. We have developed a semi-classical model which shows good agreement with the full quantum description as well as our experiments. Furthermore we have found a simple scaling law that helps to identify optimal parameters for an atom interferometer. We verify this by measurements of the ``Talbot time'' (a measurement of h/m) which together with other well-known constants constitute a measurement of the fine structure constant.

Practical purification scheme for decohered coherent-state superpositions via partial homodyne detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suzuki, Shigenari; Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522; Takeoka, Masahiro

2006-04-15

We present a simple protocol to purify a coherent-state superposition that has undergone a linear lossy channel. The scheme constitutes only a single beam splitter and a homodyne detector, and thus is experimentally feasible. In practice, a superposition of coherent states is transformed into a classical mixture of coherent states by linear loss, which is usually the dominant decoherence mechanism in optical systems. We also address the possibility of producing a larger amplitude superposition state from decohered states, and show that in most cases the decoherence of the states are amplified along with the amplitude.

Electronic properties of quasi one-dimensional quantum wire models under equal coupling strength superpositions of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Papp, E.; Micu, C.; Racolta, D.

In this paper one deals with the theoretical derivation of energy bands and of related wavefunctions characterizing quasi 1D semiconductor heterostructures, such as InAs quantum wire models. Such models get characterized this time by equal coupling strength superpositions of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions of dimensionless magnitude a under the influence of in-plane magnetic fields of magnitude B. We found that the orientations of the field can be selected by virtue of symmetry requirements. For this purpose one resorts to spin conservations, but alternative conditions providing sensible simplifications of the energy-band formula can be reasonably accounted for. Besides the wavenumbermore » k relying on the 1D electron, one deals with the spin-like s=±1 factors in the front of the square root term of the energy. Having obtained the spinorial wavefunction, opens the way to the derivation of spin precession effects. For this purpose one resorts to the projections of the wavenumber operator on complementary spin states. Such projections are responsible for related displacements proceeding along the Ox-axis. This results in a 2D rotation matrix providing both the precession angle as well as the precession axis.« less

The effect of magnetic field on RbCl quantum pseudodot qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Jing-Lin

2015-07-01

Under the condition of strong electron-LO-phonon coupling in a RbCl quantum pseudodot (QPD) with an applied magnetic field (MF), the eigenenergies and the eigenfunctions of the ground and the first excited states (GFES) are obtained by using a variational method of the Pekar type (VMPT). A single qubit can be realized in this two-level quantum system. The electron’s probability density oscillates in the RbCl QPD with a certain period of T0 = 7.933 fs when the electron is in the superposition state of the GFES. The results indicate that due to the presence of the asymmetrical structure in the z direction of the RbCl QPD, the electron’s probability density shows double-peak configuration, whereas there is only peak if the confinement is a symmetric structure in the x and y directions of the RbCl QPD. The oscillating period is an increasing function of the cyclotron frequency and the polaron radius, whereas it is a decreasing one of the chemical potential of the two-dimensional electron gas and the zero point of the pseudoharmonic potential (PP).

Quantum state engineering of light with continuous-wave optical parametric oscillators.

PubMed

Morin, Olivier; Liu, Jianli; Huang, Kun; Barbosa, Felippe; Fabre, Claude; Laurat, Julien

2014-05-30

Engineering non-classical states of the electromagnetic field is a central quest for quantum optics(1,2). Beyond their fundamental significance, such states are indeed the resources for implementing various protocols, ranging from enhanced metrology to quantum communication and computing. A variety of devices can be used to generate non-classical states, such as single emitters, light-matter interfaces or non-linear systems(3). We focus here on the use of a continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator(3,4). This system is based on a non-linear χ(2) crystal inserted inside an optical cavity and it is now well-known as a very efficient source of non-classical light, such as single-mode or two-mode squeezed vacuum depending on the crystal phase matching. Squeezed vacuum is a Gaussian state as its quadrature distributions follow a Gaussian statistics. However, it has been shown that number of protocols require non-Gaussian states(5). Generating directly such states is a difficult task and would require strong χ(3) non-linearities. Another procedure, probabilistic but heralded, consists in using a measurement-induced non-linearity via a conditional preparation technique operated on Gaussian states. Here, we detail this generation protocol for two non-Gaussian states, the single-photon state and a superposition of coherent states, using two differently phase-matched parametric oscillators as primary resources. This technique enables achievement of a high fidelity with the targeted state and generation of the state in a well-controlled spatiotemporal mode.

Arbitrary spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion of light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devlin, Robert C.; Ambrosio, Antonio; Rubin, Noah A.; Mueller, J. P. Balthasar; Capasso, Federico

2017-11-01

Optical elements that convert the spin angular momentum (SAM) of light into vortex beams have found applications in classical and quantum optics. These elements—SAM-to-orbital angular momentum (OAM) converters—are based on the geometric phase and only permit the conversion of left- and right-circular polarizations (spin states) into states with opposite OAM. We present a method for converting arbitrary SAM states into total angular momentum states characterized by a superposition of independent OAM. We designed a metasurface that converts left- and right-circular polarizations into states with independent values of OAM and designed another device that performs this operation for elliptically polarized states. These results illustrate a general material-mediated connection between SAM and OAM of light and may find applications in producing complex structured light and in optical communication.

Complexity of Quantum Impurity Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravyi, Sergey; Gosset, David

2017-12-01

We give a quasi-polynomial time classical algorithm for estimating the ground state energy and for computing low energy states of quantum impurity models. Such models describe a bath of free fermions coupled to a small interacting subsystem called an impurity. The full system consists of n fermionic modes and has a Hamiltonian {H=H_0+H_{imp}}, where H 0 is quadratic in creation-annihilation operators and H imp is an arbitrary Hamiltonian acting on a subset of O(1) modes. We show that the ground energy of H can be approximated with an additive error {2^{-b}} in time {n^3 \\exp{[O(b^3)]}}. Our algorithm also finds a low energy state that achieves this approximation. The low energy state is represented as a superposition of {\\exp{[O(b^3)]}} fermionic Gaussian states. To arrive at this result we prove several theorems concerning exact ground states of impurity models. In particular, we show that eigenvalues of the ground state covariance matrix decay exponentially with the exponent depending very mildly on the spectral gap of H 0. A key ingredient of our proof is Zolotarev's rational approximation to the {√{x}} function. We anticipate that our algorithms may be used in hybrid quantum-classical simulations of strongly correlated materials based on dynamical mean field theory. We implemented a simplified practical version of our algorithm and benchmarked it using the single impurity Anderson model.

Shor's quantum factoring algorithm on a photonic chip.

PubMed

Politi, Alberto; Matthews, Jonathan C F; O'Brien, Jeremy L

2009-09-04

Shor's quantum factoring algorithm finds the prime factors of a large number exponentially faster than any other known method, a task that lies at the heart of modern information security, particularly on the Internet. This algorithm requires a quantum computer, a device that harnesses the massive parallelism afforded by quantum superposition and entanglement of quantum bits (or qubits). We report the demonstration of a compiled version of Shor's algorithm on an integrated waveguide silica-on-silicon chip that guides four single-photon qubits through the computation to factor 15.

Nonclassical Properties of Q-Deformed Superposition Light Field State

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ren, Min; Shenggui, Wang; Ma, Aiqun; Jiang, Zhuohong

1996-01-01

In this paper, the squeezing effect, the bunching effect and the anti-bunching effect of the superposition light field state which involving q-deformation vacuum state and q-Glauber coherent state are studied, the controllable q-parameter of the squeezing effect, the bunching effect and the anti-bunching effect of q-deformed superposition light field state are obtained.

Counterfactual quantum computation through quantum interrogation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosten, Onur; Rakher, Matthew T.; Barreiro, Julio T.; Peters, Nicholas A.; Kwiat, Paul G.

2006-02-01

The logic underlying the coherent nature of quantum information processing often deviates from intuitive reasoning, leading to surprising effects. Counterfactual computation constitutes a striking example: the potential outcome of a quantum computation can be inferred, even if the computer is not run. Relying on similar arguments to interaction-free measurements (or quantum interrogation), counterfactual computation is accomplished by putting the computer in a superposition of `running' and `not running' states, and then interfering the two histories. Conditional on the as-yet-unknown outcome of the computation, it is sometimes possible to counterfactually infer information about the solution. Here we demonstrate counterfactual computation, implementing Grover's search algorithm with an all-optical approach. It was believed that the overall probability of such counterfactual inference is intrinsically limited, so that it could not perform better on average than random guesses. However, using a novel `chained' version of the quantum Zeno effect, we show how to boost the counterfactual inference probability to unity, thereby beating the random guessing limit. Our methods are general and apply to any physical system, as illustrated by a discussion of trapped-ion systems. Finally, we briefly show that, in certain circumstances, counterfactual computation can eliminate errors induced by decoherence.

Broken selection rule in the quantum Rabi model

PubMed Central

Forn-Díaz, P.; Romero, G.; Harmans, C. J. P. M.; Solano, E.; Mooij, J. E.

2016-01-01

Understanding the interaction between light and matter is very relevant for fundamental studies of quantum electrodynamics and for the development of quantum technologies. The quantum Rabi model captures the physics of a single atom interacting with a single photon at all regimes of coupling strength. We report the spectroscopic observation of a resonant transition that breaks a selection rule in the quantum Rabi model, implemented using an LC resonator and an artificial atom, a superconducting qubit. The eigenstates of the system consist of a superposition of bare qubit-resonator states with a relative sign. When the qubit-resonator coupling strength is negligible compared to their own frequencies, the matrix element between excited eigenstates of different sign is very small in presence of a resonator drive, establishing a sign-preserving selection rule. Here, our qubit-resonator system operates in the ultrastrong coupling regime, where the coupling strength is 10% of the resonator frequency, allowing sign-changing transitions to be activated and, therefore, detected. This work shows that sign-changing transitions are an unambiguous, distinctive signature of systems operating in the ultrastrong coupling regime of the quantum Rabi model. These results pave the way to further studies of sign-preserving selection rules in multiqubit and multiphoton models. PMID:27273346

Multipartite Entanglement classes via Negativity Fonts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Santosh Shelly; Sharma, Naresh Kumar

2012-02-01

The number and types of K-way negativity fonts in canonical form of an N-qubit state depends on the nature and amount of quantum coherences in the state. Non zero determinants of negativity fonts, characterizing a given state, are easily written down and reflect the entanglement microstructure of the superposition. A classification criterion for multipartite entangled states, based on negativity fonts in canonical state and decomposition of global partial transpose in terms of K-way partially transposed operators, is proposed. Inequivalent sub-classes are labelled by N-qubit local unitary invariants. A complete classification of four qubit states is obtained. The number of major families for N>3 is found to be 2^N-2N. Classification of four qubit states indicates that a small number of relevant polynomial invariants is enough to classify N-qubit states.

Dichromatic Langmuir waves in degenerate quantum plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dubinov, A. E., E-mail: dubinov-ae@yandex.ru; Kitayev, I. N.

2015-06-15

Langmuir waves in fully degenerate quantum plasma are considered. It is shown that, in the linear approximation, Langmuir waves are always dichromatic. The low-frequency component of the waves corresponds to classical Langmuir waves, while the high-frequency component, to free-electron quantum oscillations. The nonlinear problem on the profile of dichromatic Langmuir waves is solved. Solutions in the form of a superposition of waves and in the form of beatings of its components are obtained.

Two-tone nonlinear electrostatic waves in the quantum electron–hole plasma of semiconductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dubinov, A. E., E-mail: dubinov-ae@yandex.ru; Kitayev, I. N.

2017-01-15

Longitudinal electrostatic waves in the quantum electron–hole plasma of semiconductors are considered taking into account the degeneracy of electrons and holes and the exchange interaction. It is found in the framework of linear theory that the dispersion curve of longitudinal waves has two branches: plasmon and acoustic. An expression for the critical cutoff frequency for plasma oscillations and an expression for the speed of sound for acoustic vibrations are derived. It is shown that the plasma wave always exists in the form of a superposition of two components, characterized by different periods and wavelengths. Two nonlinear solutions are obtained withinmore » nonlinear theory: one in the form of a simple superposition of two tones and the other in the form of beats.« less

Deep learning as a tool to distinguish between high orbital angular momentum optical modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knutson, E. M.; Lohani, Sanjaya; Danaci, Onur; Huver, Sean D.; Glasser, Ryan T.

2016-09-01

The generation of light containing large degrees of orbital angular momentum (OAM) has recently been demon- strated in both the classical and quantum regimes. Since there is no fundamental limit to how many quanta of OAM a single photon can carry, optical states with an arbitrarily high difference in this quantum number may, in principle, be entangled. This opens the door to investigations into high-dimensional entanglement shared between states in superpositions of nonzero OAM. Additionally, making use of non-zero OAM states can allow for a dramatic increase in the amount of information carried by a single photon, thus increasing the information capacity of a communication channel. In practice, however, it is difficult to differentiate between states with high OAM numbers with high precision. Here we investigate the ability of deep neural networks to differentiate between states that contain large values of OAM. We show that such networks may be used to differentiate be- tween nearby OAM states that contain realistic amounts of noise, with OAM values of up to 100. Additionally, we examine how the classification accuracy scales with the signal-to-noise ratio of images that are used to train the network, as well as those being tested. Finally, we demonstrate the simultaneous classification of < 100 OAM states with greater than 70 % accuracy. We intend to verify our system with experimentally-produced classi- cal OAM states, as well as investigate possibilities that would allow this technique to work in the few-photon quantum regime.

Quantum random access memory.

PubMed

Giovannetti, Vittorio; Lloyd, Seth; Maccone, Lorenzo

2008-04-25

A random access memory (RAM) uses n bits to randomly address N=2(n) distinct memory cells. A quantum random access memory (QRAM) uses n qubits to address any quantum superposition of N memory cells. We present an architecture that exponentially reduces the requirements for a memory call: O(logN) switches need be thrown instead of the N used in conventional (classical or quantum) RAM designs. This yields a more robust QRAM algorithm, as it in general requires entanglement among exponentially less gates, and leads to an exponential decrease in the power needed for addressing. A quantum optical implementation is presented.

Semiconductor adiabatic qubits

DOEpatents

Carroll, Malcolm S.; Witzel, Wayne; Jacobson, Noah Tobias; Ganti, Anand; Landahl, Andrew J.; Lilly, Michael; Nguyen, Khoi Thi; Bishop, Nathaniel; Carr, Stephen M.; Bussmann, Ezra; Nielsen, Erik; Levy, James Ewers; Blume-Kohout, Robin J.; Rahman, Rajib

2016-12-27

A quantum computing device that includes a plurality of semiconductor adiabatic qubits is described herein. The qubits are programmed with local biases and coupling terms between qubits that represent a problem of interest. The qubits are initialized by way of a tuneable parameter, a local tunnel coupling within each qubit, such that the qubits remain in a ground energy state, and that initial state is represented by the qubits being in a superposition of |0> and |1> states. The parameter is altered over time adiabatically or such that relaxation mechanisms maintain a large fraction of ground state occupation through decreasing the tunnel coupling barrier within each qubit with the appropriate schedule. The final state when tunnel coupling is effectively zero represents the solution state to the problem represented in the |0> and |1> basis, which can be accurately read at each qubit location.

Hyperspherical nuclear motion of H3 + and D3 + in the electronic triplet state, a 3Sigmau +.

PubMed

Ferreira, Tiago Mendes; Alijah, Alexander; Varandas, António J C

2008-02-07

The potential energy surface of H(3) (+) in the lowest electronic triplet state, a (3)Sigma(u) (+), shows three equivalent minima at linear nuclear configurations. The vibrational levels of H(3) (+) and D(3) (+) on this surface can therefore be described as superimposed linear molecule states. Owing to such a superposition, each vibrational state characterized by quantum numbers of an isolated linear molecule obtains a one- and a two-dimensional component. The energy splittings between the two components have now been rationalized within a hyperspherical picture. It is shown that nuclear motion along the hyperangle phi mainly accounts for the splittings and provides upper bounds. This hyperspherical motion can be considered an extension of the antisymmetric stretching motion of the individual linear molecule.

Multichannel Polarization-Controllable Superpositions of Orbital Angular Momentum States.

PubMed

Yue, Fuyong; Wen, Dandan; Zhang, Chunmei; Gerardot, Brian D; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Shuang; Chen, Xianzhong

2017-04-01

A facile metasurface approach is shown to realize polarization-controllable multichannel superpositions of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states with various topological charges. By manipulating the polarization state of the incident light, four kinds of superpositions of OAM states are realized using a single metasurface consisting of space-variant arrays of gold nanoantennas. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Concepts and Bounded Rationality: An Application of Niestegge's Approach to Conditional Quantum Probabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blutner, Reinhard

2009-03-01

Recently, Gerd Niestegge developed a new approach to quantum mechanics via conditional probabilities developing the well-known proposal to consider the Lüders-von Neumann measurement as a non-classical extension of probability conditionalization. I will apply his powerful and rigorous approach to the treatment of concepts using a geometrical model of meaning. In this model, instances are treated as vectors of a Hilbert space H. In the present approach there are at least two possibilities to form categories. The first possibility sees categories as a mixture of its instances (described by a density matrix). In the simplest case we get the classical probability theory including the Bayesian formula. The second possibility sees categories formed by a distinctive prototype which is the superposition of the (weighted) instances. The construction of prototypes can be seen as transferring a mixed quantum state into a pure quantum state freezing the probabilistic characteristics of the superposed instances into the structure of the formed prototype. Closely related to the idea of forming concepts by prototypes is the existence of interference effects. Such inference effects are typically found in macroscopic quantum systems and I will discuss them in connection with several puzzles of bounded rationality. The present approach nicely generalizes earlier proposals made by authors such as Diederik Aerts, Andrei Khrennikov, Ricardo Franco, and Jerome Busemeyer. Concluding, I will suggest that an active dialogue between cognitive approaches to logic and semantics and the modern approach of quantum information science is mandatory.

The Tacit 'Quantum' of Meeting the Aesthetic Sign; Contextualize, Entangle, Superpose, Collapse or Decohere.

PubMed

Broekaert, Jan

2018-01-01

The semantically ambiguous nature of the sign and aspects of non-classicality of elementary matter as described by quantum theory show remarkable coherent analogy. We focus on how the ambiguous nature of the image, text and art work bears functional resemblance to the dynamics of contextuality , entanglement , superposition , collapse and decoherence as these phenomena are known in quantum theory. These quantumlike properties in linguistic signs have previously been identified in formal descritions of e.g. concept combinations and mental lexicon representations and have been reported on in the literature. In this approach the informationalized, communicated, mediatized conceptual configuration-of e.g. the art work-in the personal reflected mind behaves like a quantum state function in a higher dimensional complex space, in which it is time and again contextually collapsed and further cognitively entangled (Aerts et al. in Found Sci 4:115-132, 1999; in Lect Notes Comput Sci 7620:36-47, 2012). The observer-consumer of signs becomes the empowered 'produmer' (Floridi in The philosophy of information, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2011) creating the cognitive outcome of the interaction, while loosing most of any 'classical givenness' of the sign (Bal and Bryson in Art Bull 73:174-208, 1991). These quantum-like descriptions are now developed here in four example aesthetic signs; the installation Mist room by Ann Veronica Janssens (2010), the installation Sections of a happy moment by David Claerbout (2010), the photograph The Falling Man by Richard Drew (New York Times, p. 7, September 12, 2001) and the documentary Huicholes. The Last Peyote Guardians by Vilchez and Stefani (2014). Our present work develops further the use of a previously developed quantum model for concept representation in natural language. In our present approach of the aesthetic sign, we extend to individual -idiosyncratic-observer contexts instead of socially shared group contexts, and as such also include multiple idiosyncratic creation of meaning and experience. This irreducible superposition emerges as the core feature of the aesthetic sign and is most critically embedded in the 'no-interpretation' interpretation of the documentary signal.

Teleportation of Unknown Superpositions of Collective Atomic Coherent States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Shi-Biao

2001-06-01

We propose a scheme to teleport an unknown superposition of two atomic coherent states with different phases. Our scheme is based on resonant and dispersive atom-field interaction. Our scheme provides a possibility of teleporting macroscopic superposition states of many atoms first time. The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 60008003

SU-D-BRB-05: Quantum Learning for Knowledge-Based Response-Adaptive Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El Naqa, I; Ten, R

Purpose: There is tremendous excitement in radiotherapy about applying data-driven methods to develop personalized clinical decisions for real-time response-based adaptation. However, classical statistical learning methods lack in terms of efficiency and ability to predict outcomes under conditions of uncertainty and incomplete information. Therefore, we are investigating physics-inspired machine learning approaches by utilizing quantum principles for developing a robust framework to dynamically adapt treatments to individual patient’s characteristics and optimize outcomes. Methods: We studied 88 liver SBRT patients with 35 on non-adaptive and 53 on adaptive protocols. Adaptation was based on liver function using a split-course of 3+2 fractions with amore » month break. The radiotherapy environment was modeled as a Markov decision process (MDP) of baseline and one month into treatment states. The patient environment was modeled by a 5-variable state represented by patient’s clinical and dosimetric covariates. For comparison of classical and quantum learning methods, decision-making to adapt at one month was considered. The MDP objective was defined by the complication-free tumor control (P{sup +}=TCPx(1-NTCP)). A simple regression model represented state-action mapping. Single bit in classical MDP and a qubit of 2-superimposed states in quantum MDP represented the decision actions. Classical decision selection was done using reinforcement Q-learning and quantum searching was performed using Grover’s algorithm, which applies uniform superposition over possible states and yields quadratic speed-up. Results: Classical/quantum MDPs suggested adaptation (probability amplitude ≥0.5) 79% of the time for splitcourses and 100% for continuous-courses. However, the classical MDP had an average adaptation probability of 0.5±0.22 while the quantum algorithm reached 0.76±0.28. In cases where adaptation failed, classical MDP yielded 0.31±0.26 average amplitude while the quantum approach averaged a more optimistic 0.57±0.4, but with high phase fluctuations. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that quantum machine learning approaches provide a feasible and promising framework for real-time and sequential clinical decision-making in adaptive radiotherapy.« less

Superposition and detection of two helical beams for optical orbital angular momentum communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi-Dong; Gao, Chunqing; Gao, Mingwei; Qi, Xiaoqing; Weber, Horst

2008-07-01

A loop-like system with a Dove prism is used to generate a collinear superposition of two helical beams with different azimuthal quantum numbers in this manuscript. After the generation of the helical beams distributed on the circle centered at the optical axis by using a binary amplitude grating, the diffractive field is separated into two polarized ones with the same distribution. Rotated by the Dove prism in the loop-like system in counter directions and combined together, the two fields will generate the collinear superposition of two helical beams in certain direction. The experiment shows consistency with the theoretical analysis. This method has potential applications in optical communication by using orbital angular momentum of laser beams (optical vortices).

Teaching Quantum Mechanics with qCraft: qCraft in Action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatwin-Davies, Aidan; Kubica, Aleksander; Michalakis, Spyridon

In this second talk, we delve further into qCraft, which is an extension, or ``mod,'' of the popular video game Minecraft. We explain how quantum-mechanical phenomena-such as superposition, observer-dependency, and entanglement-are implemented in qCraft. We finish with a short demo and share our experiences with its use in primary school and high school classrooms.

Fluctuation theorems in feedback-controlled open quantum systems: Quantum coherence and absolute irreversibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murashita, Yûto; Gong, Zongping; Ashida, Yuto; Ueda, Masahito

2017-10-01

The thermodynamics of quantum coherence has attracted growing attention recently, where the thermodynamic advantage of quantum superposition is characterized in terms of quantum thermodynamics. We investigate the thermodynamic effects of quantum coherent driving in the context of the fluctuation theorem. We adopt a quantum-trajectory approach to investigate open quantum systems under feedback control. In these systems, the measurement backaction in the forward process plays a key role, and therefore the corresponding time-reversed quantum measurement and postselection must be considered in the backward process, in sharp contrast to the classical case. The state reduction associated with quantum measurement, in general, creates a zero-probability region in the space of quantum trajectories of the forward process, which causes singularly strong irreversibility with divergent entropy production (i.e., absolute irreversibility) and hence makes the ordinary fluctuation theorem break down. In the classical case, the error-free measurement ordinarily leads to absolute irreversibility, because the measurement restricts classical paths to the region compatible with the measurement outcome. In contrast, in open quantum systems, absolute irreversibility is suppressed even in the presence of the projective measurement due to those quantum rare events that go through the classically forbidden region with the aid of quantum coherent driving. This suppression of absolute irreversibility exemplifies the thermodynamic advantage of quantum coherent driving. Absolute irreversibility is shown to emerge in the absence of coherent driving after the measurement, especially in systems under time-delayed feedback control. We show that absolute irreversibility is mitigated by increasing the duration of quantum coherent driving or decreasing the delay time of feedback control.

Interferometric visibility and coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Tanmoy; García Díaz, María; Winter, Andreas

2017-07-01

Recently, the basic concept of quantum coherence (or superposition) has gained a lot of renewed attention, after Baumgratz et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 140401. (doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.140401)), following Åberg (http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0612146), have proposed a resource theoretic approach to quantify it. This has resulted in a large number of papers and preprints exploring various coherence monotones, and debating possible forms for the resource theory. Here, we take the view that the operational foundation of coherence in a state, be it quantum or otherwise wave mechanical, lies in the observation of interference effects. Our approach here is to consider an idealized multi-path interferometer, with a suitable detector, in such a way that the visibility of the interference pattern provides a quantitative expression of the amount of coherence in a given probe state. We present a general framework of deriving coherence measures from visibility, and demonstrate it by analysing several concrete visibility parameters, recovering some known coherence measures and obtaining some new ones.

A universal matter-wave interferometer with optical ionization gratings in the time-domain

PubMed Central

Haslinger, Philipp; Dörre, Nadine; Geyer, Philipp; Rodewald, Jonas; Nimmrichter, Stefan; Arndt, Markus

2015-01-01

Matter-wave interferometry with atoms1 and molecules2 has attracted a rapidly growing interest throughout the last two decades both in demonstrations of fundamental quantum phenomena and in quantum-enhanced precision measurements. Such experiments exploit the non-classical superposition of two or more position and momentum states which are coherently split and rejoined to interfere3-11. Here, we present the experimental realization of a universal near-field interferometer built from three short-pulse single-photon ionization gratings12,13. We observe quantum interference of fast molecular clusters, with a composite de Broglie wavelength as small as 275 fm. Optical ionization gratings are largely independent of the specific internal level structure and are therefore universally applicable to different kinds of nanoparticles, ranging from atoms to clusters, molecules and nanospheres. The interferometer is sensitive to fringe shifts as small as a few nanometers and yet robust against velocity-dependent phase shifts, since the gratings exist only for nanoseconds and form an interferometer in the time-domain. PMID:25983851

Magnetic-field sensing with quantum error detection under the effect of energy relaxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuzaki, Yuichiro; Benjamin, Simon

2017-03-01

A solid state spin is an attractive system with which to realize an ultrasensitive magnetic field sensor. A spin superposition state will acquire a phase induced by the target field, and we can estimate the field strength from this phase. Recent studies have aimed at improving sensitivity through the use of quantum error correction (QEC) to detect and correct any bit-flip errors that may occur during the sensing period. Here we investigate the performance of a two-qubit sensor employing QEC and under the effect of energy relaxation. Surprisingly, we find that the standard QEC technique to detect and recover from an error does not improve the sensitivity compared with the single-qubit sensors. This is a consequence of the fact that the energy relaxation induces both a phase-flip and a bit-flip noise where the former noise cannot be distinguished from the relative phase induced from the target fields. However, we have found that we can improve the sensitivity if we adopt postselection to discard the state when error is detected. Even when quantum error detection is moderately noisy, and allowing for the cost of the postselection technique, we find that this two-qubit system shows an advantage in sensing over a single qubit in the same conditions.

Flower-Like Squeezing in the Motion of a Laser-Driven Trapped Ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Ba An; Truong, Minh Duc

We investigate the Nth order amplitude squeezing in the fan-state |ξ2k,f>F which is a linear superposition of the 2k-quantum nonlinear coherent states. Unlike in usual states where an ellipse is the symbol of squeezing, a 4k-winged flower results in the fan state. We first derive the analytical expression of squeezing for arbitrary k, N, f and then study in detail the case of a laser-driven trapped ion characterized by a specific form of the nonlinear function f. We show that the lowest order in which squeezing may appear and the number of directions along which the amplitude may be squeezed depend only on k whereas the precise directions of squeezing are determined also by the other physical parameters involved. Finally, we present a scheme to produce such fan-states.

Excited-State Vibrational Coherence in Perylene Bisimide Probed by Femtosecond Broadband Pump-Probe Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Son, Minjung; Park, Kyu Hyung; Yoon, Min-Chul; Kim, Pyosang; Kim, Dongho

2015-06-18

Broadband laser pulses with ultrashort duration are capable of triggering impulsive excitation of the superposition of vibrational eigenstates, giving rise to quantum beating signals originating from coherent wave packet motions along the potential energy surface. In this work, coherent vibrational wave packet dynamics of an N,N'-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)perylene bisimide (DMP-PBI) were investigated by femtosecond broadband pump-probe spectroscopy which features fast and balanced data acquisition with a wide spectral coverage of >200 nm. Clear modulations were observed in the envelope of the stimulated emission decay profiles of DMP-PBI with the oscillation frequencies of 140 and 275 cm(-1). Fast Fourier transform analysis of each oscillatory mode revealed characteristic phase jumps near the maxima of the steady-state fluorescence, indicating that the observed vibrational coherence originates from an excited-state wave packet motion. Quantum calculations of the normal modes at the low-frequency region suggest that low-frequency C-C (C═C) stretching motions accompanied by deformation of the dimethylphenyl substituents are responsible for the manifestation of such coherent wave packet dynamics.

Large-scale quantum photonic circuits in silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Nicholas C.; Bunandar, Darius; Pant, Mihir; Steinbrecher, Greg R.; Mower, Jacob; Prabhu, Mihika; Baehr-Jones, Tom; Hochberg, Michael; Englund, Dirk

2016-08-01

Quantum information science offers inherently more powerful methods for communication, computation, and precision measurement that take advantage of quantum superposition and entanglement. In recent years, theoretical and experimental advances in quantum computing and simulation with photons have spurred great interest in developing large photonic entangled states that challenge today's classical computers. As experiments have increased in complexity, there has been an increasing need to transition bulk optics experiments to integrated photonics platforms to control more spatial modes with higher fidelity and phase stability. The silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nanophotonics platform offers new possibilities for quantum optics, including the integration of bright, nonclassical light sources, based on the large third-order nonlinearity (χ(3)) of silicon, alongside quantum state manipulation circuits with thousands of optical elements, all on a single phase-stable chip. How large do these photonic systems need to be? Recent theoretical work on Boson Sampling suggests that even the problem of sampling from e30 identical photons, having passed through an interferometer of hundreds of modes, becomes challenging for classical computers. While experiments of this size are still challenging, the SOI platform has the required component density to enable low-loss and programmable interferometers for manipulating hundreds of spatial modes. Here, we discuss the SOI nanophotonics platform for quantum photonic circuits with hundreds-to-thousands of optical elements and the associated challenges. We compare SOI to competing technologies in terms of requirements for quantum optical systems. We review recent results on large-scale quantum state evolution circuits and strategies for realizing high-fidelity heralded gates with imperfect, practical systems. Next, we review recent results on silicon photonics-based photon-pair sources and device architectures, and we discuss a path towards large-scale source integration. Finally, we review monolithic integration strategies for single-photon detectors and their essential role in on-chip feed forward operations.

Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber model with massive flashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tilloy, Antoine

2018-01-01

I introduce a modification of the Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber (GRW) model in which the flashes (or space-time collapse events) source a classical gravitational field. The resulting semiclassical theory of Newtonian gravity preserves the statistical interpretation of quantum states of matter in contrast with mean field approaches. It can be seen as a discrete version of recent proposals of consistent hybrid quantum classical theories. The model is in agreement with known experimental data and introduces new falsifiable predictions: (1) single particles do not self-interact, (2) the 1 /r gravitational potential of Newtonian gravity is cut off at short (≲10-7 m ) distances, and (3) gravity makes spatial superpositions decohere at a rate inversely proportional to that coming from the vanilla GRW model. Together, the last two predictions make the model experimentally falsifiable for all values of its parameters.

Electron spin control and spin-libration coupling of a levitated nanodiamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Thai; Ma, Yue; Ahn, Jonghoon; Bang, Jaehoon; Robicheaux, Francis; Gong, Ming; Yin, Zhang-Qi; Li, Tongcang

2017-04-01

Hybrid spin-mechanical systems have great potentials in sensing, macroscopic quantum mechanics, and quantum information science. Recently, we optically levitated a nanodiamond and demonstrated electron spin control of its built-in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in vacuum. We also observed the libration (torsional vibration) of a nanodiamond trapped by a linearly polarized laser beam in vacuum. We propose to achieve strong coupling between the electron spin of a NV center and the libration of a levitated nanodiamond with a uniform magnetic field. With a uniform magnetic field, multiple spins can couple to the torsional vibration at the same time. We propose to use this strong coupling to realize the Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick (LMG) model and generate rotational superposition states. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1555035-PHY.

Frequency-bin entanglement of ultra-narrow band non-degenerate photon pairs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieländer, Daniel; Lenhard, Andreas; Jime`nez Farìas, Osvaldo; Máttar, Alejandro; Cavalcanti, Daniel; Mazzera, Margherita; Acín, Antonio; de Riedmatten, Hugues

2018-01-01

We demonstrate frequency-bin entanglement between ultra-narrowband photons generated by cavity enhanced spontaneous parametric down conversion. Our source generates photon pairs in widely non-degenerate discrete frequency modes, with one photon resonant with a quantum memory material based on praseodymium doped crystals and the other photon at telecom wavelengths. Correlations between the frequency modes are analyzed using phase modulators and narrowband filters before detection. We show high-visibility two photon interference between the frequency modes, allowing us to infer a coherent superposition of the modes. We develop a model describing the state that we create and use it to estimate optimal measurements to achieve a violation of the Clauser-Horne (CH) Bell inequality under realistic assumptions. With these settings we perform a Bell test and show a significant violation of the CH inequality, thus proving the entanglement of the photons. Finally we demonstrate the compatibility with a quantum memory material by using a spectral hole in the praseodymium (Pr) doped crystal as spectral filter for measuring high-visibility two-photon interference. This demonstrates the feasibility of combining frequency-bin entangled photon pairs with Pr-based solid state quantum memories.

Classical analogous of quantum cosmological perfect fluid models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batista, A. B.; Fabris, J. C.; Gonçalves, S. V. B.; Tossa, J.

2001-05-01

Quantization in the minisuperspace of a gravity system coupled to a perfect fluid, leads to a solvable model which implies singularity free solutions through the construction of a superposition of the wavefunctions. We show that such models are equivalent to a classical system where, besides the perfect fluid, a repulsive fluid with an equation of state pQ= ρQ is present. This leads to speculate on the true nature of this quantization procedure. A perturbative analysis of the classical system reveals the condition for the stability of the classical system in terms of the existence of an anti-gravity phase.

Mode-Selective Photon Counting Via Quantum Frequency Conversion Using Spectrally-Engineered Pump Pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manurkar, Paritosh

Most of the existing protocols for quantum communication operate in a two-dimensional Hilbert space where their manipulation and measurement have been routinely investigated. Moving to higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces is desirable because of advantages in terms of longer distance communication capabilities, higher channel capacity and better information security. We can exploit the spatio-temporal degrees of freedom for the quantum optical signals to provide the higher-dimensional signals. But this necessitates the need for measurement and manipulation of multidimensional quantum states. To that end, there have been significant theoretical studies based on quantum frequency conversion (QFC) in recent years even though the experimental progress has been limited. QFC is a process that allows preservation of the quantum information while changing the frequency of the input quantum state. It has deservedly garnered a lot of attention because it serves as the connecting bridge between the communications band (C-band near 1550 nm) where the fiber-optic infrastructure is already established and the visible spectrum where high efficiency single-photon detectors and optical memories have been demonstrated. In this experimental work, we demonstrate mode-selective frequency conversion as a means to measure and manipulate photonic signals occupying d -dimensional Hilbert spaces where d=2 and 4. In the d=2 case, we demonstrate mode contrast between two temporal modes (TMs) which serves as the proof-of-concept demonstration. In the d=4 version, we employ six different TMs for our detailed experimental study. These TMs also include superposition modes which are a crucial component in many quantum key distribution protocols. Our method is based on producing pump pulses which allow us to upconvert the TM of interest while ideally preserving the other modes. We use MATLAB simulations to determine the pump pulse shapes which are subsequently produced by controlling the amplitude and phase of each spectral frequency from an optical frequency comb. The latter is generated using a cascaded configuration of phase and amplitude modulators. We characterize the mode selectivity using classical signals by arranging the six TMs into two orthogonal signal sets. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that mode selectivity is preserved if we use sub-photon signals (weak coherent light). Thus, this work supports the idea that QFC has the basic properties needed for advanced multi-dimensional quantum measurements given that we have demonstrated for the first time the ability to move to high dimensions (d=4), measure coherent superposition modes, and measure sub-photon signal levels. In addition to mode-selective photon counting, we also experimentally demonstrate a method of reshaping optical pulses based on QFC. Such a method has the potential to serve as the interface between quantum memories and the existing fiber infrastructure. At the same time, it can be employed in all-optical systems for optical signal regeneration.

Improved spin squeezing of an atomic ensemble through internal state control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hemmer, Daniel; Montano, Enrique; Deutsch, Ivan; Jessen, Poul

2016-05-01

Squeezing of collective atomic spins is typically generated by quantum backaction from a QND measurement of the relevant spin component. In this scenario the degree of squeezing is determined by the measurement resolution relative to the quantum projection noise (QPN) of a spin coherent state (SCS). Greater squeezing can be achieved through optimization of the 3D geometry of probe and atom cloud, or by placing the atoms in an optical cavity. We explore here a complementary strategy that relies on quantum control of the large internal spin available in alkali atoms such as Cs. Using a combination of rf and uw magnetic fields, we coherently map the internal spins in our ensemble from the SCS (| f = 4, m = 4>) to a ``cat'' state which is an equal superposition of | f = 4, m = 4>and | f = 4, m = -4>. This increases QPN by a factor of 2 f = 8 relative to the SCS, and therefore the amount of backaction and spin-spin entanglement produced by our QND measurement. In a final step, squeezing generated in the cat state basis can be mapped back to the SCS basis, where it corresponds to increased squeezing of the physical spin. Our experiments suggest that up to 8dB of metrologically useful squeezing can be generated in this way, compared to ~ 3 dB in an otherwise identical experiment starting from a SCS.

Insights into teaching quantum mechanics in secondary and lower undergraduate education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krijtenburg-Lewerissa, K.; Pol, H. J.; Brinkman, A.; van Joolingen, W. R.

2017-06-01

This study presents a review of the current state of research on teaching quantum mechanics in secondary and lower undergraduate education. A conceptual approach to quantum mechanics is being implemented in more and more introductory physics courses around the world. Because of the differences between the conceptual nature of quantum mechanics and classical physics, research on misconceptions, testing, and teaching strategies for introductory quantum mechanics is needed. For this review, 74 articles were selected and analyzed for the misconceptions, research tools, teaching strategies, and multimedia applications investigated. Outcomes were categorized according to their contribution to the various subtopics of quantum mechanics. Analysis shows that students have difficulty relating quantum physics to physical reality. It also shows that the teaching of complex quantum behavior, such as time dependence, superposition, and the measurement problem, has barely been investigated for the secondary and lower undergraduate level. At the secondary school level, this article shows a need to investigate student difficulties concerning wave functions and potential wells. Investigation of research tools shows the necessity for the development of assessment tools for secondary and lower undergraduate education, which cover all major topics and are suitable for statistical analysis. Furthermore, this article shows the existence of very diverse ideas concerning teaching strategies for quantum mechanics and a lack of research into which strategies promote understanding. This article underlines the need for more empirical research into student difficulties, teaching strategies, activities, and research tools intended for a conceptual approach for quantum mechanics.

A Survey of Quantum Programming Languages: History, Methods, and Tools

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

and entanglement , to achieve computational solutions to certain problems in less time (fewer computational cycles) than is possible using classical...superposition of quantum bits, entanglement , destructive measurement, and the no-cloning theorem. These differences must be thoroughly understood and even...computers using well-known languages such as C, C++, Java, and rapid prototyping languages such as Maple, Mathematica, and Matlab . A good on-line

Application of quantum master equation for long-term prognosis of asset-prices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khrennikova, Polina

2016-05-01

This study combines the disciplines of behavioral finance and an extension of econophysics, namely the concepts and mathematical structure of quantum physics. We apply the formalism of quantum theory to model the dynamics of some correlated financial assets, where the proposed model can be potentially applied for developing a long-term prognosis of asset price formation. At the informational level, the asset price states interact with each other by the means of a ;financial bath;. The latter is composed of agents' expectations about the future developments of asset prices on the finance market, as well as financially important information from mass-media, society, and politicians. One of the essential behavioral factors leading to the quantum-like dynamics of asset prices is the irrationality of agents' expectations operating on the finance market. These expectations lead to a deeper type of uncertainty concerning the future price dynamics of the assets, than given by a classical probability theory, e.g., in the framework of the classical financial mathematics, which is based on the theory of stochastic processes. The quantum dimension of the uncertainty in price dynamics is expressed in the form of the price-states superposition and entanglement between the prices of the different financial assets. In our model, the resolution of this deep quantum uncertainty is mathematically captured with the aid of the quantum master equation (its quantum Markov approximation). We illustrate our model of preparation of a future asset price prognosis by a numerical simulation, involving two correlated assets. Their returns interact more intensively, than understood by a classical statistical correlation. The model predictions can be extended to more complex models to obtain price configuration for multiple assets and portfolios.

Arbitrary spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion of light.

PubMed

Devlin, Robert C; Ambrosio, Antonio; Rubin, Noah A; Mueller, J P Balthasar; Capasso, Federico

2017-11-17

Optical elements that convert the spin angular momentum (SAM) of light into vortex beams have found applications in classical and quantum optics. These elements-SAM-to-orbital angular momentum (OAM) converters-are based on the geometric phase and only permit the conversion of left- and right-circular polarizations (spin states) into states with opposite OAM. We present a method for converting arbitrary SAM states into total angular momentum states characterized by a superposition of independent OAM. We designed a metasurface that converts left- and right-circular polarizations into states with independent values of OAM and designed another device that performs this operation for elliptically polarized states. These results illustrate a general material-mediated connection between SAM and OAM of light and may find applications in producing complex structured light and in optical communication. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Apparent bandgap shift in the internal quantum efficiency for solar cells with back reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiner, M. A.; Perl, E. E.; Geisz, J. F.; Friedman, D. J.; Jain, N.; Levi, D.; Horner, G.

2017-04-01

We demonstrate that in solar cells with highly reflective back mirrors, the measured internal quantum efficiency exhibits a shift in bandgap relative to the measured external quantum efficiency. The shift arises from the fact that the measured reflectance at the front surface includes a superposition of waves reflecting from the front and back surfaces. We quantify the magnitude of the apparent shift and discuss the errors that can result in determination of quantities such as the photocurrent. Because of this apparent shift, it is important the bandgap be determined from the external quantum efficiency.

Apparent bandgap shift in the internal quantum efficiency for solar cells with back reflectors

DOE PAGES

Steiner, Myles A.; Perl, E. E.; Geisz, J. F.; ...

2017-04-28

Here, we demonstrate that in solar cells with highly reflective back mirrors, the measured internal quantum efficiency exhibits a shift in bandgap relative to the measured external quantum efficiency. The shift arises from the fact that the measured reflectance at the front surface includes a superposition of waves reflecting from the front and back surfaces. We quantify the magnitude of the apparent shift and discuss the errors that can result in determination of quantities such as the photocurrent. Because of this apparent shift, it is important that the bandgap be determined from the external quantum efficiency.

Journeys in The Country of The Blind: Entanglement Theory and The Effects of Blinding on Trials of Homeopathy and Homeopathic Provings

PubMed Central

2007-01-01

The idea of quantum entanglement is borrowed from physics and developed into an algebraic argument to explain how double-blinding randomized controlled trials could lead to failure to provide unequivocal evidence for the efficacy of homeopathy, and inability to distinguish proving and placebo groups in homeopathic pathogenic trials. By analogy with the famous double-slit experiment of quantum physics, and more modern notions of quantum information processing, these failings are understood as blinding causing information loss resulting from a kind of quantum superposition between the remedy and placebo. PMID:17342236

Intracavity vortex beam generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naidoo, Darryl; Aït-Ameur, Kamel; Forbes, Andrew

2011-10-01

In this paper we explore vortex beams and in particular the generation of single LG0l modes and superpositions thereof. Vortex beams carry orbital angular momentum (OAM) and this intrinsic property makes them prevalent in transferring this OAM to matter and to be used in quantum information processing. We explore an extra-cavity and intra-cavity approach in LG0l mode generation respectively. The outputs of a Porro-prism resonator are represented by "petals" and we show that through a full modal decomposition, the "petal" fields are a superposition of two LG0l modes.

Spin cat state generation for quadrupolar nuclei in semiconductor quantum dots or defect centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulutay, Ceyhun

Implementing spin-based quantum information encoding schemes in semiconductors has a high priority. The so-called cat codes offer a paradigm that enables hardware-efficient error correction. Their inauguration to semiconductor-based nuclear magnetic resonance framework hinges upon the realization of coherent spin states (CSS). In this work, we show how the crucial superpositions of CSS can be generated for the nuclear spins. This is through the intrinsic electric quadrupole interaction involving a critical role by the biaxiality term that is readily available, as in strained heterostructures of semiconductors, or defect centers having nearby quadrupolar spins. The persistence of the cat states is achieved using a rotation pulse so as to harness the underlying fixed points of the classical Hamiltonian. We classify the two distinct types as polar- and equator-bound over the Bloch sphere with respect to principal axes. Their optimal performance as well as sensitivity under numerous parameter deviations are analyzed. Finally, we present how these modulo-2 cat states can be extended to modulo-4 by a three-pulse scheme. This work was supported by TUBITAK, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey through the project No. 114F409.

Stereodynamics in NO(X) + Ar inelastic collisions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brouard, M., E-mail: mark.brouard@chem.ox.ac.uk; Chadwick, H.; Gordon, S. D. S.

2016-06-14

The effect of orientation of the NO(X) bond axis prior to rotationally inelastic collisions with Ar has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. A modification to conventional velocity-map imaging ion optics is described, which allows the orientation of hexapole state-selected NO(X) using a static electric field, followed by velocity map imaging of the resonantly ionized scattered products. Bond orientation resolved differential cross sections are measured experimentally for a series of spin-orbit conserving transitions and compared with quantum mechanical calculations. The agreement between experimental results and those from quantum mechanical calculations is generally good. Parity pairs, which have previously been observed inmore » collisions of unpolarized NO with various rare gases, are not observed due to the coherent superposition of the two j = 1/2, Ω = 1/2 Λ-doublet levels in the orienting field. The normalized difference differential cross sections are found to depend predominantly on the final rotational state, and are not very sensitive to the final Λ-doublet level. The differential steric effect has also been investigated theoretically, by means of quantum mechanical and classical calculations. Classically, the differential steric effect can be understood by considering the steric requirement for different types of trajectories that contribute to different regions of the differential cross section. However, classical effects cannot account quantitatively for the differential steric asymmetry observed in NO(X) + Ar collisions, which reflects quantum interference from scattering at either end of the molecule. This quantum interference effect is dominated by the repulsive region of the potential.« less

The emergent Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollowood, Timothy J.

2014-05-01

We introduce a new and conceptually simple interpretation of quantum mechanics based on reduced density matrices of sub-systems from which the standard Copenhagen interpretation emerges as an effective description of macroscopically large systems. This interpretation describes a world in which definite measurement results are obtained with probabilities that reproduce the Born rule. Wave function collapse is seen to be a useful but fundamentally unnecessary piece of prudent book keeping which is only valid for macro-systems. The new interpretation lies in a class of modal interpretations in that it applies to quantum systems that interact with a much larger environment. However, we show that it does not suffer from the problems that have plagued similar modal interpretations like macroscopic superpositions and rapid flipping between macroscopically distinct states. We describe how the interpretation fits neatly together with fully quantum formulations of statistical mechanics and that a measurement process can be viewed as a process of ergodicity breaking analogous to a phase transition. The key feature of the new interpretation is that joint probabilities for the ergodic subsets of states of disjoint macro-systems only arise as emergent quantities. Finally we give an account of the EPR-Bohm thought experiment and show that the interpretation implies the violation of the Bell inequality characteristic of quantum mechanics but in a way that is rather novel. The final conclusion is that the Copenhagen interpretation gives a completely satisfactory phenomenology of macro-systems interacting with micro-systems.

Transfer of Learning in Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Chandralekha

2005-09-01

We investigate the difficulties that undergraduate students in quantum mechanics courses have in transferring learning from previous courses or within the same course from one context to another by administering written tests and conducting individual interviews. Quantum mechanics is abstract and its paradigm is very different from the classical one. A good grasp of the principles of quantum mechanics requires creating and organizing a knowledge structure consistent with the quantum postulates. Previously learned concepts such as the principle of superposition and probability can be useful in quantum mechanics if students are given opportunity to build associations between new and prior knowledge. We also discuss the need for better alignment between quantum mechanics and modern physics courses taken previously because semi-classical models can impede internalization of the quantum paradigm in more advanced courses.

Plasmon excitations with a semi-integer angular momentum.

PubMed

Mendonça, J T; Serbeto, A; Vieira, J

2018-05-18

We provide an explicit model for a spin-1/2 quasi-particle, based on the superposition of plasmon excitations in a quantum plasmas with intrinsic orbital angular momentum. Such quasi-particle solutions can show remarkable similarities with single electrons moving in vacuum: they have spin-1/2, a finite rest mass, and a quantum dispersion. We also show that these quasi-particle solutions satisfy a criterium of energy minimum.

A self-interfering clock as a “which path” witness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margalit, Yair; Zhou, Zhifan; Machluf, Shimon; Rohrlich, Daniel; Japha, Yonathan; Folman, Ron

2015-09-01

In Einstein’s general theory of relativity, time depends locally on gravity; in standard quantum theory, time is global—all clocks “tick” uniformly. We demonstrate a new tool for investigating time in the overlap of these two theories: a self-interfering clock, comprising two atomic spin states. We prepare the clock in a spatial superposition of quantum wave packets, which evolve coherently along two paths into a stable interference pattern. If we make the clock wave packets “tick” at different rates, to simulate a gravitational time lag, the clock time along each path yields “which path” information, degrading the pattern’s visibility. In contrast, in standard interferometry, time cannot yield “which path” information. This proof-of-principle experiment may have implications for the study of time and general relativity and their impact on fundamental effects such as decoherence and the emergence of a classical world.

Quantum mushroom billiards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barnett, Alex H.; Betcke, Timo; School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL

2007-12-15

We report the first large-scale statistical study of very high-lying eigenmodes (quantum states) of the mushroom billiard proposed by L. A. Bunimovich [Chaos 11, 802 (2001)]. The phase space of this mixed system is unusual in that it has a single regular region and a single chaotic region, and no KAM hierarchy. We verify Percival's conjecture to high accuracy (1.7%). We propose a model for dynamical tunneling and show that it predicts well the chaotic components of predominantly regular modes. Our model explains our observed density of such superpositions dying as E{sup -1/3} (E is the eigenvalue). We compare eigenvaluemore » spacing distributions against Random Matrix Theory expectations, using 16 000 odd modes (an order of magnitude more than any existing study). We outline new variants of mesh-free boundary collocation methods which enable us to achieve high accuracy and high mode numbers ({approx}10{sup 5}) orders of magnitude faster than with competing methods.« less

A self-interfering clock as a "which path" witness.

PubMed

Margalit, Yair; Zhou, Zhifan; Machluf, Shimon; Rohrlich, Daniel; Japha, Yonathan; Folman, Ron

2015-09-11

In Einstein's general theory of relativity, time depends locally on gravity; in standard quantum theory, time is global-all clocks "tick" uniformly. We demonstrate a new tool for investigating time in the overlap of these two theories: a self-interfering clock, comprising two atomic spin states. We prepare the clock in a spatial superposition of quantum wave packets, which evolve coherently along two paths into a stable interference pattern. If we make the clock wave packets "tick" at different rates, to simulate a gravitational time lag, the clock time along each path yields "which path" information, degrading the pattern's visibility. In contrast, in standard interferometry, time cannot yield "which path" information. This proof-of-principle experiment may have implications for the study of time and general relativity and their impact on fundamental effects such as decoherence and the emergence of a classical world. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

A self-sustaining atomic magnetometer with τ(-1) averaging property.

PubMed

Xu, C; Wang, S G; Feng, Y Y; Zhao, L; Wang, L J

2016-06-30

Quantum measurement using coherent superposition of intrinsic atomic states has the advantage of being absolute measurement and can form metrological standards. One example is the absolute measurement of magnetic field by monitoring the Larmor precession of atomic spins whilst another being the Ramsey type atomic clock. Yet, in almost all coherent quantum measurement, the precision is limited by the coherence time beyond which, the uncertainty decreases only as τ(-1/2). Here we show that by non-destructively measuring the phase of the Larmor precession and regenerating the coherence via optical pumping, the self-sustaining Larmor precession signal can persist indefinitely. Consequently, the precision of the magnetometer increases with time following a much faster τ(-1) rule. A mean sensitivity of 240  from 1 Hz to 10 Hz is realized, being close to the shot noise level. This method of coherence regeneration may also find important applications in improving the performance of atomic clocks.

Laser refrigeration, alignment and rotation of levitated Yb3+:YLF nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, A. T. M. Anishur; Barker, P. F.

2017-10-01

The ability to cool and manipulate levitated nanoparticles in vacuum is a promising tool for exploring macroscopic quantum mechanics1,2, precision measurements of forces3 and non-equilibrium thermodynamics4,5. The extreme isolation afforded by optical levitation offers a low-noise, undamped environment that has been used to measure zeptonewton forces3 and radiation pressure shot noise6, and to demonstrate centre-of-mass motion cooling7,8. Ground-state cooling and the creation of macroscopic quantum superpositions are now within reach, but control of both the centre of mass and internal temperature is required. While cooling the centre-of-mass motion to micro-kelvin temperatures has now been achieved, the internal temperature has remained at or above room temperature. Here, we realize a nanocryostat by refrigerating levitated Yb3+:YLF nanocrystals to 130 K using anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling, while simultaneously using the optical trapping field to align the crystal to maximize cooling.

Probing spontaneous wave-function collapse with entangled levitating nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Tiancai; Li, Jie

2017-01-01

Wave-function collapse models are considered to be the modified theories of standard quantum mechanics at the macroscopic level. By introducing nonlinear stochastic terms in the Schrödinger equation, these models (different from standard quantum mechanics) predict that it is fundamentally impossible to prepare macroscopic systems in macroscopic superpositions. The validity of these models can only be examined by experiments, and hence efficient protocols for these kinds of experiments are greatly needed. Here we provide a protocol that is able to probe the postulated collapse effect by means of the entanglement of the center-of-mass motion of two nanospheres optically trapped in a Fabry-Pérot cavity. We show that the collapse noise results in a large reduction of the steady-state entanglement, and the entanglement, with and without the collapse effect, shows distinguishable scalings with certain system parameters, which can be used to determine unambiguously the effect of these models.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steiner, Myles A.; Perl, E. E.; Geisz, J. F.

Here, we demonstrate that in solar cells with highly reflective back mirrors, the measured internal quantum efficiency exhibits a shift in bandgap relative to the measured external quantum efficiency. The shift arises from the fact that the measured reflectance at the front surface includes a superposition of waves reflecting from the front and back surfaces. We quantify the magnitude of the apparent shift and discuss the errors that can result in determination of quantities such as the photocurrent. Because of this apparent shift, it is important that the bandgap be determined from the external quantum efficiency.

Free-energy landscapes from adaptively biased methods: Application to quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvo, F.

2010-10-01

Several parallel adaptive biasing methods are applied to the calculation of free-energy pathways along reaction coordinates, choosing as a difficult example the double-funnel landscape of the 38-atom Lennard-Jones cluster. In the case of classical statistics, the Wang-Landau and adaptively biased molecular-dynamics (ABMD) methods are both found efficient if multiple walkers and replication and deletion schemes are used. An extension of the ABMD technique to quantum systems, implemented through the path-integral MD framework, is presented and tested on Ne38 against the quantum superposition method.

Experimental triple-slit interference in a strongly driven V-type artificial atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dada, Adetunmise C.; Santana, Ted S.; Koutroumanis, Antonios; Ma, Yong; Park, Suk-In; Song, Jindong; Gerardot, Brian D.

2017-08-01

Rabi oscillations of a two-level atom appear as a quantum interference effect between the amplitudes associated with atomic superpositions, in analogy with the classic double-slit experiment which manifests a sinusoidal interference pattern. By extension, through direct detection of time-resolved resonance fluorescence from a quantum-dot neutral exciton driven in the Rabi regime, we experimentally demonstrate triple-slit-type quantum interference via quantum erasure in a V-type three-level artificial atom. This result is of fundamental interest in the experimental studies of the properties of V-type three-level systems and may pave the way for further insight into their coherence properties as well as applications for quantum information schemes. It also suggests quantum dots as candidates for multipath-interference experiments for probing foundational concepts in quantum physics.

Tolerance in the Ramsey interference of a trapped nanodiamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, C.; Scala, M.; Bose, S.; Frangeskou, A. C.; Rahman, ATM A.; Morley, G. W.; Barker, P. F.; Kim, M. S.

2016-04-01

In the scheme recently proposed by M. Scala et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 180403 (2013), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.180403], a gravity-dependent phase shift is induced on the spin of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a trapped nanodiamond by the interaction between its magnetic moment and the quantized motion of the particle. This provides a way to detect spatial quantum superpositions by means of only spin measurements. Here, the effect of unwanted coupling with other motional degrees of freedom is considered, and we show that it does not affect the validity of the scheme. Both this coupling and the additional error source due to misalignment between the quantization axis of the NV center spin and the trapping axis are shown not to change the qualitative behavior of the system, so that a proof-of-principle experiment can be neatly performed. Our analysis, which shows that the scheme retains the important features of not requiring ground-state cooling and of being resistant to thermal fluctuations, can be useful for several schemes which have been proposed recently for testing macroscopic superpositions in trapped microsystems.

Entanglement in Self-Supervised Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zak, Michail

2011-01-01

A new type of correlation has been developed similar to quantum entanglement in self-supervised dynamics (SSD). SSDs have been introduced as a quantum-classical hybrid based upon the Madelung equation in which the quantum potential is replaced by an information potential. As a result, SSD preserves the quantum topology along with superposition, entanglement, and wave-particle duality. At the same time, it can be implemented in any scale including the Newtonian scale. The main properties of SSD associated with simulating intelligence have been formulated. The attention with this innovation is focused on intelligent agents interaction based upon the new fundamental non-New tonian effect; namely, entanglement.

Real-time visualization of the vibrational wavepacket dynamics in electronically excited pyrimidine via femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shuai; Long, Jinyou; Ling, Fengzi; Wang, Yanmei; Song, Xinli; Zhang, Song; Zhang, Bing

2017-07-01

The vibrational wavepacket dynamics at the very early stages of the S1-T1 intersystem crossing in photoexcited pyrimidine is visualized in real time by femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging and time-resolved mass spectroscopy. A coherent superposition of the vibrational states is prepared by the femtosecond pump pulse at 315.3 nm, resulting in a vibrational wavepacket. The composition of the prepared wavepacket is directly identified by a sustained quantum beat superimposed on the parent-ion transient, possessing a frequency in accord with the energy separation between the 6a1 and 6b2 states. The dephasing time of the vibrational wavepacket is determined to be 82 ps. More importantly, the variable Franck-Condon factors between the wavepacket components and the dispersed cation vibrational levels are experimentally illustrated to identify the dark state and follow the energy-flow dynamics on the femtosecond time scale. The time-dependent intensities of the photoelectron peaks originated from the 6a1 vibrational state exhibit a clear quantum beating pattern with similar periodicity but a phase shift of π rad with respect to those from the 6b2 state, offering an unambiguous picture of the restricted intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution dynamics in the 6a1/6b2 Fermi resonance.

Rough set classification based on quantum logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Yasser F.

2017-11-01

By combining the advantages of quantum computing and soft computing, the paper shows that rough sets can be used with quantum logic for classification and recognition systems. We suggest the new definition of rough set theory as quantum logic theory. Rough approximations are essential elements in rough set theory, the quantum rough set model for set-valued data directly construct set approximation based on a kind of quantum similarity relation which is presented here. Theoretical analyses demonstrate that the new model for quantum rough sets has new type of decision rule with less redundancy which can be used to give accurate classification using principles of quantum superposition and non-linear quantum relations. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt aiming to define rough sets in representation of a quantum rather than logic or sets. The experiments on data-sets have demonstrated that the proposed model is more accuracy than the traditional rough sets in terms of finding optimal classifications.

Quantum Associative Neural Network with Nonlinear Search Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Rigui; Wang, Huian; Wu, Qian; Shi, Yang

2012-03-01

Based on analysis on properties of quantum linear superposition, to overcome the complexity of existing quantum associative memory which was proposed by Ventura, a new storage method for multiply patterns is proposed in this paper by constructing the quantum array with the binary decision diagrams. Also, the adoption of the nonlinear search algorithm increases the pattern recalling speed of this model which has multiply patterns to O( {log2}^{2^{n -t}} ) = O( n - t ) time complexity, where n is the number of quantum bit and t is the quantum information of the t quantum bit. Results of case analysis show that the associative neural network model proposed in this paper based on quantum learning is much better and optimized than other researchers' counterparts both in terms of avoiding the additional qubits or extraordinary initial operators, storing pattern and improving the recalling speed.

Laser pulses for coherent xuv Raman excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenman, Loren; Koch, Christiane P.; Whaley, K. Birgitta

2015-07-01

We combine multichannel electronic structure theory with quantum optimal control to derive femtosecond-time-scale Raman pulse sequences that coherently populate a valence excited state. For a neon atom, Raman target populations of up to 13% are obtained. Superpositions of the ground and valence Raman states with a controllable relative phase are found to be reachable with up to 4.5% population and arbitrary phase control facilitated by the pump pulse carrier-envelope phase. Analysis of the optimized pulse structure reveals a sequential mechanism in which the valence excitation is reached via a fast (femtosecond) population transfer through an intermediate resonance state in the continuum rather than avoiding intermediate-state population with simultaneous or counterintuitive (stimulated Raman adiabatic passage) pulse sequences. Our results open a route to coupling valence excitations and core-hole excitations in molecules and aggregates that locally address specific atoms and represent an initial step towards realization of multidimensional spectroscopy in the xuv and x-ray regimes.

Absolute detector calibration using twin beams.

PubMed

Peřina, Jan; Haderka, Ondřej; Michálek, Václav; Hamar, Martin

2012-07-01

A method for the determination of absolute quantum detection efficiency is suggested based on the measurement of photocount statistics of twin beams. The measured histograms of joint signal-idler photocount statistics allow us to eliminate an additional noise superimposed on an ideal calibration field composed of only photon pairs. This makes the method superior above other approaches presently used. Twin beams are described using a paired variant of quantum superposition of signal and noise.

Andreev bound states probed in three-terminal quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gramich, J.; Baumgartner, A.; Schönenberger, C.

2017-11-01

Andreev bound states (ABSs) are well-defined many-body quantum states that emerge from the hybridization of individual quantum dot (QD) states with a superconductor and exhibit very rich and fundamental phenomena. We demonstrate several electron transport phenomena mediated by ABSs that form on three-terminal carbon nanotube (CNT) QDs, with one superconducting (S) contact in the center and two adjacent normal-metal (N) contacts. Three-terminal spectroscopy allows us to identify the coupling to the N contacts as the origin of the Andreev resonance (AR) linewidths and to determine the critical coupling strengths to S, for which a ground state (or quantum phase) transition in such S-QD systems can occur. In addition, we ascribe replicas of the lowest-energy ABS resonance to transitions between the ABS and odd-parity excited QD states, a process we call excited state ABS resonances. In the conductance between the two N contacts we find a characteristic pattern of positive and negative differential subgap conductance, which we explain by considering two nonlocal processes, the creation of Cooper pairs in S by electrons from both N terminals, and a transport mechanism we call resonant ABS tunneling, possible only in multiterminal QD devices. In the latter process, electrons are transferred via the ABS without effectively creating Cooper pairs in S. The three-terminal geometry also allows spectroscopy experiments with different boundary conditions, for example by leaving S floating. Surprisingly, we find that, depending on the boundary conditions and the device parameters, the experiments either show single-particle Coulomb blockade resonances, ABS characteristics, or both in the same measurements, seemingly contradicting the notion of ABSs replacing the single-particle states as eigenstates of the QD. We qualitatively explain these results as originating from the finite time scale required for the coherent oscillations between the superposition states after a single-electron tunneling event. These experiments demonstrate that three-terminal experiments on a single complex quantum object can also be useful to investigate charge dynamics otherwise not accessible due to the very high frequencies.

Quantum fuel with multilevel atomic coherence for ultrahigh specific work in a photonic Carnot engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Türkpençe, Deniz; Müstecaplıoǧlu, Özgür E.

2016-01-01

We investigate scaling of work and efficiency of a photonic Carnot engine with a number of quantum coherent resources. Specifically, we consider a generalization of the "phaseonium fuel" for the photonic Carnot engine, which was first introduced as a three-level atom with two lower states in a quantum coherent superposition by M. O. Scully, M. Suhail Zubairy, G. S. Agarwal, and H. Walther [Science 299, 862 (2003), 10.1126/science.1078955], to the case of N +1 level atoms with N coherent lower levels. We take into account atomic relaxation and dephasing as well as the cavity loss and derive a coarse-grained master equation to evaluate the work and efficiency analytically. Analytical results are verified by microscopic numerical examination of the thermalization dynamics. We find that efficiency and work scale quadratically with the number of quantum coherent levels. Quantum coherence boost to the specific energy (work output per unit mass of the resource) is a profound fundamental difference of quantum fuel from classical resources. We consider typical modern resonator set ups and conclude that multilevel phaseonium fuel can be utilized to overcome the decoherence in available systems. Preparation of the atomic coherences and the associated cost of coherence are analyzed and the engine operation within the bounds of the second law is verified. Our results bring the photonic Carnot engines much closer to the capabilities of current resonator technologies.

A quantum-like model of homeopathy clinical trials: importance of in situ randomization and unblinding.

PubMed

Beauvais, Francis

2013-04-01

The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the 'gold standard' of modern clinical pharmacology. However, for many practitioners of homeopathy, blind RCTs are an inadequate research tool for testing complex therapies such as homeopathy. Classical probabilities used in biological sciences and in medicine are only a special case of the generalized theory of probability used in quantum physics. I describe homeopathy trials using a quantum-like statistical model, a model inspired by quantum physics and taking into consideration superposition of states, non-commuting observables, probability interferences, contextuality, etc. The negative effect of blinding on success of homeopathy trials and the 'smearing effect' ('specific' effects of homeopathy medicine occurring in the placebo group) are described by quantum-like probabilities without supplementary ad hoc hypotheses. The difference of positive outcome rates between placebo and homeopathy groups frequently vanish in centralized blind trials. The model proposed here suggests a way to circumvent such problems in masked homeopathy trials by incorporating in situ randomization/unblinding. In this quantum-like model of homeopathy clinical trials, success in open-label setting and failure with centralized blind RCTs emerge logically from the formalism. This model suggests that significant differences between placebo and homeopathy in blind RCTs would be found more frequently if in situ randomization/unblinding was used. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Optical vortex knots – one photon at a time

PubMed Central

Tempone-Wiltshire, Sebastien J.; Johnstone, Shaun P.; Helmerson, Kristian

2016-01-01

Feynman described the double slit experiment as “a phenomenon which is impossible, absolutely impossible, to explain in any classical way and which has in it the heart of quantum mechanics”. The double-slit experiment, performed one photon at a time, dramatically demonstrates the particle-wave duality of quantum objects by generating a fringe pattern corresponding to the interference of light (a wave phenomenon) from two slits, even when there is only one photon (a particle) at a time passing through the apparatus. The particle-wave duality of light should also apply to complex three dimensional optical fields formed by multi-path interference, however, this has not been demonstrated. Here we observe particle-wave duality of a three dimensional field by generating a trefoil optical vortex knot – one photon at a time. This result demonstrates a fundamental physical principle, that particle-wave duality implies interference in both space (between spatially distinct modes) and time (through the complex evolution of the superposition of modes), and has implications for topologically entangled single photon states, orbital angular momentum multiplexing and topological quantum computing. PMID:27087642

Mixed quantum-classical electrodynamics: Understanding spontaneous decay and zero-point energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Tao E.; Nitzan, Abraham; Sukharev, Maxim

The dynamics of an electronic two-level system coupled to an electromagnetic field are simulated explicitly for one- and three-dimensional systems through semiclassical propagation of the Maxwell-Liouville equations. Here, we consider three flavors of mixed quantum-classical dynamics: (i) the classical path approximation (CPA), (ii) Ehrenfest dynamics, and (iii) symmetrical quasiclassical (SQC) dynamics. Our findings are as follows: (i) The CPA fails to recover a consistent description of spontaneous emission, (ii) a consistent “spontaneous” emission can be obtained from Ehrenfest dynamics, provided that one starts in an electronic superposition state, and (iii) spontaneous emission is always obtained using SQC dynamics. Using themore » SQC and Ehrenfest frameworks, we further calculate the dynamics following an incoming pulse, but here we find very different responses: SQC and Ehrenfest dynamics deviate sometimes strongly in the calculated rate of decay of the transient excited state. Nevertheless, our work confirms the earlier observations by Miller [J. Chem. Phys. 69, 2188 (1978)] that Ehrenfest dynamics can effectively describe some aspects of spontaneous emission and highlights interesting possibilities for studying light-matter interactions with semiclassical mechanics.« less

Mixed quantum-classical electrodynamics: Understanding spontaneous decay and zero-point energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tao E.; Nitzan, Abraham; Sukharev, Maxim; Martinez, Todd; Chen, Hsing-Ta; Subotnik, Joseph E.

2018-03-01

The dynamics of an electronic two-level system coupled to an electromagnetic field are simulated explicitly for one- and three-dimensional systems through semiclassical propagation of the Maxwell-Liouville equations. We consider three flavors of mixed quantum-classical dynamics: (i) the classical path approximation (CPA), (ii) Ehrenfest dynamics, and (iii) symmetrical quasiclassical (SQC) dynamics. Our findings are as follows: (i) The CPA fails to recover a consistent description of spontaneous emission, (ii) a consistent "spontaneous" emission can be obtained from Ehrenfest dynamics, provided that one starts in an electronic superposition state, and (iii) spontaneous emission is always obtained using SQC dynamics. Using the SQC and Ehrenfest frameworks, we further calculate the dynamics following an incoming pulse, but here we find very different responses: SQC and Ehrenfest dynamics deviate sometimes strongly in the calculated rate of decay of the transient excited state. Nevertheless, our work confirms the earlier observations by Miller [J. Chem. Phys. 69, 2188 (1978), 10.1063/1.436793] that Ehrenfest dynamics can effectively describe some aspects of spontaneous emission and highlights interesting possibilities for studying light-matter interactions with semiclassical mechanics.

Mixed quantum-classical electrodynamics: Understanding spontaneous decay and zero-point energy

DOE PAGES

Li, Tao E.; Nitzan, Abraham; Sukharev, Maxim; ...

2018-03-12

The dynamics of an electronic two-level system coupled to an electromagnetic field are simulated explicitly for one- and three-dimensional systems through semiclassical propagation of the Maxwell-Liouville equations. Here, we consider three flavors of mixed quantum-classical dynamics: (i) the classical path approximation (CPA), (ii) Ehrenfest dynamics, and (iii) symmetrical quasiclassical (SQC) dynamics. Our findings are as follows: (i) The CPA fails to recover a consistent description of spontaneous emission, (ii) a consistent “spontaneous” emission can be obtained from Ehrenfest dynamics, provided that one starts in an electronic superposition state, and (iii) spontaneous emission is always obtained using SQC dynamics. Using themore » SQC and Ehrenfest frameworks, we further calculate the dynamics following an incoming pulse, but here we find very different responses: SQC and Ehrenfest dynamics deviate sometimes strongly in the calculated rate of decay of the transient excited state. Nevertheless, our work confirms the earlier observations by Miller [J. Chem. Phys. 69, 2188 (1978)] that Ehrenfest dynamics can effectively describe some aspects of spontaneous emission and highlights interesting possibilities for studying light-matter interactions with semiclassical mechanics.« less

Complementarity of quantum discord and classically accessible information

DOE PAGES

Zwolak, Michael P.; Zurek, Wojciech H.

2013-05-20

The sum of the Holevo quantity (that bounds the capacity of quantum channels to transmit classical information about an observable) and the quantum discord (a measure of the quantumness of correlations of that observable) yields an observable-independent total given by the quantum mutual information. This split naturally delineates information about quantum systems accessible to observers – information that is redundantly transmitted by the environment – while showing that it is maximized for the quasi-classical pointer observable. Other observables are accessible only via correlations with the pointer observable. In addition, we prove an anti-symmetry property relating accessible information and discord. Itmore » shows that information becomes objective – accessible to many observers – only as quantum information is relegated to correlations with the global environment, and, therefore, locally inaccessible. Lastly, the resulting complementarity explains why, in a quantum Universe, we perceive objective classical reality while flagrantly quantum superpositions are out of reach.« less

Experimental demonstration of blind quantum computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barz, Stefanie; Kashefi, Elham; Broadbent, Anne; Fitzsimons, Joe; Zeilinger, Anton; Walther, Philip

2012-02-01

Quantum computers are among the most promising applications of quantum-enhanced technologies. Quantum effects such as superposition and entanglement enable computational speed-ups that are unattainable using classical computers. The challenges in realising quantum computers suggest that in the near future, only a few facilities worldwide will be capable of operating such devices. In order to exploit these computers, users would seemingly have to give up their privacy. It was recently shown that this is not the case and that, via the universal blind quantum computation protocol, quantum mechanics provides a way to guarantee that the user's data remain private. Here, we demonstrate the first experimental version of this protocol using polarisation-entangled photonic qubits. We demonstrate various blind one- and two-qubit gate operations as well as blind versions of the Deutsch's and Grover's algorithms. When the technology to build quantum computers becomes available, this will become an important privacy-preserving feature of quantum information processing.

Fuzzy Matching Based on Gray-scale Difference for Quantum Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, GaoFeng; Zhou, Ri-Gui; Liu, XingAo; Hu, WenWen; Luo, Jia

2018-05-01

Quantum image processing has recently emerged as an essential problem in practical tasks, e.g. real-time image matching. Previous studies have shown that the superposition and entanglement of quantum can greatly improve the efficiency of complex image processing. In this paper, a fuzzy quantum image matching scheme based on gray-scale difference is proposed to find out the target region in a reference image, which is very similar to the template image. Firstly, we employ the proposed enhanced quantum representation (NEQR) to store digital images. Then some certain quantum operations are used to evaluate the gray-scale difference between two quantum images by thresholding. If all of the obtained gray-scale differences are not greater than the threshold value, it indicates a successful fuzzy matching of quantum images. Theoretical analysis and experiments show that the proposed scheme performs fuzzy matching at a low cost and also enables exponentially significant speedup via quantum parallel computation.

50-GHz-spaced comb of high-dimensional frequency-bin entangled photons from an on-chip silicon nitride microresonator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Imany, Poolad; Jaramillo-Villegas, Jose A.; Odele, Ogaga D.

Quantum frequency combs from chip-scale integrated sources are promising candidates for scalable and robust quantum information processing (QIP). However, to use these quantum combs for frequency domain QIP, demonstration of entanglement in the frequency basis, showing that the entangled photons are in a coherent superposition of multiple frequency bins, is required. We present a verification of qubit and qutrit frequency-bin entanglement using an on-chip quantum frequency comb with 40 mode pairs, through a two-photon interference measurement that is based on electro-optic phase modulation. Our demonstrations provide an important contribution in establishing integrated optical microresonators as a source for high-dimensional frequency-binmore » encoded quantum computing, as well as dense quantum key distribution.« less

50-GHz-spaced comb of high-dimensional frequency-bin entangled photons from an on-chip silicon nitride microresonator

DOE PAGES

Imany, Poolad; Jaramillo-Villegas, Jose A.; Odele, Ogaga D.; ...

2018-01-18

Quantum frequency combs from chip-scale integrated sources are promising candidates for scalable and robust quantum information processing (QIP). However, to use these quantum combs for frequency domain QIP, demonstration of entanglement in the frequency basis, showing that the entangled photons are in a coherent superposition of multiple frequency bins, is required. We present a verification of qubit and qutrit frequency-bin entanglement using an on-chip quantum frequency comb with 40 mode pairs, through a two-photon interference measurement that is based on electro-optic phase modulation. Our demonstrations provide an important contribution in establishing integrated optical microresonators as a source for high-dimensional frequency-binmore » encoded quantum computing, as well as dense quantum key distribution.« less

Integrated-optics heralded controlled-NOT gate for polarization-encoded qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeuner, Jonas; Sharma, Aditya N.; Tillmann, Max; Heilmann, René; Gräfe, Markus; Moqanaki, Amir; Szameit, Alexander; Walther, Philip

2018-03-01

Recent progress in integrated-optics technology has made photonics a promising platform for quantum networks and quantum computation protocols. Integrated optical circuits are characterized by small device footprints and unrivalled intrinsic interferometric stability. Here, we take advantage of femtosecond-laser-written waveguides' ability to process polarization-encoded qubits and present an implementation of a heralded controlled-NOT gate on chip. We evaluate the gate performance in the computational basis and a superposition basis, showing that the gate can create polarization entanglement between two photons. Transmission through the integrated device is optimized using thermally expanded core fibers and adiabatically reduced mode-field diameters at the waveguide facets. This demonstration underlines the feasibility of integrated quantum gates for all-optical quantum networks and quantum repeaters.

Quantum computer games: Schrödinger cat and hounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Michal; Gordon, Goren

2012-05-01

The quantum computer game 'Schrödinger cat and hounds' is the quantum extension of the well-known classical game fox and hounds. Its main objective is to teach the unique concepts of quantum mechanics in a fun way. 'Schrödinger cat and hounds' demonstrates the effects of superposition, destructive and constructive interference, measurements and entanglement. More advanced concepts, like particle-wave duality and decoherence, can also be taught using the game as a model. The game that has an optimal solution in the classical version, can have many different solutions and a new balance of powers in the quantum world. Game-aided lectures were given to high-school students which showed that it is a valid and entertaining teaching platform.

Preserving entanglement during weak measurement demonstrated with a violation of the Bell-Leggett-Garg inequality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Theodore C.

Quantum mechanics makes many predictions, such as superposition, projective measurement, and entanglement, which defy classical intuition. For many years it remained unclear if these predictions were real physical phenomena, or the result of an incomplete understanding of hidden classical variables. For quantum entanglement, the Bell inequality provided the first experimental bound on such hidden variable theories by considering correlated measurements between spatially separated photons. Following a similar logic, the Leggett-Garg inequality provides an experimental test of projective measurement by correlating sequential measurements of the same object. More recently, these inequalities have become important benchmarks for the "quantumness'' of novel systems, measurement techniques, or methods of generating entanglement. In this work we describe a continuous and controlled exchange of extracted state information and two-qubit entanglement collapse, demonstrated using the hybrid Bell-Leggett-Garg inequality. This effect is quantified by correlating weak measurement results with subsequent projective readout to collect all the statistics of a Bell inequality experiment in a single quantum circuit. This result was made possible by technological advances in superconducting quantum processors which allow precise control and measurement in multi-qubit systems. Additionally we discuss the central role of superconducting Josephson parametric amplifiers, which are a requirement for high fidelity single shot qubit readout. We demonstrate the ability to measure average Bell state information with minimal entanglement collapse, by violating this hybrid Bell-Leggett-Garg inequality at the weakest measurement strengths. This result indicates that it is possible to learn about the dynamics of large entangled systems without significantly affecting their evolution.

Single-photon superradiance and cooperative Lamb shift in an optoelectronic device (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirtori, Carlo

2017-02-01

Superradiance is one of the many fascinating phenomena predicted by quantum electrodynamics that have first been experimentally demonstrated in atomic systems and more recently in condensed matter systems like quantum dots, superconducting q-bits, cyclotron transitions and plasma oscillations in quantum wells (QWs). It occurs when a dense collection of N identical two-level emitters are phased via the exchange of photons, giving rise to enhanced light-matter interaction, hence to a faster emission rate. Of great interest is the regime where the ensemble interacts with one photon only and therefore all of the atoms, but one, are in the ground state. In this case the quantum superposition of all possible configurations produces a symmetric state that decays radiatively with a rate N times larger than that of the individual oscillators. This phenomenon, called single photon superradiance, results from the exchange of real photons among the N emitters. Yet, to single photon superradiance is also associated another collective effect that renormalizes the emission frequency, known as cooperative Lamb shift. In this work, we show that single photon superradiance and cooperative Lamb shift can be engineered in a semiconductor device by coupling spatially separated plasma resonances arising from the collective motion of confined electrons in QWs. These resonances hold a giant dipole along the growth direction z and have no mutual Coulomb coupling. They thus behave as a collection of macro-atoms on different positions along the z axis. Our device is therefore a test bench to simulate the low excitation regime of quantum electrodynamics.

Demonstration and implications when 50% beam combiners can behave as 0% or 100% reflector/transmitter inside some interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roychoudhuri, ChandraSekhar

2017-08-01

The purpose of this paper is to embolden students to raise basic questions regarding the feasibility of "indivisible single photon interference". We do this by presenting experimental results of well-known classical Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) under two different conditions of beam alignment. We routinely do such experiments in our laboratories. In the first case, we align the light beams on the beam combiner (BC) with their Poynting vectors as perfectly collinear. The 50% dielectric boundary can now transmit 100% of the energy of both the beams into either one of the two MZI output ports, depending upon the relative phase between the two beams combined on the BC from the opposite directions. The dielectric boundary layer actively re-directs the energy from one beam to the other. This is pure classical superposition effect. In the second case, we combine the two beams on the BC with a small intersecting angle. Now the BC functions as a 50% beam splitter to both the beams. One can see spatial fringes as the relative phase varies with spatial distance by placing a photo detector array after the BC. At very low intensity, the quantum properties of the photo detector will become apparent because the photo electrons are discrete and are always bound quantum mechanically to its host molecular assembly; and not because light is definitely quantized. Students can learn to distinguish the pedagogical difference between the Superposition Principle (linear sum of wave amplitudes) and the Superposition Effect (square modulus of the sum of all the wave-induced stimulations) as observable intensity variations due to interaction with materials, classical or quantum.

CALL FOR PAPERS: Optics and squeeze transformations after Einstein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young S.; Man'ko, Margarita A.; Planat, Michel

2005-01-01

Journal of Optics B: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics will publish a special issue in connection with the 9th International Conference on Squeezed States and Uncertainty Relations, to be held in Besançon, France, on 2-6 May 2005. In 2005, the physics community celebrates the 100th anniversary of the publication of Einstein’s theories of relativity and quantum physics. To celebrate these great contributions to physics, the conference will include sessions on Einstein’s influence on modern optics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. Conference participants, as well as other researchers working in the field, are invited to submit research papers to this special issue of the journal. The topics to be covered include: • Superposition principle • Squeezed states • Uncertainty relations • Quantum state generation and characterization • Phase space and group representations in quantum physics • Quantum transforms in signal analysis • Information theory and quantum computing • Quantum interference, decoherence and entanglement measure • Quantum chaos and quantum control • Bell inequalities • Nonstationary Casimir effect • Quantum-like and mesoscopic systems Manuscripts should be submitted by 1 August 2005 as the special issue is scheduled for publication in March 2006. All papers will be peer reviewed and the normal refereeing standards of Journal of Optics B: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics will be maintained. The Editorial Division of IOP Publishing at the P N Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow will oversee editorial procedures in association with the IOP Publishing office in Bristol. There are no page charges for publication. Submissions should preferably be in either standard LaTeX form or Microsoft Word. Advice on publishing your work in the journal, including specific information on figures, tables and references, may be found at www.iop.org/journals/authors. Manuscripts should be submitted by e-mail to the Guest Editors at IOPP@sci.lebedev.ru quoting the reference 'Special Issue/ST'. Authors are strongly encouraged to submit their work as soon as possible. Any subsequent change of address should be notified to the publishing office. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Claire Bedrock, Publisher (claire.bedrock@iop.org) or Margarita A Man'ko, Guest Editor (mmanko@sci.lebedev.ru). For further information on the journal, please visit our Website at www.iop.org/journals/jopb.

CALL FOR PAPERS: Optics and squeeze transformations after Einstein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young S.; Man'ko, Margarita A.; Planat, Michel

2004-12-01

Journal of Optics B: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics will publish a special issue in connection with the 9th International Conference on Squeezed States and Uncertainty Relations, to be held in Besançon, France, on 2-6 May 2005. In 2005, the physics community celebrates the 100th anniversary of the publication of Einstein’s theories of relativity and quantum physics. To celebrate these great contributions to physics, the conference will include sessions on Einstein’s influence on modern optics and the foundations of quantum mechanics. Conference participants, as well as other researchers working in the field, are invited to submit research papers to this special issue of the journal. The topics to be covered include: • Superposition principle • Squeezed states • Uncertainty relations • Quantum state generation and characterization • Phase space and group representations in quantum physics • Quantum transforms in signal analysis • Information theory and quantum computing • Quantum interference, decoherence and entanglement measure • Quantum chaos and quantum control • Bell inequalities • Nonstationary Casimir effect • Quantum-like and mesoscopic systems Manuscripts should be submitted by 1 August 2005 as the special issue is scheduled for publication in March 2006. All papers will be peer reviewed and the normal refereeing standards of Journal of Optics B: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics will be maintained. The Editorial Division of IOP Publishing at the P N Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow will oversee editorial procedures in association with the IOP Publishing office in Bristol. There are no page charges for publication. Submissions should preferably be in either standard LaTeX form or Microsoft Word. Advice on publishing your work in the journal, including specific information on figures, tables and references, may be found at www.iop.org/journals/authors. Manuscripts should be submitted by e-mail to the Guest Editors at IOPP@sci.lebedev.ru quoting the reference 'Special Issue/ST'. Authors are strongly encouraged to submit their work as soon as possible. Any subsequent change of address should be notified to the publishing office. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Claire Bedrock, Publisher (claire.bedrock@iop.org) or Margarita A Man'ko, Guest Editor (mmanko@sci.lebedev.ru). For further information on the journal, please visit our Website at www.iop.org/journals/jopb.

Probing finite coarse-grained virtual Feynman histories with sequential weak values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgiev, Danko; Cohen, Eliahu

2018-05-01

Feynman's sum-over-histories formulation of quantum mechanics has been considered a useful calculational tool in which virtual Feynman histories entering into a coherent quantum superposition cannot be individually measured. Here we show that sequential weak values, inferred by consecutive weak measurements of projectors, allow direct experimental probing of individual virtual Feynman histories, thereby revealing the exact nature of quantum interference of coherently superposed histories. Because the total sum of sequential weak values of multitime projection operators for a complete set of orthogonal quantum histories is unity, complete sets of weak values could be interpreted in agreement with the standard quantum mechanical picture. We also elucidate the relationship between sequential weak values of quantum histories with different coarse graining in time and establish the incompatibility of weak values for nonorthogonal quantum histories in history Hilbert space. Bridging theory and experiment, the presented results may enhance our understanding of both weak values and quantum histories.

Quantum cosmology of a conformal multiverse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robles-Pérez, Salvador J.

2017-09-01

This paper studies the cosmology of a homogeneous and isotropic spacetime endorsed with a conformally coupled massless scalar field. We find six different solutions of the Friedmann equation that represent six different types of universes, and all of them are periodically distributed along the complex time axis. From a classical point of view, they are then isolated, separated by Euclidean regions that represent quantum mechanical barriers. Quantum mechanically, however, there is a nonzero probability for the state of the universes to tunnel out through a Euclidean instanton and suffer a sudden transition to another state of the spacetime. We compute the probability of transition for this and other nonlocal processes like the creation of universes in entangled pairs and, generally speaking, in multipartite entangled states. We obtain the quantum state of a single universe within the formalism of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation and give the semiclassical state of the universes that describes the quantum mechanics of a scalar field propagating in a de Sitter background spacetime. We show that the superposition principle of the quantum mechanics of matter fields alone is an emergent feature of the semiclassical description of the universe that is not valid, for instance, in the spacetime foam. We use the third quantization formalism to describe the creation of an entangled pair of universes with opposite signs of the momentum conjugated to the scale factor. Each universe of the entangled pair represents an expanding spacetime in terms of the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) time experienced by internal observers in their particle physics experiments. We compute the effective value of the Friedmann equation of the background spacetime of the two entangled universes, and thus, the effect that the entanglement would have in their expansion rates. We analyze as well the effects of the interuniversal entanglement in the properties of the scalar fields that propagate in each spacetime of the entangled pair. We find that the largest modes of the scalar field are unaware of the entanglement between the universes, but the effects can be significant for the lowest modes, allowing us to compute, in principle, detailed observational imprints of the multiverse in the properties of a single universe like ours.

Asymptotic quantum inelastic generalized Lorenz Mie theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouesbet, G.

2007-10-01

The (electromagnetic) generalized Lorenz-Mie theory describes the interaction between an electromagnetic arbitrary shaped beam and a homogeneous sphere. It is a generalization of the Lorenz-Mie theory which deals with the simpler case of a plane wave illumination. In a recent paper, we consider (i) elastic cross-sections in electromagnetic generalized Lorenz-Mie theory and (ii) elastic cross-sections in an associated quantum generalized Lorenz-Mie theory. We demonstrated that the electromagnetic problem is equivalent to a superposition of two effective quantum problems. We now intend to generalize this result from elastic cross-sections to inelastic cross-sections. A prerequisite is to build an asymptotic quantum inelastic generalized Lorenz-Mie theory, which is presented in this paper.

Theoretical analysis of high-order harmonic generation from a coherent superposition of states

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Milosevic, Dejan B.; Max-Born-Institut, Max-Born-Strasse 2a, Berlin, 12489

2006-02-15

A quantum theory of high-order harmonic generation by a strong laser field in the presence of more bound states is formulated. The obtained numerical and analytical results for a two-state hydrogenlike atom model show that the harmonic spectrum consists of two parts: a usual single-state harmonic spectrum of odd harmonics having the energies (2k+1){omega} and a resonant part with the peaks around the excitation energy {delta}{omega}. The energy of the harmonics in the resonant part of the spectrum is equal to {delta}{omega}{+-}{omega}, {delta}{omega}{+-}3{omega}, .... For energies higher than the excitation energy, the resonant part forms a plateau, followed by amore » cutoff. The emission rate of the harmonics in this resonant plateau is many orders of magnitude higher than that of the harmonics generated in the presence of the ground state alone. The influence of the depletion of the initial states, as well as of the pulse shape and intensity, is analyzed.« less

Engineering and manipulating exciton wave packets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, Xiaoning; Montangero, Simone; Carr, Lincoln D.; Lusk, Mark T.

2017-05-01

When a semiconductor absorbs light, the resulting electron-hole superposition amounts to a uncontrolled quantum ripple that eventually degenerates into diffusion. If the conformation of these excitonic superpositions could be engineered, though, they would constitute a new means of transporting information and energy. We show that properly designed laser pulses can be used to create such excitonic wave packets. They can be formed with a prescribed speed, direction, and spectral make-up that allows them to be selectively passed, rejected, or even dissociated using superlattices. Their coherence also provides a handle for manipulation using active, external controls. Energy and information can be conveniently processed and subsequently removed at a distant site by reversing the original procedure to produce a stimulated emission. The ability to create, manage, and remove structured excitons comprises the foundation for optoexcitonic circuits with application to a wide range of quantum information, energy, and light-flow technologies. The paradigm is demonstrated using both tight-binding and time-domain density functional theory simulations.

Matter-wave diffraction approaching limits predicted by Feynman path integrals for multipath interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnea, A. Ronny; Cheshnovsky, Ori; Even, Uzi

2018-02-01

Interference experiments have been paramount in our understanding of quantum mechanics and are frequently the basis of testing the superposition principle in the framework of quantum theory. In recent years, several studies have challenged the nature of wave-function interference from the perspective of Born's rule—namely, the manifestation of so-called high-order interference terms in a superposition generated by diffraction of the wave functions. Here we present an experimental test of multipath interference in the diffraction of metastable helium atoms, with large-number counting statistics, comparable to photon-based experiments. We use a variation of the original triple-slit experiment and accurate single-event counting techniques to provide a new experimental bound of 2.9 ×10-5 on the statistical deviation from the commonly approximated null third-order interference term in Born's rule for matter waves. Our value is on the order of the maximal contribution predicted for multipath trajectories by Feynman path integrals.

Quantum entanglement for systems of identical bosons: II. Spin squeezing and other entanglement tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalton, B. J.; Goold, J.; Garraway, B. M.; Reid, M. D.

2017-02-01

These two accompanying papers are concerned with entanglement for systems of identical massive bosons and the relationship to spin squeezing and other quantum correlation effects. The main focus is on two mode entanglement, but multi-mode entanglement is also considered. The bosons may be atoms or molecules as in cold quantum gases. The previous paper I dealt with the general features of quantum entanglement and its specific definition in the case of systems of identical bosons. Entanglement is a property shared between two (or more) quantum sub-systems. In defining entanglement for systems of identical massive particles, it was concluded that the single particle states or modes are the most appropriate choice for sub-systems that are distinguishable, that the general quantum states must comply both with the symmetrization principle and the super-selection rules (SSR) that forbid quantum superpositions of states with differing total particle number (global SSR compliance). Further, it was concluded that (in the separable states) quantum superpositions of sub-system states with differing sub-system particle number (local SSR compliance) also do not occur. The present paper II determines possible tests for entanglement based on the treatment of entanglement set out in paper I. Several inequalities involving variances and mean values of operators have been previously proposed as tests for entanglement between two sub-systems. These inequalities generally involve mode annihilation and creation operators and include the inequalities that define spin squeezing. In this paper, spin squeezing criteria for two mode systems are examined, and spin squeezing is also considered for principle spin operator components where the covariance matrix is diagonal. The proof, which is based on our SSR compliant approach shows that the presence of spin squeezing in any one of the spin components requires entanglement of the relevant pair of modes. A simple Bloch vector test for entanglement is also derived. Thus we show that spin squeezing becomes a rigorous test for entanglement in a system of massive bosons, when viewed as a test for entanglement between two modes. In addition, other previously proposed tests for entanglement involving spin operators are considered, including those based on the sum of the variances for two spin components. All of the tests are still valid when the present concept of entanglement based on the symmetrization and SSR criteria is applied. These tests also apply in cases of multi-mode entanglement, though with restrictions in the case of sub-systems each consisting of pairs of modes. Tests involving quantum correlation functions are also considered and for global SSR compliant states these are shown to be equivalent to tests involving spin operators. A new weak correlation test is derived for entanglement based on local SSR compliance for separable states, complementing the stronger correlation test obtained previously when this is ignored. The Bloch vector test is equivalent to one case of this weak correlation test. Quadrature squeezing for single modes is also examined but not found to yield a useful entanglement test, whereas two mode quadrature squeezing proves to be a valid entanglement test, though not as useful as the Bloch vector test. The various entanglement tests are considered for well-known entangled states, such as binomial states, relative phase eigenstates and NOON states—sometimes the new tests are satisfied while than those obtained in other papers are not. The present paper II then outlines the theory for a simple two mode interferometer showing that such an interferometer can be used to measure the mean values and covariance matrix for the spin operators involved in entanglement tests for the two mode bosonic system. The treatment is also generalized to cover multi-mode interferometry. The interferometer involves a pulsed classical field characterized by a phase variable and an area variable defined by the time integral of the field amplitude, and leads to a coupling between the two modes. For simplicity the center frequency was chosen to be resonant with the inter-mode transition frequency. Measuring the mean and variance of the population difference between the two modes for the output state of the interferometer for various choices of interferometer variables is shown to enable the mean values and covariance matrix for the spin operators for the input quantum state of the two mode system to be determined. The paper concludes with a discussion of several key experimental papers on spin squeezing.

A Gaussian Wave Packet Propagation Approach to Vibrationally Resolved Optical Spectra at Non-Zero Temperatures.

PubMed

Reddy, Ch Sridhar; Prasad, M Durga

2016-04-28

An effective time dependent approach based on a method that is similar to the Gaussian wave packet propagation (GWP) technique of Heller is developed for the computation of vibrationally resolved electronic spectra at finite temperatures in the harmonic, Franck-Condon/Hertzberg-Teller approximations. Since the vibrational thermal density matrix of the ground electronic surface and the time evolution operator on that surface commute, it is possible to write the spectrum generating correlation function as a trace of the time evolved doorway state. In the stated approximations, the doorway state is a superposition of the harmonic oscillator zero and one quantum eigenfunctions and thus can be propagated by the GWP. The algorithm has an O(N(3)) dependence on the number of vibrational modes. An application to pyrene absorption spectrum at two temperatures is presented as a proof of the concept.

Interpretations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellac, Michel Le

2014-11-01

Although nobody can question the practical efficiency of quantum mechanics, there remains the serious question of its interpretation. As Valerio Scarani puts it, "We do not feel at ease with the indistinguishability principle (that is, the superposition principle) and some of its consequences." Indeed, this principle which pervades the quantum world is in stark contradiction with our everyday experience. From the very beginning of quantum mechanics, a number of physicists--but not the majority of them!--have asked the question of its "interpretation". One may simply deny that there is a problem: according to proponents of the minimalist interpretation, quantum mechanics is self-sufficient and needs no interpretation. The point of view held by a majority of physicists, that of the Copenhagen interpretation, will be examined in Section 10.1. The crux of the problem lies in the status of the state vector introduced in the preceding chapter to describe a quantum system, which is no more than a symbolic representation for the Copenhagen school of thought. Conversely, one may try to attribute some "external reality" to this state vector, that is, a correspondence between the mathematical description and the physical reality. In this latter case, it is the measurement problem which is brought to the fore. In 1932, von Neumann was first to propose a global approach, in an attempt to build a purely quantum theory of measurement examined in Section 10.2. This theory still underlies modern approaches, among them those grounded on decoherence theory, or on the macroscopic character of the measuring apparatus: see Section 10.3. Finally, there are non-standard interpretations such as Everett's many worlds theory or the hidden variables theory of de Broglie and Bohm (Section 10.4). Note, however, that this variety of interpretations has no bearing whatsoever on the practical use of quantum mechanics. There is no controversy on the way we should use quantum mechanics!

The Quantum Measurement Problem and Physical reality: A Computation Theoretic Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srikanth, R.

2006-11-01

Is the universe computable? If yes, is it computationally a polynomial place? In standard quantum mechanics, which permits infinite parallelism and the infinitely precise specification of states, a negative answer to both questions is not ruled out. On the other hand, empirical evidence suggests that NP-complete problems are intractable in the physical world. Likewise, computational problems known to be algorithmically uncomputable do not seem to be computable by any physical means. We suggest that this close correspondence between the efficiency and power of abstract algorithms on the one hand, and physical computers on the other, finds a natural explanation if the universe is assumed to be algorithmic; that is, that physical reality is the product of discrete sub-physical information processing equivalent to the actions of a probabilistic Turing machine. This assumption can be reconciled with the observed exponentiality of quantum systems at microscopic scales, and the consequent possibility of implementing Shor's quantum polynomial time algorithm at that scale, provided the degree of superposition is intrinsically, finitely upper-bounded. If this bound is associated with the quantum-classical divide (the Heisenberg cut), a natural resolution to the quantum measurement problem arises. From this viewpoint, macroscopic classicality is an evidence that the universe is in BPP, and both questions raised above receive affirmative answers. A recently proposed computational model of quantum measurement, which relates the Heisenberg cut to the discreteness of Hilbert space, is briefly discussed. A connection to quantum gravity is noted. Our results are compatible with the philosophy that mathematical truths are independent of the laws of physics.

Simultaneous classification of Oranges and Apples Using Grover's and Ventura' Algorithms in a Two-qubits System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manu Pratap; Radhey, Kishori; Kumar, Sandeep

2017-08-01

In the present paper, simultaneous classification of Orange and Apple has been carried out using both Grover's iterative algorithm (Grover 1996) and Ventura's model (Ventura and Martinez, Inf. Sci. 124, 273-296, 2000) taking different superposition of two- pattern start state containing Orange and Apple both, one- pattern start state containing Apple as search state and another one- pattern start state containing Orange as search state. It has been shown that the exclusion superposition is the most suitable two- pattern search state for simultaneous classification of pattern associated with Apples and Oranges and the superposition of phase-invariance are the best choice as the respective search state based on one -pattern start-states in both Grover's and Ventura's methods of classifications of patterns.

Entanglement by Path Identity.

PubMed

Krenn, Mario; Hochrainer, Armin; Lahiri, Mayukh; Zeilinger, Anton

2017-02-24

Quantum entanglement is one of the most prominent features of quantum mechanics and forms the basis of quantum information technologies. Here we present a novel method for the creation of quantum entanglement in multipartite and high-dimensional systems. The two ingredients are (i) superposition of photon pairs with different origins and (ii) aligning photons such that their paths are identical. We explain the experimentally feasible creation of various classes of multiphoton entanglement encoded in polarization as well as in high-dimensional Hilbert spaces-starting only from nonentangled photon pairs. For two photons, arbitrary high-dimensional entanglement can be created. The idea of generating entanglement by path identity could also apply to quantum entities other than photons. We discovered the technique by analyzing the output of a computer algorithm. This shows that computer designed quantum experiments can be inspirations for new techniques.

Entanglement by Path Identity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krenn, Mario; Hochrainer, Armin; Lahiri, Mayukh; Zeilinger, Anton

2017-02-01

Quantum entanglement is one of the most prominent features of quantum mechanics and forms the basis of quantum information technologies. Here we present a novel method for the creation of quantum entanglement in multipartite and high-dimensional systems. The two ingredients are (i) superposition of photon pairs with different origins and (ii) aligning photons such that their paths are identical. We explain the experimentally feasible creation of various classes of multiphoton entanglement encoded in polarization as well as in high-dimensional Hilbert spaces—starting only from nonentangled photon pairs. For two photons, arbitrary high-dimensional entanglement can be created. The idea of generating entanglement by path identity could also apply to quantum entities other than photons. We discovered the technique by analyzing the output of a computer algorithm. This shows that computer designed quantum experiments can be inspirations for new techniques.

Unitary Quantum Relativity. (Work in Progress)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkelstein, David Ritz

2017-01-01

A quantum universe is expressed as a finite unitary relativistic quantum computer network. Its addresses are subject to quantum superposition as well as its memory. It has no exact mathematical model. It Its Hilbert space of input processes is also a Clifford algebra with a modular architecture of many ranks. A fundamental fermion is a quantum computer element whose quantum address belongs to the rank below. The least significant figures of its address define its spin and flavor. The most significant figures of it adress define its orbital variables. Gauging arises from the same quantification as space-time. This blurs star images only slightly, but perhaps measurably. General relativity is an approximation that splits nature into an emptiness with a high symmetry that is broken by a filling of lower symmetry. Action principles result from self-organization pf the vacuum.

Quantum and Multidimensional Explanations in a Neurobiological Context of Mind.

PubMed

Korf, Jakob

2015-08-01

This article examines the possible relevance of physical-mathematical multidimensional or quantum concepts aiming at understanding the (human) mind in a neurobiological context. Some typical features of the quantum and multidimensional concepts are briefly introduced, including entanglement, superposition, holonomic, and quantum field theories. Next, we consider neurobiological principles, such as the brain and its emerging (physical) mind, evolutionary and ontological origins, entropy, syntropy/neg-entropy, causation, and brain energy metabolism. In many biological processes, including biochemical conversions, protein folding, and sensory perception, the ubiquitous involvement of quantum mechanisms is well recognized. Quantum and multidimensional approaches might be expected to help describe and model both brain and mental processes, but an understanding of their direct involvement in mental activity, that is, without mediation by molecular processes, remains elusive. More work has to be done to bridge the gap between current neurobiological and physical-mathematical concepts with their associated quantum-mind theories. © The Author(s) 2014.

An Early Quantum Computing Proposal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Stephen Russell; Alexander, Francis Joseph; Barros, Kipton Marcos

The D-Wave 2X is the third generation of quantum processing created by D-Wave. NASA (with Google and USRA) and Lockheed Martin (with USC), both own D-Wave systems. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) purchased a D-Wave 2X in November 2015. The D-Wave 2X processor contains (nominally) 1152 quantum bits (or qubits) and is designed to specifically perform quantum annealing, which is a well-known method for finding a global minimum of an optimization problem. This methodology is based on direct execution of a quantum evolution in experimental quantum hardware. While this can be a powerful method for solving particular kinds of problems,more » it also means that the D-Wave 2X processor is not a general computing processor and cannot be programmed to perform a wide variety of tasks. It is a highly specialized processor, well beyond what NNSA currently thinks of as an “advanced architecture.”A D-Wave is best described as a quantum optimizer. That is, it uses quantum superposition to find the lowest energy state of a system by repeated doses of power and settling stages. The D-Wave produces multiple solutions to any suitably formulated problem, one of which is the lowest energy state solution (global minimum). Mapping problems onto the D-Wave requires defining an objective function to be minimized and then encoding that function in the Hamiltonian of the D-Wave system. The quantum annealing method is then used to find the lowest energy configuration of the Hamiltonian using the current D-Wave Two, two-level, quantum processor. This is not always an easy thing to do, and the D-Wave Two has significant limitations that restrict problem sizes that can be run and algorithmic choices that can be made. Furthermore, as more people are exploring this technology, it has become clear that it is very difficult to come up with general approaches to optimization that can both utilize the D-Wave and that can do better than highly developed algorithms on conventional computers for specific applications. These are all fundamental challenges that must be overcome for the D-Wave, or similar, quantum computing technology to be broadly applicable.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oberreuter, Johannes M., E-mail: johannes.oberreuter@theorie.physik.uni-goettingen.de; Homrighausen, Ingo; Kehrein, Stefan

We study the time evolution of entanglement in a new quantum version of the Kac ring, where two spin chains become dynamically entangled by quantum gates, which are used instead of the classical markers. The features of the entanglement evolution are best understood by using knowledge about the behavior of an ensemble of classical Kac rings. For instance, the recurrence time of the quantum many-body system is twice the length of the chain and “thermalization” only occurs on time scales much smaller than the dimension of the Hilbert space. The model thus elucidates the relation between the results of measurementsmore » in quantum and classical systems: While in classical systems repeated measurements are performed over an ensemble of systems, the corresponding result is obtained by measuring the same quantum system prepared in an appropriate superposition repeatedly.« less

Two-Way Communication with a Single Quantum Particle.

PubMed

Del Santo, Flavio; Dakić, Borivoje

2018-02-09

In this Letter we show that communication when restricted to a single information carrier (i.e., single particle) and finite speed of propagation is fundamentally limited for classical systems. On the other hand, quantum systems can surpass this limitation. We show that communication bounded to the exchange of a single quantum particle (in superposition of different spatial locations) can result in "two-way signaling," which is impossible in classical physics. We quantify the discrepancy between classical and quantum scenarios by the probability of winning a game played by distant players. We generalize our result to an arbitrary number of parties and we show that the probability of success is asymptotically decreasing to zero as the number of parties grows, for all classical strategies. In contrast, quantum strategy allows players to win the game with certainty.

Two-Way Communication with a Single Quantum Particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Santo, Flavio; Dakić, Borivoje

2018-02-01

In this Letter we show that communication when restricted to a single information carrier (i.e., single particle) and finite speed of propagation is fundamentally limited for classical systems. On the other hand, quantum systems can surpass this limitation. We show that communication bounded to the exchange of a single quantum particle (in superposition of different spatial locations) can result in "two-way signaling," which is impossible in classical physics. We quantify the discrepancy between classical and quantum scenarios by the probability of winning a game played by distant players. We generalize our result to an arbitrary number of parties and we show that the probability of success is asymptotically decreasing to zero as the number of parties grows, for all classical strategies. In contrast, quantum strategy allows players to win the game with certainty.

Molecular alignment effect on the photoassociation process via a pump-dump scheme.

PubMed

Wang, Bin-Bin; Han, Yong-Chang; Cong, Shu-Lin

2015-09-07

The photoassociation processes via the pump-dump scheme for the heternuclear (Na + H → NaH) and the homonuclear (Na + Na → Na2) molecular systems are studied, respectively, using the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method. For both systems, the initial atom pair in the continuum of the ground electronic state (X(1)Σ(+)) is associated into the molecule in the bound states of the excited state (A(1)Σ(+)) by the pump pulse. Then driven by a time-delayed dumping pulse, the prepared excited-state molecule can be transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state. It is found that the pump process can induce a superposition of the rovibrational levels |v, j〉 on the excited state, which can lead to the field-free alignment of the excited-state molecule. The molecular alignment can affect the dumping process by varying the effective coupling intensity between the two electronic states or by varying the population transfer pathways. As a result, the final population transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state varies periodically with the delay time of the dumping pulse.

Molecular alignment effect on the photoassociation process via a pump-dump scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin-Bin; Han, Yong-Chang; Cong, Shu-Lin

2015-09-01

The photoassociation processes via the pump-dump scheme for the heternuclear (Na + H → NaH) and the homonuclear (Na + Na → Na2) molecular systems are studied, respectively, using the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method. For both systems, the initial atom pair in the continuum of the ground electronic state (X1Σ+) is associated into the molecule in the bound states of the excited state (A1Σ+) by the pump pulse. Then driven by a time-delayed dumping pulse, the prepared excited-state molecule can be transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state. It is found that the pump process can induce a superposition of the rovibrational levels |v, j> on the excited state, which can lead to the field-free alignment of the excited-state molecule. The molecular alignment can affect the dumping process by varying the effective coupling intensity between the two electronic states or by varying the population transfer pathways. As a result, the final population transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state varies periodically with the delay time of the dumping pulse.

Quantum fuel with multilevel atomic coherence for ultrahigh specific work in a photonic Carnot engine.

PubMed

Türkpençe, Deniz; Müstecaplıoğlu, Özgür E

2016-01-01

We investigate scaling of work and efficiency of a photonic Carnot engine with a number of quantum coherent resources. Specifically, we consider a generalization of the "phaseonium fuel" for the photonic Carnot engine, which was first introduced as a three-level atom with two lower states in a quantum coherent superposition by M. O. Scully, M. Suhail Zubairy, G. S. Agarwal, and H. Walther [Science 299, 862 (2003)SCIEAS0036-807510.1126/science.1078955], to the case of N+1 level atoms with N coherent lower levels. We take into account atomic relaxation and dephasing as well as the cavity loss and derive a coarse-grained master equation to evaluate the work and efficiency analytically. Analytical results are verified by microscopic numerical examination of the thermalization dynamics. We find that efficiency and work scale quadratically with the number of quantum coherent levels. Quantum coherence boost to the specific energy (work output per unit mass of the resource) is a profound fundamental difference of quantum fuel from classical resources. We consider typical modern resonator set ups and conclude that multilevel phaseonium fuel can be utilized to overcome the decoherence in available systems. Preparation of the atomic coherences and the associated cost of coherence are analyzed and the engine operation within the bounds of the second law is verified. Our results bring the photonic Carnot engines much closer to the capabilities of current resonator technologies.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ortiz, Gerardo, E-mail: ortizg@indiana.edu; Cobanera, Emilio

We investigate Majorana modes of number-conserving fermionic superfluids from both basic physics principles, and concrete models perspectives. After reviewing a criterion for establishing topological superfluidity in interacting systems, based on many-body fermionic parity switches, we reveal the emergence of zero-energy modes anticommuting with fermionic parity. Those many-body Majorana modes are constructed as coherent superpositions of states with different number of fermions. While realization of Majorana modes beyond mean field is plausible, we show that the challenge to quantum-control them is compounded by particle-conservation, and more realistic protocols will have to balance engineering needs with astringent constraints coming from superselection rules.more » Majorana modes in number-conserving systems are the result of a peculiar interplay between quantum statistics, fermionic parity, and an unusual form of spontaneous symmetry breaking. We test these ideas on the Richardson–Gaudin–Kitaev chain, a number-conserving model solvable by way of the algebraic Bethe ansatz, and equivalent in mean field to a long-range Kitaev chain.« less

Improved quantum backtracking algorithms using effective resistance estimates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarret, Michael; Wan, Kianna

2018-02-01

We investigate quantum backtracking algorithms of the type introduced by Montanaro (Montanaro, arXiv:1509.02374). These algorithms explore trees of unknown structure and in certain settings exponentially outperform their classical counterparts. Some of the previous work focused on obtaining a quantum advantage for trees in which a unique marked vertex is promised to exist. We remove this restriction by recharacterizing the problem in terms of the effective resistance of the search space. In this paper, we present a generalization of one of Montanaro's algorithms to trees containing k marked vertices, where k is not necessarily known a priori. Our approach involves using amplitude estimation to determine a near-optimal weighting of a diffusion operator, which can then be applied to prepare a superposition state with support only on marked vertices and ancestors thereof. By repeatedly sampling this state and updating the input vertex, a marked vertex is reached in a logarithmic number of steps. The algorithm thereby achieves the conjectured bound of O ˜(√{T Rmax }) for finding a single marked vertex and O ˜(k √{T Rmax }) for finding all k marked vertices, where T is an upper bound on the tree size and Rmax is the maximum effective resistance encountered by the algorithm. This constitutes a speedup over Montanaro's original procedure in both the case of finding one and the case of finding multiple marked vertices in an arbitrary tree.

Partial Measurements and the Realization of Quantum-Mechanical Counterfactuals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paraoanu, G. S.

2011-07-01

We propose partial measurements as a conceptual tool to understand how to operate with counterfactual claims in quantum physics. Indeed, unlike standard von Neumann measurements, partial measurements can be reversed probabilistically. We first analyze the consequences of this rather unusual feature for the principle of superposition, for the complementarity principle, and for the issue of hidden variables. Then we move on to exploring non-local contexts, by reformulating the EPR paradox, the quantum teleportation experiment, and the entanglement-swapping protocol for the situation in which one uses partial measurements followed by their stochastic reversal. This leads to a number of counter-intuitive results, which are shown to be resolved if we give up the idea of attributing reality to the wavefunction of a single quantum system.

Zombie states for description of structure and dynamics of multi-electron systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shalashilin, Dmitrii V.

2018-05-01

Canonical Coherent States (CSs) of Harmonic Oscillator have been extensively used as a basis in a number of computational methods of quantum dynamics. However, generalising such techniques for fermionic systems is difficult because Fermionic Coherent States (FCSs) require complicated algebra of Grassmann numbers not well suited for numerical calculations. This paper introduces a coherent antisymmetrised superposition of "dead" and "alive" electronic states called here Zombie State (ZS), which can be used in a manner of FCSs but without Grassmann algebra. Instead, for Zombie States, a very simple sign-changing rule is used in the definition of creation and annihilation operators. Then, calculation of electronic structure Hamiltonian matrix elements between two ZSs becomes very simple and a straightforward technique for time propagation of fermionic wave functions can be developed. By analogy with the existing methods based on Canonical Coherent States of Harmonic Oscillator, fermionic wave functions can be propagated using a set of randomly selected Zombie States as a basis. As a proof of principles, the proposed Coupled Zombie States approach is tested on a simple example showing that the technique is exact.

Mechanical effects of strong measurement: back-action noise and cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwab, Keith

2007-03-01

Our recent experiments show that it is now possible to prepare and measure mechanical systems with thermal occupation factors of N˜25 and perform continuous position measurements close to the limits required by the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (1). I will discuss our back-action measurements with nanomechanical structures strongly coupled to single electron transistors. We have been able to observe the stochastic back-action forces exerted by the SET as well as a cooling effect which has analogies to cooling in optical cavities. Furthermore, I will discuss progress using optical fields coupled to mechanical modes which show substantial cooling using the pondermotive effects of the photons impacting a flexible dielectric mirror (2). Both of these techniques pave the way to demonstrating the true quantum properties of a mechanical device: squeezed states, superposition states, and entangled states. (1) ``Quantum Measurement Backaction and Cooling Observed with a Nanomechanical Resonator,'' A. Naik, O. Buu, M.D. LaHaye, M.P. Blencowe, A.D. Armour, A.A. Clerk, K.C. Schwab, Nature 443, 193 (2006). (2) ``Self-cooling of a micro-mirror by radiation pressure,'' S. Gigan, H.R. Boehm, M. Patemostro, F. Blaser, G. Langer, J. Hertzberg, K. Schwab, D. Baeuerle, M. Aspelmeyer, A. Zeilinger, Nature 444, 67 (2006).

Real-time observation of valence electron motion.

PubMed

Goulielmakis, Eleftherios; Loh, Zhi-Heng; Wirth, Adrian; Santra, Robin; Rohringer, Nina; Yakovlev, Vladislav S; Zherebtsov, Sergey; Pfeifer, Thomas; Azzeer, Abdallah M; Kling, Matthias F; Leone, Stephen R; Krausz, Ferenc

2010-08-05

The superposition of quantum states drives motion on the atomic and subatomic scales, with the energy spacing of the states dictating the speed of the motion. In the case of electrons residing in the outer (valence) shells of atoms and molecules which are separated by electronvolt energies, this means that valence electron motion occurs on a subfemtosecond to few-femtosecond timescale (1 fs = 10(-15) s). In the absence of complete measurements, the motion can be characterized in terms of a complex quantity, the density matrix. Here we report an attosecond pump-probe measurement of the density matrix of valence electrons in atomic krypton ions. We generate the ions with a controlled few-cycle laser field and then probe them through the spectrally resolved absorption of an attosecond extreme-ultraviolet pulse, which allows us to observe in real time the subfemtosecond motion of valence electrons over a multifemtosecond time span. We are able to completely characterize the quantum mechanical electron motion and determine its degree of coherence in the specimen of the ensemble. Although the present study uses a simple, prototypical open system, attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy should be applicable to molecules and solid-state materials to reveal the elementary electron motions that control physical, chemical and biological properties and processes.

Optoelectronic Control of Spin and Pseudospin in Layered WSe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Aaron

2014-03-01

Coherent manipulation of spin-like quantum numbers facilitates the development of new quantum technologies. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides provide an ideal laboratory to exploit such dynamic control of spin, pseudospin, and their interplay. Here, we discuss two examples based on monolayer and bilayer WSe2. Due to the inversion asymmetry in monolayer WSe2, valley pseudospins, which index the degenerate extrema of the energy-momentum bands, possess circularly polarized optical selection rules. In addition to the generation of valley polarization through optical pumping of valley excitons, we demonstrate the creation of a coherent superposition between valley states in monolayer WSe2 by linearly polarized excitation. On the other hand, bilayer WSe2 provides an additional quantum degree of freedom, the layer pseudospin, which corresponds to layer polarization. In AB stacked bilayers, we find the real spin is locked to layer pseudospin for a given valley, which results in the suppression of spin relaxation and electrical control of spin Zeeman splitting without an applied magnetic field. Additionally, we obtain spectroscopic evidence of interlayer and intralayer trion species, an important step toward coherent optical control in van der Waals 2D heterostructures. Aaron Jones partially supported by NSF Grant No. DGE-0718124.

Quantum adiabatic machine learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pudenz, Kristen L.; Lidar, Daniel A.

2013-05-01

We develop an approach to machine learning and anomaly detection via quantum adiabatic evolution. This approach consists of two quantum phases, with some amount of classical preprocessing to set up the quantum problems. In the training phase we identify an optimal set of weak classifiers, to form a single strong classifier. In the testing phase we adiabatically evolve one or more strong classifiers on a superposition of inputs in order to find certain anomalous elements in the classification space. Both the training and testing phases are executed via quantum adiabatic evolution. All quantum processing is strictly limited to two-qubit interactions so as to ensure physical feasibility. We apply and illustrate this approach in detail to the problem of software verification and validation, with a specific example of the learning phase applied to a problem of interest in flight control systems. Beyond this example, the algorithm can be used to attack a broad class of anomaly detection problems.

An efficient quantum algorithm for spectral estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffens, Adrian; Rebentrost, Patrick; Marvian, Iman; Eisert, Jens; Lloyd, Seth

2017-03-01

We develop an efficient quantum implementation of an important signal processing algorithm for line spectral estimation: the matrix pencil method, which determines the frequencies and damping factors of signals consisting of finite sums of exponentially damped sinusoids. Our algorithm provides a quantum speedup in a natural regime where the sampling rate is much higher than the number of sinusoid components. Along the way, we develop techniques that are expected to be useful for other quantum algorithms as well—consecutive phase estimations to efficiently make products of asymmetric low rank matrices classically accessible and an alternative method to efficiently exponentiate non-Hermitian matrices. Our algorithm features an efficient quantum-classical division of labor: the time-critical steps are implemented in quantum superposition, while an interjacent step, requiring much fewer parameters, can operate classically. We show that frequencies and damping factors can be obtained in time logarithmic in the number of sampling points, exponentially faster than known classical algorithms.

Measuring coherence with entanglement concurrence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Xianfei; Gao, Ting; Yan, Fengli

2017-07-01

Quantum coherence is a fundamental manifestation of the quantum superposition principle. Recently, Baumgratz et al (2014 Phys. Rev. Lett. 113 140401) presented a rigorous framework to quantify coherence from the view of theory of physical resource. Here we propose a new valid quantum coherence measure which is a convex roof measure, for a quantum system of arbitrary dimension, essentially using the generalized Gell-Mann matrices. Rigorous proof shows that the proposed coherence measure, coherence concurrence, fulfills all the requirements dictated by the resource theory of quantum coherence measures. Moreover, strong links between the resource frameworks of coherence concurrence and entanglement concurrence is derived, which shows that any degree of coherence with respect to some reference basis can be converted to entanglement via incoherent operations. Our work provides a clear quantitative and operational connection between coherence and entanglement based on two kinds of concurrence. This new coherence measure, coherence concurrence, may also be beneficial to the study of quantum coherence.

Sagnac interferometry with coherent vortex superposition states in exciton-polariton condensates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moxley, Frederick Ira; Dowling, Jonathan P.; Dai, Weizhong; Byrnes, Tim

2016-05-01

We investigate prospects of using counter-rotating vortex superposition states in nonequilibrium exciton-polariton Bose-Einstein condensates for the purposes of Sagnac interferometry. We first investigate the stability of vortex-antivortex superposition states, and show that they survive at steady state in a variety of configurations. Counter-rotating vortex superpositions are of potential interest to gyroscope and seismometer applications for detecting rotations. Methods of improving the sensitivity are investigated by targeting high momentum states via metastable condensation, and the application of periodic lattices. The sensitivity of the polariton gyroscope is compared to its optical and atomic counterparts. Due to the large interferometer areas in optical systems and small de Broglie wavelengths for atomic BECs, the sensitivity per detected photon is found to be considerably less for the polariton gyroscope than with competing methods. However, polariton gyroscopes have an advantage over atomic BECs in a high signal-to-noise ratio, and have other practical advantages such as room-temperature operation, area independence, and robust design. We estimate that the final sensitivities including signal-to-noise aspects are competitive with existing methods.

Four tails problems for dynamical collapse theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McQueen, Kelvin J.

2015-02-01

The primary quantum mechanical equation of motion entails that measurements typically do not have determinate outcomes, but result in superpositions of all possible outcomes. Dynamical collapse theories (e.g. GRW) supplement this equation with a stochastic Gaussian collapse function, intended to collapse the superposition of outcomes into one outcome. But the Gaussian collapses are imperfect in a way that leaves the superpositions intact. This is the tails problem. There are several ways of making this problem more precise. But many authors dismiss the problem without considering the more severe formulations. Here I distinguish four distinct tails problems. The first (bare tails problem) and second (structured tails problem) exist in the literature. I argue that while the first is a pseudo-problem, the second has not been adequately addressed. The third (multiverse tails problem) reformulates the second to account for recently discovered dynamical consequences of collapse. Finally the fourth (tails problem dilemma) shows that solving the third by replacing the Gaussian with a non-Gaussian collapse function introduces new conflict with relativity theory.

Preparation of Vibrationally Excited H2 in a Coherent Superposition of M-States Using Stark Induced Adiabatic Raman Passage (SARP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Nandini; Dong, Wenrui; Perreault, William; Zare, Richard

2017-04-01

We prepare a large ensemble of rovibrationally excited (v = 1, J = 2) H2 molecules in a coherent superposition of M-states using Stark-induced adiabatic Raman passage (SARP) with linearly polarized single mode pump (532 nm) and Stokes (699 nm) laser pulses of duration 6 ns and 4 ns. A biaxial superposition state, | ψ〉 = 1/ √2 [ | v = 1, J = 2, M = -2〉- | v = 1, J = 2, M = + 2〉], is prepared using SARP with a sequence of a pump laser pulse partially overlapping with a cross polarized Stokes laser pulse co-propagating along the quantization z-axis. The degree of phase coherence is measured by recording interference fringes in the ion signal produced using the O(2) line of 2 +1 resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) from the rovibrationally excited (v = 1, J = 2) level as a function of REMPI laser polarization angle. The ion signal is measured using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Nearly 60% population transfer from H2 (v = 0, J = 0) ground state to the superposition state in H2 (v = 1, J = 2) is measured from the depletion of Q(0) REMPI signal of the (v = 0, J = 0) ground state. The M-state superposition behaves much like a multi-slit interferometer where the number of slits, i.e. the number of M-states, and their separations, i.e. the relative phase, can be varied experimentally. This work has been supported by the U.S. Army Research Office.

Entanglement analysis of a two-atom nonlinear Jaynes-Cummings model with nondegenerate two-photon transition, Kerr nonlinearity, and two-mode Stark shift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baghshahi, H. R.; Tavassoly, M. K.; Faghihi, M. J.

2014-12-01

An entangled state, as an essential tool in quantum information processing, may be generated through the interaction between light and matter in cavity quantum electrodynamics. In this paper, we study the interaction between two two-level atoms and a two-mode field in an optical cavity enclosed by a medium with Kerr nonlinearity in the presence of a detuning parameter and Stark effect. It is assumed that the atom-field coupling and third-order susceptibility of the Kerr medium depend on the intensity of the light. In order to investigate the dynamics of the introduced system, we obtain the exact analytical form of the state vector of the considered atom-field system under initial conditions which may be prepared for the atoms (in a coherent superposition of their ground and upper states) and the fields (in a standard coherent state). Then, in order to evaluate the degree of entanglement between the subsystems, we investigate the dynamics of the entanglement by employing the entanglement of formation. Finally, we analyze in detail the influences of the Stark shift, the deformed Kerr medium, the intensity-dependent coupling, and also the detuning parameter on the behavior of this measure for different subsystems. The numerical results show that the amount of entanglement between the different subsystems can be controlled by choosing the evolved parameters appropriately.

Conditional generation of an arbitrary superposition of coherent states

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takeoka, Masahiro; Sasaki, Masahide

2007-06-15

We present a scheme to conditionally generate an arbitrary superposition of a pair of coherent states from a squeezed vacuum by means of the modified photon subtraction where a coherent state ancilla and two on/off type detectors are used. We show that, even including realistic imperfections of the detectors, our scheme can generate a target state with a high fidelity. The amplitude of the generated states can be amplified by conditional homodyne detections.

Quasicrystals and Quantum Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berezin, Alexander A.

1997-03-01

In Quantum (Q) Computing qubits form Q-superpositions for macroscopic times. One scheme for ultra-fast (Q) computing can be based on quasicrystals. Ultrafast processing in Q-coherent structures (and the very existence of durable Q-superpositions) may be 'consequence' of presence of entire manifold of integer arithmetic (A0, aleph-naught of Georg Cantor) at any 4-point of space-time, furthermore, at any point of any multidimensional phase space of (any) N-particle Q-system. The latter, apart from quasicrystals, can include dispersed and/or diluted systems (Berezin, 1994). In such systems such alleged centrepieces of Q-Computing as ability for fast factorization of long integers can be processed by sheer virtue of the fact that entire infinite pattern of prime numbers is instantaneously available as 'free lunch' at any instant/point. Infinitely rich pattern of A0 (including pattern of primes and almost primes) acts as 'independent' physical effect which directly generates Q-dynamics (and physical world) 'out of nothing'. Thus Q-nonlocality can be ultimately based on instantaneous interconnectedness through ever- the-same structure of A0 ('Platonic field' of integers).

Quantum Machine Learning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, Rupak

2018-01-01

Quantum computing promises an unprecedented ability to solve intractable problems by harnessing quantum mechanical effects such as tunneling, superposition, and entanglement. The Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL) at NASA Ames Research Center is the space agency's primary facility for conducting research and development in quantum information sciences. QuAIL conducts fundamental research in quantum physics but also explores how best to exploit and apply this disruptive technology to enable NASA missions in aeronautics, Earth and space sciences, and space exploration. At the same time, machine learning has become a major focus in computer science and captured the imagination of the public as a panacea to myriad big data problems. In this talk, we will discuss how classical machine learning can take advantage of quantum computing to significantly improve its effectiveness. Although we illustrate this concept on a quantum annealer, other quantum platforms could be used as well. If explored fully and implemented efficiently, quantum machine learning could greatly accelerate a wide range of tasks leading to new technologies and discoveries that will significantly change the way we solve real-world problems.

Arbitrary Dicke-State Control of Symmetric Rydberg Ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deutsch, Ivan

2017-04-01

We study the production of arbitrary superpositions of Dicke states via optimal control. We show that N atomic hyperfine qubits, interacting symmetrically via the Rydberg blockade, are well described by the Jaynes-Cummings Model (JCM), familiar in cavity QED. In this isomorphism, the presence or absence of a collective Rydberg excitation plays the role of the two-level system and the number of symmetric excitations of the hyperfine qubits plays the role of the bosonic excitations of the JCM. This system is fully controllable through the addition of phase-modulated microwaves that drive transitions between the Rydberg-dressed states. In the weak dressing regime, this results in a single-axis twisting Hamiltonian, plus time-dependent rotations of the collective spin. For strong dressing we control the entire Jaynes-Cummings ladder. Using optimal control, we design microwave waveforms that can generate arbitrary states in the symmetric subspace. This includes cat states, Dicke states, and spin squeezed states. With currently feasible parameters, it is possible to generate arbitrary symmetric states of _10 hyperfine qubits in 1 microsec, assuming a fast microwave phase switching time. The same control can be achieved with a ``dressed-ground control'' scheme, which reduces the demands for fast phase switching at the expense of increased total control time. More generally, we can achieve control on larger ensembles of qubits by designing waveforms that are bandwidth limited within the coherence time of the system. We use this to study general questions of the ``quantum speed limit'' and information content in a waveform that is needed to generate arbitrary quantum states.

Holographic spin networks from tensor network states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sukhwinder; McMahon, Nathan A.; Brennen, Gavin K.

2018-01-01

In the holographic correspondence of quantum gravity, a global on-site symmetry at the boundary generally translates to a local gauge symmetry in the bulk. We describe one way how the global boundary on-site symmetries can be gauged within the formalism of the multiscale renormalization ansatz (MERA), in light of the ongoing discussion between tensor networks and holography. We describe how to "lift" the MERA representation of the ground state of a generic one dimensional (1D) local Hamiltonian, which has a global on-site symmetry, to a dual quantum state of a 2D "bulk" lattice on which the symmetry appears gauged. The 2D bulk state decomposes in terms of spin network states, which label a basis in the gauge-invariant sector of the bulk lattice. This decomposition is instrumental to obtain expectation values of gauge-invariant observables in the bulk, and also reveals that the bulk state is generally entangled between the gauge and the remaining ("gravitational") bulk degrees of freedom that are not fixed by the symmetry. We present numerical results for ground states of several 1D critical spin chains to illustrate that the bulk entanglement potentially depends on the central charge of the underlying conformal field theory. We also discuss the possibility of emergent topological order in the bulk using a simple example, and also of emergent symmetries in the nongauge (gravitational) sector in the bulk. More broadly, our holographic model translates the MERA, a tensor network state, to a superposition of spin network states, as they appear in lattice gauge theories in one higher dimension.

Quantum effects of Aharonov-Bohm type and noncommutative quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez R., Miguel E.

2018-01-01

Quantum mechanics in noncommutative space modifies the standard result of the Aharonov-Bohm effect for electrons and other recent quantum effects. Here we obtain the phase in noncommutative space for the Spavieri effect, a generalization of Aharonov-Bohm effect which involves a coherent superposition of particles with opposite charges moving along a single open interferometric path. By means of the experimental considerations a limit √{θ }≃(0.13TeV)-1 is achieved, improving by 10 orders of magnitude the results derived by Chaichian et al. [Phys. Lett. B 527, 149 (2002), 10.1016/S0370-2693(02)01176-0] for the Aharonov-Bohm effect. It is also shown that the noncommutative phases of the Aharonov-Casher and He-McKellar-Willkens effects are nullified in the current experimental tests.

Quantum Brownian motion with inhomogeneous damping and diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Massignan, Pietro; Lampo, Aniello; Wehr, Jan; Lewenstein, Maciej

2015-03-01

We analyze the microscopic model of quantum Brownian motion, describing a Brownian particle interacting with a bosonic bath through a coupling which is linear in the creation and annihilation operators of the bath, but may be a nonlinear function of the position of the particle. Physically, this corresponds to a configuration in which damping and diffusion are spatially inhomogeneous. We derive systematically the quantum master equation for the Brownian particle in the Born-Markov approximation and we discuss the appearance of additional terms, for various polynomials forms of the coupling. We discuss the cases of linear and quadratic coupling in great detail and we derive, using Wigner function techniques, the stationary solutions of the master equation for a Brownian particle in a harmonic trapping potential. We predict quite generally Gaussian stationary states, and we compute the aspect ratio and the spread of the distributions. In particular, we find that these solutions may be squeezed (superlocalized) with respect to the position of the Brownian particle. We analyze various restrictions to the validity of our theory posed by non-Markovian effects and by the Heisenberg principle. We further study the dynamical stability of the system, by applying a Gaussian approximation to the time-dependent Wigner function, and we compute the decoherence rates of coherent quantum superpositions in position space. Finally, we propose a possible experimental realization of the physics discussed here, by considering an impurity particle embedded in a degenerate quantum gas.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shore, B.W.; Knight, P.L.

The Jaynes-Cummings Model (JCM), a soluble fully quantum mechanical model of an atom in a field, was first used (in 1963) to examine the classical aspects of spontaneous emission and to reveal the existence of Rabi oscillations in atomic excitation probability for fields with sharply defined energy (or photon number). For fields having a statistical distributions of photon numbers the oscillations collapse to an expected steady value. In 1980 it was discovered that with appropriate initial conditions (e.g. a near-classical field), the Rabi oscillations would eventually revive -- only to collapse and revive repeatedly in a complicated pattern. The existencemore » of these revivals, present in the analytic solutions of the JCM, provided direct evidence for discreteness of field excitation (photons) and hence for the truly quantum nature of radiation. Subsequent study revealed further nonclassical properties of the JCM field, such as a tendency of the photons to antibunch. Within the last two years it has been found that during the quiescent intervals of collapsed Rabi oscillations the atom and field exist in a macroscopic superposition state (a Schroedinger cat). This discovery offers the opportunity to use the JCM to elucidate the basic properties of quantum correlation (entanglement) and to explore still further the relationship between classical and quantum physics. In tribute to E. D. Jaynes, who first recognized the importance of the JCM for clarifying the differences and similarities between quantum and classical physics, we here present an overview of the theory of the JCM and some of the many remarkable discoveries about it.« less

Quantum memory Quantum memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Gouët, Jean-Louis; Moiseev, Sergey

2012-06-01

Interaction of quantum radiation with multi-particle ensembles has sparked off intense research efforts during the past decade. Emblematic of this field is the quantum memory scheme, where a quantum state of light is mapped onto an ensemble of atoms and then recovered in its original shape. While opening new access to the basics of light-atom interaction, quantum memory also appears as a key element for information processing applications, such as linear optics quantum computation and long-distance quantum communication via quantum repeaters. Not surprisingly, it is far from trivial to practically recover a stored quantum state of light and, although impressive progress has already been accomplished, researchers are still struggling to reach this ambitious objective. This special issue provides an account of the state-of-the-art in a fast-moving research area that makes physicists, engineers and chemists work together at the forefront of their discipline, involving quantum fields and atoms in different media, magnetic resonance techniques and material science. Various strategies have been considered to store and retrieve quantum light. The explored designs belong to three main—while still overlapping—classes. In architectures derived from photon echo, information is mapped over the spectral components of inhomogeneously broadened absorption bands, such as those encountered in rare earth ion doped crystals and atomic gases in external gradient magnetic field. Protocols based on electromagnetic induced transparency also rely on resonant excitation and are ideally suited to the homogeneous absorption lines offered by laser cooled atomic clouds or ion Coulomb crystals. Finally off-resonance approaches are illustrated by Faraday and Raman processes. Coupling with an optical cavity may enhance the storage process, even for negligibly small atom number. Multiple scattering is also proposed as a way to enlarge the quantum interaction distance of light with matter. The quest for higher efficiency, better fidelity, broader bandwidth, multimode capacity and longer storage lifetime is pursued in all those approaches, as shown in this special issue. The improvement of quantum memory operation specifically requires in-depth study and control of numerous physical processes leading to atomic decoherence. The present issue reflects the development of rare earth ion doped matrices offering long lifetime superposition states, either as bulk crystals or as optical waveguides. The need for quantum sources and high efficiency detectors at the single photon level is also illustrated. Several papers address the networking of quantum memories either in long-haul cryptography or in the prospect of quantum processing. In this context, much attention has been paid recently to interfacing quantum light with superconducting qubits and with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. Finally, the quantum interfacing of light with matter raises questions on entanglement. The last two papers are devoted to the generation of entanglement by dissipative processes. It is shown that long lifetime entanglement may be built in this way. We hope this special issue will help readers to become familiar with the exciting field of ensemble-based quantum memories and will stimulate them to bring deeper insights and new ideas to this area.

Decoherence-free evolution of time-dependent superposition states of two-level systems and thermal effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prado, F. O.; de Almeida, N. G.; Duzzioni, E. I.; Moussa, M. H. Y.; Villas-Boas, C. J.

2011-07-01

In this paper we detail some results advanced in a recent letter [Prado , Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.102.073008 102, 073008 (2009).] showing how to engineer reservoirs for two-level systems at absolute zero by means of a time-dependent master equation leading to a nonstationary superposition equilibrium state. We also present a general recipe showing how to build nonadiabatic coherent evolutions of a fermionic system interacting with a bosonic mode and investigate the influence of thermal reservoirs at finite temperature on the fidelity of the protected superposition state. Our analytical results are supported by numerical analysis of the full Hamiltonian model.

The Misapplication of Probability Theory in Quantum Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Racicot, Ronald

2014-03-01

This article is a revision of two papers submitted to the APS in the past two and a half years. In these papers, arguments and proofs are summarized for the following: (1) The wrong conclusion by EPR that Quantum Mechanics is incomplete, perhaps requiring the addition of ``hidden variables'' for completion. Theorems that assume such ``hidden variables,'' such as Bell's theorem, are also wrong. (2) Quantum entanglement is not a realizable physical phenomenon and is based entirely on assuming a probability superposition model for quantum spin. Such a model directly violates conservation of angular momentum. (3) Simultaneous multiple-paths followed by a quantum particle traveling through space also cannot possibly exist. Besides violating Noether's theorem, the multiple-paths theory is based solely on probability calculations. Probability calculations by themselves cannot possibly represent simultaneous physically real events. None of the reviews of the submitted papers actually refuted the arguments and evidence that was presented. These analyses should therefore be carefully evaluated since the conclusions reached have such important impact in quantum mechanics and quantum information theory.

Chance and time: Cutting the Gordian knot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagar, Amit

One of the recurrent problems in the foundations of physics is to explain why we rarely observe certain phenomena that are allowed by our theories and laws. In thermodynamics, for example, the spontaneous approach towards equilibrium is ubiquitous yet the time-reversal-invariant laws that presumably govern thermal behaviour in the microscopic level equally allow spontaneous approach away from equilibrium to occur. Why are the former processes frequently observed while the latter are almost never reported? Another example comes from quantum mechanics where the formalism, if considered complete and universally applicable, predicts the existence of macroscopic superpositions---monstrous Schrodinger cats---and these are never observed: while electrons and atoms enjoy the cloudiness of waves, macroscopic objects are always localized to definite positions. A well-known explanatory framework due to Ludwig Boltzmann traces the rarity of "abnormal" thermodynamic phenomena to the scarcity of the initial conditions that lead to it. After all, physical laws are no more than algorithms and these are expected to generate different results according to different initial conditions, hence Boltzmann's insight that violations of thermodynamic laws are possible but highly improbable. Yet Boltzmann introduces probabilities into this explanatory scheme, and since the latter is couched in terms of classical mechanics, these probabilities must be interpreted as a result of ignorance of the exact state the system is in. Quantum mechanics has taught us otherwise. Here the attempts to explain why we never observe macroscopic superpositions have led to different interpretations of the formalism and to different solutions to the quantum measurement problem. These solutions introduce additional interpretations to the meaning of probability over and above ignorance of the definite state of the physical system: quantum probabilities may result from pure chance. Notwithstanding the success of the Boltzmannian framework in explaining the thermodynamic arrow in time it leaves us with a foundational puzzle: how can ignorance play a role in scientific explanation of objective reality? In turns out that two opposing solutions to the quantum measurement problem in which probabilities arise from the stochastic character of the underlying dynamics may scratch this explanatory itch. By offering a dynamical justification to the probabilities employed in classical statistical mechanics these two interpretations complete the Boltzmannian explanatory scheme and allow us to exorcize ignorance from scientific explanations of unobserved phenomena. In this thesis I argue that the puzzle of the thermodynamic arrow in time is closely related to the problem of interpreting quantum mechanics, i.e., to the measurement problem. We may solve one by fiat and thus solve the other, but it seems unwise to try solving them independently. I substantiate this claim by presenting two possible interpretations to non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Differing as they do on the meaning of the probabilities they introduce into the otherwise deterministic dynamics, these interpretations offer alternative explanatory schemes to the standard Boltzmannian statistical mechanical explanation of thermodynamic approach to equilibrium. I then show how notwithstanding their current empirical equivalence, the two approaches diverge at the continental divide between scientific realism and anti-realism.

Violation of a Leggett–Garg inequality with ideal non-invasive measurements

PubMed Central

Knee, George C.; Simmons, Stephanie; Gauger, Erik M.; Morton, John J.L.; Riemann, Helge; Abrosimov, Nikolai V.; Becker, Peter; Pohl, Hans-Joachim; Itoh, Kohei M.; Thewalt, Mike L.W.; Briggs, G. Andrew D.; Benjamin, Simon C.

2012-01-01

The quantum superposition principle states that an entity can exist in two different states simultaneously, counter to our 'classical' intuition. Is it possible to understand a given system's behaviour without such a concept? A test designed by Leggett and Garg can rule out this possibility. The test, originally intended for macroscopic objects, has been implemented in various systems. However to date no experiment has employed the 'ideal negative result' measurements that are required for the most robust test. Here we introduce a general protocol for these special measurements using an ancillary system, which acts as a local measuring device but which need not be perfectly prepared. We report an experimental realization using spin-bearing phosphorus impurities in silicon. The results demonstrate the necessity of a non-classical picture for this class of microscopic system. Our procedure can be applied to systems of any size, whether individually controlled or in a spatial ensemble. PMID:22215081

Carrier-envelope-phase control of asymmetries in the multiphoton ionization of xenon atoms by ultrashort bichromatic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerbstadt, S.; Pengel, D.; Englert, L.; Bayer, T.; Wollenhaupt, M.

2018-06-01

We report on bichromatic multiphoton ionization of xenon atoms (Xe) to demonstrate carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) control of lateral asymmetries in the photoelectron momentum distribution. In the experiments, we employ a 4 f polarization pulse shaper to sculpture bichromatic fields with commensurable center frequencies ω1:ω2=7 :8 from an over-octave-spanning CEP-stable white light supercontinuum by spectral amplitude and phase modulation. The bichromatic fields are spectrally tailored to induce controlled interferences of 7- vs 8-photon quantum pathways in the 5 P3 /2 ionization continuum of Xe. The CEP sensitivity of the asymmetric final-state wave function arises from coherent superposition of continuum states with opposite parity. Our results demonstrate that shaper-generated bichromatic fields with tailored center frequency ratio are a suitable tool to localize CEP-sensitive asymmetries in a specific photoelectron kinetic-energy window.

Uncertain behaviours of integrated circuits improve computational performance.

PubMed

Yoshimura, Chihiro; Yamaoka, Masanao; Hayashi, Masato; Okuyama, Takuya; Aoki, Hidetaka; Kawarabayashi, Ken-ichi; Mizuno, Hiroyuki

2015-11-20

Improvements to the performance of conventional computers have mainly been achieved through semiconductor scaling; however, scaling is reaching its limitations. Natural phenomena, such as quantum superposition and stochastic resonance, have been introduced into new computing paradigms to improve performance beyond these limitations. Here, we explain that the uncertain behaviours of devices due to semiconductor scaling can improve the performance of computers. We prototyped an integrated circuit by performing a ground-state search of the Ising model. The bit errors of memory cell devices holding the current state of search occur probabilistically by inserting fluctuations into dynamic device characteristics, which will be actualised in the future to the chip. As a result, we observed more improvements in solution accuracy than that without fluctuations. Although the uncertain behaviours of devices had been intended to be eliminated in conventional devices, we demonstrate that uncertain behaviours has become the key to improving computational performance.

Charge Transfer-Mediated Singlet Fission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monahan, N.; Zhu, X.-Y.

2015-04-01

Singlet fission, the splitting of a singlet exciton into two triplet excitons in molecular materials, is interesting not only as a model many-electron problem, but also as a process with potential applications in solar energy conversion. Here we discuss limitations of the conventional four-electron and molecular dimer model in describing singlet fission in crystalline organic semiconductors, such as pentacene and tetracene. We emphasize the need to consider electronic delocalization, which is responsible for the decisive role played by the Mott-Wannier exciton, also called the charge transfer (CT) exciton, in mediating singlet fission. At the strong electronic coupling limit, the initial excitation creates a quantum superposition of singlet, CT, and triplet-pair states, and we present experimental evidence for this interpretation. We also discuss the most recent attempts at translating this mechanistic understanding into design principles for CT state-mediated intramolecular singlet fission in oligomers and polymers.

Hybrid quantum systems with trapped charged particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotler, Shlomi; Simmonds, Raymond W.; Leibfried, Dietrich; Wineland, David J.

2017-02-01

Trapped charged particles have been at the forefront of quantum information processing (QIP) for a few decades now, with deterministic two-qubit logic gates reaching record fidelities of 99.9 % and single-qubit operations of much higher fidelity. In a hybrid system involving trapped charges, quantum degrees of freedom of macroscopic objects such as bulk acoustic resonators, superconducting circuits, or nanomechanical membranes, couple to the trapped charges and ideally inherit the coherent properties of the charges. The hybrid system therefore implements a "quantum transducer," where the quantum reality (i.e., superpositions and entanglement) of small objects is extended to include the larger object. Although a hybrid quantum system with trapped charges could be valuable both for fundamental research and for QIP applications, no such system exists today. Here we study theoretically the possibilities of coupling the quantum-mechanical motion of a trapped charged particle (e.g., an ion or electron) to the quantum degrees of freedom of superconducting devices, nanomechanical resonators, and quartz bulk acoustic wave resonators. For each case, we estimate the coupling rate between the charged particle and its macroscopic counterpart and compare it to the decoherence rate, i.e., the rate at which quantum superposition decays. A hybrid system can only be considered quantum if the coupling rate significantly exceeds all decoherence rates. Our approach is to examine specific examples by using parameters that are experimentally attainable in the foreseeable future. We conclude that hybrid quantum systems involving a single atomic ion are unfavorable compared with the use of a single electron because the coupling rates between the ion and its counterpart are slower than the expected decoherence rates. A system based on trapped electrons, on the other hand, might have coupling rates that significantly exceed decoherence rates. Moreover, it might have appealing properties such as fast entangling gates, long coherence, and flexible topology that is fully electronic in nature. Realizing such a system, however, is technologically challenging because it requires accommodating both a trapping technology and superconducting circuitry in a compatible manner. We review some of the challenges involved, such as the required trap parameters, electron sources, electrical circuitry, and cooling schemes in order to promote further investigations towards the realization of such a hybrid system.

Nonclassical thermal-state superpositions: Analytical evolution law and decoherence behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Xiang-guo; Goan, Hsi-Sheng; Wang, Ji-suo; Zhang, Ran

2018-03-01

Employing the integration technique within normal products of bosonic operators, we present normal product representations of thermal-state superpositions and investigate their nonclassical features, such as quadrature squeezing, sub-Poissonian distribution, and partial negativity of the Wigner function. We also analytically and numerically investigate their evolution law and decoherence characteristics in an amplitude-decay model via the variations of the probability distributions and the negative volumes of Wigner functions in phase space. The results indicate that the evolution formulas of two thermal component states for amplitude decay can be viewed as the same integral form as a displaced thermal state ρ(V , d) , but governed by the combined action of photon loss and thermal noise. In addition, the larger values of the displacement d and noise V lead to faster decoherence for thermal-state superpositions.

Is wave-particle objectivity compatible with determinism and locality?

PubMed

Ionicioiu, Radu; Jennewein, Thomas; Mann, Robert B; Terno, Daniel R

2014-09-26

Wave-particle duality, superposition and entanglement are among the most counterintuitive features of quantum theory. Their clash with our classical expectations motivated hidden-variable (HV) theories. With the emergence of quantum technologies, we can test experimentally the predictions of quantum theory versus HV theories and put strong restrictions on their key assumptions. Here, we study an entanglement-assisted version of the quantum delayed-choice experiment and show that the extension of HV to the controlling devices only exacerbates the contradiction. We compare HV theories that satisfy the conditions of objectivity (a property of photons being either particles or waves, but not both), determinism and local independence of hidden variables with quantum mechanics. Any two of the above conditions are compatible with it. The conflict becomes manifest when all three conditions are imposed and persists for any non-zero value of entanglement. We propose an experiment to test our conclusions.

Is wave–particle objectivity compatible with determinism and locality?

PubMed Central

Ionicioiu, Radu; Jennewein, Thomas; Mann, Robert B.; Terno, Daniel R.

2014-01-01

Wave–particle duality, superposition and entanglement are among the most counterintuitive features of quantum theory. Their clash with our classical expectations motivated hidden-variable (HV) theories. With the emergence of quantum technologies, we can test experimentally the predictions of quantum theory versus HV theories and put strong restrictions on their key assumptions. Here, we study an entanglement-assisted version of the quantum delayed-choice experiment and show that the extension of HV to the controlling devices only exacerbates the contradiction. We compare HV theories that satisfy the conditions of objectivity (a property of photons being either particles or waves, but not both), determinism and local independence of hidden variables with quantum mechanics. Any two of the above conditions are compatible with it. The conflict becomes manifest when all three conditions are imposed and persists for any non-zero value of entanglement. We propose an experiment to test our conclusions. PMID:25256419

Molecular alignment effect on the photoassociation process via a pump-dump scheme

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Bin-Bin; Han, Yong-Chang, E-mail: ychan@dlut.edu.cn; Cong, Shu-Lin

The photoassociation processes via the pump-dump scheme for the heternuclear (Na + H → NaH) and the homonuclear (Na + Na → Na{sub 2}) molecular systems are studied, respectively, using the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method. For both systems, the initial atom pair in the continuum of the ground electronic state (X{sup 1}Σ{sup +}) is associated into the molecule in the bound states of the excited state (A{sup 1}Σ{sup +}) by the pump pulse. Then driven by a time-delayed dumping pulse, the prepared excited-state molecule can be transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state. It is found thatmore » the pump process can induce a superposition of the rovibrational levels |v, j〉 on the excited state, which can lead to the field-free alignment of the excited-state molecule. The molecular alignment can affect the dumping process by varying the effective coupling intensity between the two electronic states or by varying the population transfer pathways. As a result, the final population transferred to the bound states of the ground electronic state varies periodically with the delay time of the dumping pulse.« less

The valence-fluctuating ground state of plutonium

DOE PAGES

Janoschek, Marc; Das, Pinaki; Chakrabarti, Bismayan; ...

2015-07-10

A central issue in material science is to obtain understanding of the electronic correlations that control complex materials. Such electronic correlations frequently arise because of the competition of localized and itinerant electronic degrees of freedom. Although the respective limits of well-localized or entirely itinerant ground states are well understood, the intermediate regime that controls the functional properties of complex materials continues to challenge theoretical understanding. We have used neutron spectroscopy to investigate plutonium, which is a prototypical material at the brink between bonding and nonbonding configurations. In addition, our study reveals that the ground state of plutonium is governed bymore » valence fluctuations, that is, a quantum mechanical superposition of localized and itinerant electronic configurations as recently predicted by dynamical mean field theory. Our results not only resolve the long-standing controversy between experiment and theory on plutonium’s magnetism but also suggest an improved understanding of the effects of such electronic dichotomy in complex materials.« less

The Wave Logic of Consciousness: A Hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlov, Yuri F.

1982-01-01

A physical model is proposed for volitional decision making. It is postulated that consciousness reduces doubt states of the brain into labels by a quantum-mechanical measurement act of free choice. Elementary doubt states illustrate analogical encodement of information having “insufficient resolution” from a classical viewpoint. Measures of certitude (inner conviction) and doubt are formulated. “Adequate propositions” for nonclassical statements, e.g., Hamlet's soliloquy, are constructed. A role is proposed for the superposition principle in imagination and creativity. Experimental predictions are offered for positive and negative interference of doubts. Necessary criteria are made explicit for doubting sense information. Wholeness of perception is illustrated using irreducible, unitary representations of n-valued logics. The interpreted formalism includes nonclassical features of doubt, e.g., scalor representations for imprecise propositions and state changes due to self-reflection. The “liar paradox” is resolved. An internal origin is suggested for spinor dichotomies, e.g., “true-false” and “good-bad,” analogous to particle production.

Causal Wave Propagation for Relativistic Massive Particles: Physical Asymptotics in Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, M. V.

2012-01-01

Wavepackets representing relativistic quantum particles injected into a half-space, from a source that is switched on at a definite time, are represented by superpositions of plane waves that must include negative frequencies. Propagation is causal: it is a consequence of analyticity that at time t no part of the wave has travelled farther than…

The principle of superposition and its application in ground-water hydraulics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reilly, Thomas E.; Franke, O. Lehn; Bennett, Gordon D.

1987-01-01

The principle of superposition, a powerful mathematical technique for analyzing certain types of complex problems in many areas of science and technology, has important applications in ground-water hydraulics and modeling of ground-water systems. The principle of superposition states that problem solutions can be added together to obtain composite solutions. This principle applies to linear systems governed by linear differential equations. This report introduces the principle of superposition as it applies to ground-water hydrology and provides background information, discussion, illustrative problems with solutions, and problems to be solved by the reader.

The principle of superposition and its application in ground-water hydraulics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reilly, T.E.; Franke, O.L.; Bennett, G.D.

1984-01-01

The principle of superposition, a powerful methematical technique for analyzing certain types of complex problems in many areas of science and technology, has important application in ground-water hydraulics and modeling of ground-water systems. The principle of superposition states that solutions to individual problems can be added together to obtain solutions to complex problems. This principle applies to linear systems governed by linear differential equations. This report introduces the principle of superposition as it applies to groundwater hydrology and provides background information, discussion, illustrative problems with solutions, and problems to be solved by the reader. (USGS)

Complex-valued derivative propagation method with approximate Bohmian trajectories: Application to electronic nonadiabatic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu; Chou, Chia-Chun

2018-05-01

The coupled complex quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equations for electronic nonadiabatic transitions are approximately solved by propagating individual quantum trajectories in real space. Equations of motion are derived through use of the derivative propagation method for the complex actions and their spatial derivatives for wave packets moving on each of the coupled electronic potential surfaces. These equations for two surfaces are converted into the moving frame with the same grid point velocities. Excellent wave functions can be obtained by making use of the superposition principle even when nodes develop in wave packet scattering.

A Genuine Jahn-Teller System with Compressed Geometry and Quantum Effects Originating from Zero-Point Motion.

PubMed

Aramburu, José Antonio; García-Fernández, Pablo; García-Lastra, Juan María; Moreno, Miguel

2016-07-18

First-principle calculations together with analysis of the experimental data found for 3d(9) and 3d(7) ions in cubic oxides proved that the center found in irradiated CaO:Ni(2+) corresponds to Ni(+) under a static Jahn-Teller effect displaying a compressed equilibrium geometry. It was also shown that the anomalous positive g∥ shift (g∥ -g0 =0.065) measured at T=20 K obeys the superposition of the |3 z(2) -r(2) ⟩ and |x(2) -y(2) ⟩ states driven by quantum effects associated with the zero-point motion, a mechanism first put forward by O'Brien for static Jahn-Teller systems and later extended by Ham to the dynamic Jahn-Teller case. To our knowledge, this is the first genuine Jahn-Teller system (i.e. in which exact degeneracy exists at the high-symmetry configuration) exhibiting a compressed equilibrium geometry for which large quantum effects allow experimental observation of the effect predicted by O'Brien. Analysis of the calculated energy barriers for different Jahn-Teller systems allowed us to explain the origin of the compressed geometry observed for CaO:Ni(+) . © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vourdas, A.

The finite set of subsystems of a finite quantum system with variables in Z(n), is studied as a Heyting algebra. The physical meaning of the logical connectives is discussed. It is shown that disjunction of subsystems is more general concept than superposition. Consequently, the quantum probabilities related to commuting projectors in the subsystems, are incompatible with associativity of the join in the Heyting algebra, unless if the variables belong to the same chain. This leads to contextuality, which in the present formalism has as contexts, the chains in the Heyting algebra. Logical Bell inequalities, which contain “Heyting factors,” are discussed.more » The formalism is also applied to the infinite set of all finite quantum systems, which is appropriately enlarged in order to become a complete Heyting algebra.« less

EDITORIAL: Squeezed states and uncertainty relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jauregue-Renaud, Rocio; Kim, Young S.; Man'ko, Margarita A.; Moya-Cessa, Hector

2004-06-01

This special issue of Journal of Optics B: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics is composed mainly of extended versions of talks and papers presented at the Eighth International Conference on Squeezed States and Uncertainty Relations held in Puebla, Mexico on 9-13 June 2003. The Conference was hosted by Instituto de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica, and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. This series of meetings began at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, in March 1991. The second and third workshops were organized by the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow, Russia, in 1992 and by the University of Maryland Baltimore County, USA, in 1993, respectively. Afterwards, it was decided that the workshop series should be held every two years. Thus the fourth meeting took place at the University of Shanxi in China and was supported by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). The next three meetings in 1997, 1999 and 2001 were held in Lake Balatonfüred, Hungary, in Naples, Italy, and in Boston, USA, respectively. All of them were sponsored by IUPAP. The ninth workshop will take place in Besançon, France, in 2005. The conference has now become one of the major international meetings on quantum optics and the foundations of quantum mechanics, where most of the active research groups throughout the world present their new results. Accordingly this conference has been able to align itself to the current trend in quantum optics and quantum mechanics. The Puebla meeting covered most extensively the following areas: quantum measurements, quantum computing and information theory, trapped atoms and degenerate gases, and the generation and characterization of quantum states of light. The meeting also covered squeeze-like transformations in areas other than quantum optics, such as atomic physics, nuclear physics, statistical physics and relativity, as well as optical devices. There were many new participants at this meeting, particularly from Latin American countries including, of course, Mexico. There were many talks on the subjects traditionally covered in this conference series, including quantum fluctuations, different forms of squeezing, unlike kinds of nonclassical states of light, and distinct representations of the quantum superposition principle, such as even and odd coherent states. The entanglement phenomenon, frequently in the form of the EPR paradox, is responsible for the main advantages of quantum engineering compared with classical methods. Even though entanglement has been known since the early days of quantum mechanics, its properties, such as the most appropriate entanglement measures, are still under current investigation. The phenomena of dissipations and decoherence of the initial pure states are very important because the fast decoherence can destroy all the advantages of quantum processes in teleportation, quantum computing and image processing. Due to this, methods of controlling the decoherence, such as by the use of different kinds of nonlinearities and deformations, are also under study. From the very beginning of quantum mechanics, the uncertainty relations were basic inequalities distinguishing the classical and quantum worlds. Among the theoretical methods for quantum optics and quantum mechanics, this conference covered phase space and group representations, such as the Wigner and probability distribution functions, which provide an alternative approach to the Schr\\"odinger or Heisenberg picture. Different forms of probability representations of quantum states are important tools to be applied in studying various quantum phenomena, such as quantum interference, decoherence and quantum tomography. They have been established also as a very useful tool in all branches of classical optics. From the mathematical point of view, it is well known that the coherent and squeezed states are representations of the Lorentz group. It was noted throughout the conference that another form of the Lorentz group, namely, the 2 x 2 representation of the SL(2,c) group, is becoming more prominent while providing the mathematical basis for the Poincaré sphere, entanglement, qubits and decoherence, as well as classical ray optics traditionally based on 2 x 2 `ABCD' matrices. The contributions of this special issue cover the most recent trends in all areas of quantum optics and the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Programmable superpositions of Ising configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sieberer, Lukas M.; Lechner, Wolfgang

2018-05-01

We present a framework to prepare superpositions of bit strings, i.e., many-body spin configurations, with deterministic programmable probabilities. The spin configurations are encoded in the degenerate ground states of the lattice-gauge representation of an all-to-all connected Ising spin glass. The ground-state manifold is invariant under variations of the gauge degrees of freedom, which take the form of four-body parity constraints. Our framework makes use of these degrees of freedom by individually tuning them to dynamically prepare programmable superpositions. The dynamics combines an adiabatic protocol with controlled diabatic transitions. We derive an effective model that allows one to determine the control parameters efficiently even for large system sizes.

Spectral and entropic characterizations of Wigner functions: applications to model vibrational systems.

PubMed

Luzanov, A V

2008-09-07

The Wigner function for the pure quantum states is used as an integral kernel of the non-Hermitian operator K, to which the standard singular value decomposition (SVD) is applied. It provides a set of the squared singular values treated as probabilities of the individual phase-space processes, the latter being described by eigenfunctions of KK(+) (for coordinate variables) and K(+)K (for momentum variables). Such a SVD representation is employed to obviate the well-known difficulties in the definition of the phase-space entropy measures in terms of the Wigner function that usually allows negative values. In particular, the new measures of nonclassicality are constructed in the form that automatically satisfies additivity for systems composed of noninteracting parts. Furthermore, the emphasis is given on the geometrical interpretation of the full entropy measure as the effective phase-space volume in the Wigner picture of quantum mechanics. The approach is exemplified by considering some generic vibrational systems. Specifically, for eigenstates of the harmonic oscillator and a superposition of coherent states, the singular value spectrum is evaluated analytically. Numerical computations are given for the nonlinear problems (the Morse and double well oscillators, and the Henon-Heiles system). We also discuss the difficulties in implementation of a similar technique for electronic problems.

Nonlinear propagation of vector extremely short pulses in a medium of symmetric and asymmetric molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sazonov, S. V.; Ustinov, N. V.

2017-02-01

The nonlinear propagation of extremely short electromagnetic pulses in a medium of symmetric and asymmetric molecules placed in static magnetic and electric fields is theoretically studied. Asymmetric molecules differ in that they have nonzero permanent dipole moments in stationary quantum states. A system of wave equations is derived for the ordinary and extraordinary components of pulses. It is shown that this system can be reduced in some cases to a system of coupled Ostrovsky equations and to the equation intagrable by the method for an inverse scattering transformation, including the vector version of the Ostrovsky-Vakhnenko equation. Different types of solutions of this system are considered. Only solutions representing the superposition of periodic solutions are single-valued, whereas soliton and breather solutions are multivalued.

Communication channels secured from eavesdropping via transmission of photonic Bell states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Kaoru; Imoto, Nobuyuki

1999-07-01

This paper proposes a quantum communication scheme for sending a definite binary sequence while confirming the security of the transmission. The scheme is very suitable for sending a ciphertext in a secret-key cryptosystem so that we can detect any eavesdropper who attempts to decipher the key. Thus we can continue to use a secret key unless we detect eavesdropping and the security of a key that is used repeatedly can be enhanced to the level of one-time-pad cryptography. In our scheme, a pair of entangled photon twins is employed as a bit carrier which is encoded in a two-term superposition of four Bell states. Different bases are employed for encoding the binary sequence of a ciphertext and a random test bit. The photon twins are measured with a Bell state analyzer and any bit can be decoded from the resultant Bell state when the receiver is later notified of the coding basis through a classical channel. By opening the positions and the values of test bits, ciphertext can be read and eavesdropping is simultaneously detected.

Multipartite entangled states in particle mixing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blasone, M.; INFN Sezione di Napoli, Gruppo collegato di Salerno, Baronissi; Dell'Anno, F.

2008-05-01

In the physics of flavor mixing, the flavor states are given by superpositions of mass eigenstates. By using the occupation number to define a multiqubit space, the flavor states can be interpreted as multipartite mode-entangled states. By exploiting a suitable global measure of entanglement, based on the entropies related to all possible bipartitions of the system, we analyze the correlation properties of such states in the instances of three- and four-flavor mixing. Depending on the mixing parameters, and, in particular, on the values taken by the free phases, responsible for the CP-violation, entanglement concentrates in certain bipartitions. We quantify inmore » detail the amount and the distribution of entanglement in the physically relevant cases of flavor mixing in quark and neutrino systems. By using the wave packet description for localized particles, we use the global measure of entanglement, suitably adapted for the instance of multipartite mixed states, to analyze the decoherence, induced by the free evolution dynamics, on the quantum correlations of stationary neutrino beams. We define a decoherence length as the distance associated with the vanishing of the coherent interference effects among massive neutrino states. We investigate the role of the CP-violating phase in the decoherence process.« less

Quantum mechanics over sets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellerman, David

2014-03-01

In models of QM over finite fields (e.g., Schumacher's ``modal quantum theory'' MQT), one finite field stands out, Z2, since Z2 vectors represent sets. QM (finite-dimensional) mathematics can be transported to sets resulting in quantum mechanics over sets or QM/sets. This gives a full probability calculus (unlike MQT with only zero-one modalities) that leads to a fulsome theory of QM/sets including ``logical'' models of the double-slit experiment, Bell's Theorem, QIT, and QC. In QC over Z2 (where gates are non-singular matrices as in MQT), a simple quantum algorithm (one gate plus one function evaluation) solves the Parity SAT problem (finding the parity of the sum of all values of an n-ary Boolean function). Classically, the Parity SAT problem requires 2n function evaluations in contrast to the one function evaluation required in the quantum algorithm. This is quantum speedup but with all the calculations over Z2 just like classical computing. This shows definitively that the source of quantum speedup is not in the greater power of computing over the complex numbers, and confirms the idea that the source is in superposition.

Observation of entanglement between a quantum dot spin and a single photon.

PubMed

Gao, W B; Fallahi, P; Togan, E; Miguel-Sanchez, J; Imamoglu, A

2012-11-15

Entanglement has a central role in fundamental tests of quantum mechanics as well as in the burgeoning field of quantum information processing. Particularly in the context of quantum networks and communication, a main challenge is the efficient generation of entanglement between stationary (spin) and propagating (photon) quantum bits. Here we report the observation of quantum entanglement between a semiconductor quantum dot spin and the colour of a propagating optical photon. The demonstration of entanglement relies on the use of fast, single-photon detection, which allows us to project the photon into a superposition of red and blue frequency components. Our results extend the previous demonstrations of single-spin/single-photon entanglement in trapped ions, neutral atoms and nitrogen-vacancy centres to the domain of artificial atoms in semiconductor nanostructures that allow for on-chip integration of electronic and photonic elements. As a result of its fast optical transitions and favourable selection rules, the scheme we implement could in principle generate nearly deterministic entangled spin-photon pairs at a rate determined ultimately by the high spontaneous emission rate. Our observation constitutes a first step towards implementation of a quantum network with nodes consisting of semiconductor spin quantum bits.

Quantum phases for point-like charged particles and for electrically neutral dipoles in an electromagnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kholmetskii, A. L.; Missevitch, O. V.; Yarman, T.

2018-05-01

We point out that the known quantum phases for an electric/magnetic dipole moving in an electromagnetic (EM) field must be presented as the superposition of more fundamental quantum phases emerging for elementary charges. Using this idea, we find two new fundamental quantum phases for point-like charges, next to the known electric and magnetic Aharonov-Bohm (A-B) phases, named by us as the complementary electric and magnetic phases, correspondingly. We further demonstrate that these new phases can indeed be derived via the Schrödinger equation for a particle in an EM field, where however the operator of momentum is re-defined via the replacement of the canonical momentum of particle by the sum of its mechanical momentum and interactional field momentum for a system "charged particle and a macroscopic source of EM field". The implications of the obtained results are discussed.

About the nonclassicality of states defined by nonpositivity of the P-quasiprobability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wünsche, Alfred

2004-02-01

The definition of nonclassical states in quantum optics by the nonpositivity of their Glauber-Sudarshan quasiprobability P(\\alpha,\\alpha^*)\\leftrightarrow P(q,p) is investigated and it is shown that it hides some serious problems. It leads to a subdivision of squeezed thermal states into classical and nonclassical states which is difficult to interpret physically by some qualitatively different behaviour of the states. Nonclassical states are found in arbitrarily small neighbourhoods of every classical state that is illustrated by a very artificial modified thermal state. The observability of the criterion in comparison to that for nonclassicality of states determined by the nearest Hilbert-Schmidt distance to a class of reference states is discussed. The behaviour of the nonclassicality of states in models of phase-insensitive processes of damping and amplification is investigated and it is found that every nonclassical state eventually makes a transition to a classical state. However, this is not specific for the negativities or singularities of the Glauber-Sudarshan quasiprobability and is found in similar form for other quasiprobabilities, for example, for the Wigner quasiprobability. We discuss in quite general form some defects of the Glauber-Sudarshan quasiprobability if compared with classical distribution functions over the phase space, in particular the failure of an earlier advertised superposition formula.

Images in quantum entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowden, G. J.

2009-08-01

A system for classifying and quantifying entanglement in spin 1/2 pure states is presented based on simple images. From the image point of view, an entangled state can be described as a linear superposition of separable object wavefunction ΨO plus a portion of its own inverse image. Bell states can be defined in this way: \\Psi = 1/\\sqrt 2 (\\Psi _O \\pm \\Psi _I ). Using the method of images, the three-spin 1/2 system is discussed in some detail. This system can exhibit exclusive three-particle ν123 entanglement, two-particle entanglements ν12, ν13, ν23 and/or mixtures of all four. All four image states are orthogonal both to each other and to the object wavefunction. In general, five entanglement parameters ν12, ν13, ν23, ν123 and phi123 are required to define the general entangled state. In addition, it is shown that there is considerable scope for encoding numbers, at least from the classical point of view but using quantum-mechanical principles. Methods are developed for their extraction. It is shown that concurrence can be used to extract even-partite, but not odd-partite information. Additional relationships are also presented which can be helpful in the decoding process. However, in general, numerical methods are mandatory. A simple roulette method for decoding is presented and discussed. But it is shown that if the encoder chooses to use transcendental numbers for the angles defining the target function (α1, β1), etc, the method rapidly turns into the Devil's roulette, requiring finer and finer angular steps.