Showing papers on "Coherent states published in 2011"

Quantum metrology with entangled coherent states.

Abstract: We present an improved phase estimation scheme employing entangled coherent states and demonstrate that these states give the smallest variance in the phase parameter in comparison to NOON, ``bat,'' and ``optimal'' states under perfect and lossy conditions. As these advantages emerge for very modest particle numbers, the optical version of entangled coherent state metrology is achievable with current technology.

Polyhedra in loop quantum gravity

Abstract: Interwiners are the building blocks of spin-network states. The space of intertwiners is the quantization of a classical symplectic manifold introduced by Kapovich and Millson. Here we show that a theorem by Minkowski allows us to interpret generic configurations in this space as bounded convex polyhedra in 3 : a polyhedron is uniquely described by the areas and normals to its faces. We provide a reconstruction of the geometry of the polyhedron: we give formulas for the edge lengths, the volume and the adjacency of its faces. At the quantum level, this correspondence allows us to identify an intertwiner with the state of a quantum polyhedron, thus generalizing the notion of quantum tetrahedron familiar in the loop quantum gravity literature. Moreover, coherent intertwiners result to be peaked on the classical geometry of polyhedra. We discuss the relevance of this result for loop quantum gravity. In particular, coherent spin-network states with nodes of arbitrary valence represent a collection of semiclassical polyhedra. Furthermore, we introduce an operator that measures the volume of a quantum polyhedron and examine its relation with the standard volume operator of loop quantum gravity. We also comment on the semiclassical limit of spinfoams with non-simplicial graphs.

A high-fidelity noiseless amplifier for quantum light states

Abstract: Researchers demonstrate a probabilistic noiseless linear amplifier based on photon addition and subtraction. The technique enables coherent states to be amplified to the highest levels of effective gain and final-state fidelity, and could become an essential tool for applications in quantum communication and metrology.

U(N) coherent states for loop quantum gravity

Abstract: We investigate the geometry of the space of N-valent SU(2) intertwiners. We propose a new set of holomorphic operators acting on this space and a new set of coherent states which are covariant under U(N) transformations. These states are labeled by elements of the Grassmannian GrN, 2, they possess a direct geometrical interpretation in terms of framed polyhedra and are shown to be related to the well-known coherent intertwiners.

Efficient excitation of a two-level atom by a single photon in a propagating mode

Abstract: State mapping between atoms and photons, and photon-photon interactions play an important role in scalable quantum information processing. We consider the interaction of a two-level atom with a quantized propagating pulse in free space and study the probability ${P}_{e}(t)$ of finding the atom in the excited state at any time $t$. This probability is expected to depend on (i) the quantum state of the pulse field and (ii) the overlap between the pulse and the dipole pattern of the atomic spontaneous emission. We show that the second effect is captured by a single parameter $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\in}[0,8\ensuremath{\pi}/3]$, obtained by weighting the dipole pattern with the numerical aperture. Then, ${P}_{e}(t)$ can be obtained by solving time-dependent Heisenberg-Langevin equations. We provide detailed solutions for both single-photon Fock state and coherent states and for various temporal shapes of the pulses.

A new look at loop quantum gravity

Abstract: I describe a possible perspective on the current state of loop quantum gravity, at the light of the developments in the past few years. I point out that a theory is now available, having a well-defined background-independent kinematics and a dynamics allowing transition amplitudes to be computed explicitly in different regimes. I emphasize the fact that the dynamics can be given in terms of a simple vertex function, largely determined by locality, diffeomorphism invariance and local Lorentz invariance. I emphasize the importance of approximations. I list open problems.

Optical hybrid approaches to quantum information

Abstract: This article reviews recent hybrid approaches to optical quantum information processing, in which both discrete and continuous degrees of freedom are exploited. There are well-known limitations to optical single-photon-based qubit and multi-photon-based qumode implementations of quantum communication and quantum computation, when the toolbox is restricted to the most practical set of linear operations and resources such as linear optics and Gaussian operations and states. The recent hybrid approaches aim at pushing the feasibility, the efficiencies, and the fidelities of the linear schemes to the limits, potentially adding weak or measurement-induced nonlinearities to the toolbox.

Cross-Kerr nonlinearity between continuous-mode coherent states and single photons

Abstract: Weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities between single photons and coherent states are the basis for many applications in quantum-information processing. These nonlinearities have so far mainly been discussed in terms of highly idealized single-mode models. We develop a general theory of the interaction between continuous-mode photonic pulses and apply it to the case of a single photon interacting with a coherent state. We quantitatively study the validity of the usual single-mode approximation using the concepts of fidelity and conditional phase. We show that high fidelities, nonzero conditional phases, and high photon numbers are compatible, under conditions where the pulses fully pass through each other and where unwanted transverse-mode effects are suppressed.

Quantifying non-Markovianity of continuous-variable Gaussian dynamical maps

Abstract: We introduce a non-Markovianity measure for continuous-variable open quantum systems based on the idea put forward in H.-P. Breuer et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 210401 (2009);], that is, by quantifying the flow of information from the environment back to the open system. Instead of the trace distance we use here the fidelity to assess distinguishability of quantum states. We employ our measure to evaluate non-Markovianity of two paradigmatic Gaussian channels: the purely damping channel and the quantum Brownian motion channel with Ohmic environment. We consider different classes of Gaussian states and look for pairs of states maximizing the backflow of information. For coherent states we find simple analytical solutions, whereas for squeezed states we provide both exact numerical and approximate analytical solutions in the weak coupling limit.

Generation of discrete superpositions of coherent states in the anharmonic oscillator model

Abstract: The problem of generating discrete superpositions of coherent states in the process of light propagation through a nonlinear Kerr medium, which is modelled by the anharmonic oscillator, is discussed. It is shown that under an appropriate choice of the length (time) of the medium the superpositions with both even and odd numbers of coherent states can appear. Analytical formulae for such superpositions with a few components are given explicitly. General rules governing the process of generating discrete superpositions of coherent states are also given. The maximum number of well distinguished states that can be obtained for a given number of initial photons is estimated. The quasiprobability distribution $Q(\alpha,\alpha^*,t)$ representing the superposition states is illustrated graphically, showing regular structures when the component states are well separated.

Detecting quantum states with a positive Wigner function beyond mixtures of Gaussian states.

Abstract: We propose a criterion giving a sufficient condition for quantum states of a harmonic oscillator not to be expressible as a convex mixture of Gaussian states. This nontrivial property is inherent to, e.g., a single-photon state and the criterion thus allows one to reveal a signature of the state even in quantum states with a positive Wigner function. The criterion relies on directly measurable photon number probabilities and enables detection of this manifestation of a single-photon state in quantum states produced by solid-state single-photon sources in a weak coupling regime.

Classical analogue of displaced Fock states and quantum correlations in Glauber-Fock photonic lattices.

Abstract: Coherent states and their generalizations, displaced Fock states, are of fundamental importance to quantum optics. Here we present a direct observation of a classical analogue for the emergence of these states from the eigenstates of the harmonic oscillator. To this end, the light propagation in a Glauber-Fock waveguide lattice serves as equivalent for the displacement of Fock states in phase space. Theoretical calculations and analogue classical experiments show that the square-root distribution of the coupling parameter in such lattices supports a new family of intriguing quantum correlations not encountered in uniform arrays. Because of the broken shift invariance of the lattice, these correlations strongly depend on the transverse position. Consequently, quantum random walks with this extra degree of freedom may be realized in Glauber-Fock lattices.

Manipulating Quantum Structures Using Laser Pulses

Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Atoms as structured particles 3. Radiation 4. The laser-atom interaction 5. Picturing quantum structure and changes 6. Incoherence: rate equations 7. Coherence: the Schrodinger equation 8. Two-state coherent excitation 9. Weak pulse: perturbation theory 10. The vector model 11. Sequential pulses 12. Degeneracy 13. Three states 14. Raman processes 15. Multilevel excitation 16. Averages and the statistical matrix (density matrix) 17. Preparing superpositions 18. Measuring superpositions 19. Overall phase, interferometry and cyclic dynamics 20. Atoms affecting fields 21. Atoms in cavities 22. Control and optimization Appendices References Index.

Dynamic quantum Kerr effect in circuit quantum electrodynamics

Abstract: A superconducting qubit coupled to a microwave resonator provides a controllable system that enables fundamental studies of light-matter interactions. In the dispersive regime, photons in the resonator exhibit induced frequency and phase shifts which are revealed in the resonator transmission spectrum measured with fixed qubit-resonator detuning. In this static detuning scheme, the phase shift is measured in the far-detuned, linear dispersion regime to avoid measurement-induced demolition of the qubit quantum state. Here we explore the qubit-resonator dispersive interaction over a much broader range of detunings, by using a dynamic procedure where the qubit transition is driven adiabatically. We use resonator Wigner tomography to monitor the interaction, revealing exotic non-linear effects on different photon states, e.g., Fock states, coherent states, and Schrodinger cat states, thereby demonstrating a quantum Kerr effect in the dynamic framework.

Discriminating Quantum Optical Beam-splitter Channels with Number Diagonal Signal States: Applications to Quantum Reading and Target Detection

Abstract: We consider the problem of distinguishing, with minimum probability of error, two optical beam-splitter channels with unequal complex-valued reflectivities using general quantum probe states entangled over $M$ signal and ${M}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ idler mode pairs of which the signal modes are bounced off the beam splitter while the idler modes are retained losslessly. We obtain a lower bound on the output state fidelity valid for any pure input state. We define number-diagonal signal (NDS) states to be input states whose density operator in the signal modes is diagonal in the multimode number basis. For such input states, we derive series formulas for the optimal error probability, the output state fidelity, and the Chernoff-type upper bounds on the error probability. For the special cases of quantum reading of a classical digital memory and target detection (for which the reflectivities are real valued), we show that for a given input signal photon probability distribution, the fidelity is minimized by the NDS states with that distribution and that for a given average total signal energy ${N}_{s}$, the fidelity is minimized by any multimode Fock state with ${N}_{s}$ total signal photons. For reading of an ideal memory, it is shown that Fock state inputs minimize the Chernoff bound. For target detection under high-loss conditions, a no-go result showing the lack of appreciable quantum advantage over coherent state transmitters is derived. A comparison of the error probability performance for quantum reading of number state and two-mode squeezed vacuum state (or EPR state) transmitters relative to coherent state transmitters is presented for various values of the reflectances. While the nonclassical states in general perform better than the coherent state, the quantitative performance gains differ depending on the values of the reflectances. The experimental outlook for realizing nonclassical gains from number state transmitters with current technology at moderate to high values of the reflectances is argued to be good.

Coherent semiclassical states for loop quantum cosmology

Abstract: The spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological model with a massless scalar field in loop quantum cosmology admits a description in terms of a completely solvable model. This has been used to prove that: (i) the quantum bounce that replaces the big bang singularity is generic; (ii) there is an upper bound on the energy density for all states, and (iii) semiclassical states at late times had to be semiclassical before the bounce. Here we consider a family of exact solutions to the theory, corresponding to generalized coherent Gaussian and squeezed states. We analyze the behavior of basic physical observables and impose restrictions on the states based on physical considerations. These turn out to be enough to select, from all the generalized coherent states, those that behave semiclassical at late times. We study then the properties of such states near the bounce where the most ``quantum behavior'' is expected. As it turns out, the states remain sharply peaked and semiclassical at the bounce and the dynamics is very well approximated by the ``effective theory'' throughout the time evolution. We compare the semiclassicality properties of squeezed states to those of the Gaussian semiclassical states and conclude that the Gaussians are better behaved. In particular, the asymmetry in the relative fluctuations before and after the bounce are negligible, thus ruling out claims of so-called ``cosmic forgetfulness.''

Experimental demonstration of a Hadamard gate for coherent state qubits

Abstract: We discuss and make an experimental test of a probabilistic Hadamard gate for coherent state qubits. The scheme is based on linear optical components, nonclassical resources, and the joint projective action of a photon counter and a homodyne detector. We experimentally characterize the gate for the coherent states of the computational basis by full tomographic reconstruction of the transformed output states. Based on the parameters of the experiment, we simulate the fidelity for all coherent state qubits on the Bloch sphere.

Quantum reading capacity

Abstract: The readout of a classical memory can be modelled as a problem of quantum channel discrimination, where a decoder retrieves information by distinguishing the different quantum channels encoded in each cell of the memory (Pirandola 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 106 090504). In the case of optical memories, such as CDs and DVDs, this discrimination involves lossy bosonic channels and can be remarkably boosted by the use of nonclassical light (quantum reading). Here we generalize these concepts by extending the model of memory from single-cell to multi-cell encoding. In general, information is stored in a block of cells by using a channel-codeword, i.e. a sequence of channels chosen according to a classical code. Correspondingly, the readout of data is realized by a process of ?parallel? channel discrimination, where the entire block of cells is probed simultaneously and decoded via an optimal collective measurement. In the limit of a large block we define the quantum reading capacity of the memory, quantifying the maximum number of readable bits per cell. This notion of capacity is nontrivial when we suitably constrain the physical resources of the decoder. For optical memories (encoding bosonic channels), such a constraint is energetic and corresponds to fixing the mean total number of photons per cell. In this case, we are able to prove a separation between the quantum reading capacity and the maximum information rate achievable by classical transmitters, i.e. arbitrary classical mixtures of coherent states. In fact, we can easily construct nonclassical transmitters that are able to outperform any classical transmitter, thus showing that the advantages of quantum reading persist in the optimal multi-cell scenario.

Experimental proposal for the generation of entangled photon triplets by third-order spontaneous parametric downconversion in optical fibers.

Abstract: We present an experimental proposal for the generation of photon triplets based on third-order spontaneous parametric downconversion in thin optical fibers. Our analysis includes expressions for the quantum state, which describes the photon triplets and for the generation rate in terms of all experimental parameters. We also present, for a specific source design, numerically calculated generation rates.

Inflation with General Initial Conditions for Scalar Perturbations

Abstract: We explore the possibility of a single field quasi-de Sitter inflationary model with general initial state for primordial fluctuations. In this paper, first we compute the power spectrum and the bispectrum of scalar perturbations with coherent state as the initial state. We find that a large class of coherent states are indistinguishable from the Bunch-Davies vacuum state and hence consistent with the current observations. In case of a more general initial state built over Bunch-Davies vacuum state, we show that the constraints on the initial state from observed power spectrum and local bispectrum are relatively weak and for quasi-de Sitter inflation a large number of initial states are consistent with the current observations. However, renormalizability of the energy-momentum tensor of the fluctuations constraints the initial state further.

Approaches for a quantum memory at telecommunication wavelengths

Abstract: We report experimental storage and retrieval of weak coherent states of light at telecommunication wavelengths using erbium ions doped into a solid. We use two photon-echo-based quantum storage protocols. The first one is based on controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening (CRIB). It allows the retrieval of the light on demand by controlling the collective atomic coherence with an external electric field, via the linear Stark effect. We study how atoms in the excited state affect the signal-to-noise ratio of the CRIB memory. Additionally we show how CRIB can be used to modify the temporal width of the retrieved light pulse. The second protocol is based on atomic frequency combs. Using this protocol we verify that the reversible mapping is phase preserving by performing an interference experiment with a local oscillator. These measurements are enabling steps toward solid-state quantum memories at telecommunication wavelengths. We also give an outlook on possible improvements.

Superradiant phase in field-matter interactions

Abstract: We show that semiclassical states adapted to the symmetry of the Hamiltonian are an excellent approximation to the exact quantum solution of the ground and first excited states of the Dicke model. Their overlap with the exact quantum states is very close to 1 except in a close vicinity of the quantum phase transition. Furthermore, they have analytic forms in terms of the model parameters and allow us to calculate analytically the expectation values of field and matter observables. Some of these differ considerably from results obtained via the standard coherent states and by means of Holstein-Primakoff series expansion of the Dicke Hamiltonian. Comparison with exact solutions obtained numerically supports our results. In particular, it is shown that the expectation values of the number of photons and of the number of excited atoms have no singularities at the phase transition. We comment on why other authors have previously found otherwise.

No singularities in observables at the phase transition in the Dicke model

Abstract: The Dicke Hamiltonian describes the simplest quantum system with atoms interacting with photons: $N$ two-level atoms inside a perfectly reflecting cavity, which allows only one electromagnetic mode. It has also been successfully employed to describe superconducting circuits that behave as artificial atoms coupled to a resonator. The system exhibits a transition to a superradiant phase at zero temperature. When the interaction strength reaches its critical value, both the number of photons and atoms in excited states in the cavity, together with their fluctuations, exhibit a sudden increase from zero. By employing symmetry-adapted coherent states, it is shown that these properties scale with the number of atoms, their reported divergences at the critical point represent the limit when this number goes to infinity, and, in this limit, they remain divergent in the superradiant phase. Analytical expressions are presented for all observables of interest, for any number of atoms. Comparisons with exact numerical solutions strongly support the results.

Quantum key distribution via tripartite coherent states

Abstract: We propose a quantum key distribution protocol using Greenberger Horne Zeilinger tripartite coherent states. The sender and the receiver share similar key by exchanging the correlation coherent states, without basis reconciliation. This allows the protocol to have a transmission efficiency of 100% in a perfect quantum channel. The security of the protocol is ensured by tripartite coherent states correlation and homodyne detection, which allows to detect any eavesdropping easily.

Coherent-state transfer via highly mixed quantum spin chains

Abstract: Spin chains have been proposed as quantum wires in many quantum-information processing architectures. Coherent transmission of quantum information in spin chains over short distances is enabled by their internal dynamics, which drives the transport of single-spin excitations in perfectly polarized chains. Given the practical challenge of preparing the chain in a pure state, we propose to use a chain that is initially in the maximally mixed state. We compare the transport properties of pure and mixed-state chains and find similarities that enable the experimental study of pure-state transfer via mixed-state chains. We also demonstrate protocols for the perfect transfer of quantum information in these chains. Remarkably, mixed-state chains allow the use of Hamiltonians that do not preserve the total number of single-spin excitations and are more readily obtainable from the naturally occurring magnetic dipolar interaction. We discuss experimental implementations using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and defect centers in diamond.

Deformed photon-added nonlinear coherent states and their non-classical properties

Abstract: In this paper, we will try to present a general formalism for the construction of deformed photon-added nonlinear coherent states (DPANCSs) |α, f, m, which in a special case lead to the well-known photon-added coherent state (PACS) |α, m. Some algebraic structures of the introduced DPANCSs are studied and particularly the resolution of the identity, as the most important property of generalized coherent states, is investigated. Meanwhile, it will be demonstrated that the introduced states can also be classified in the f-deformed coherent states, with a special nonlinearity function. Next, we will show that these states can be produced through a simple theoretical scheme. A discussion on the DPANCSs with negative values of m, i.e. |α, f, −m, is then presented. Our approach has the potentiality to be used for the construction of a variety of new classes of DPANCSs, corresponding to any nonlinear oscillator with known nonlinearity function, as well as arbitrary solvable quantum system with known discrete, non-degenerate spectrum. Finally, after applying the formalism to a particular physical system known as the Poschl–Teller (P-T) potential and the nonlinear coherent states corresponding to a specific nonlinearity function , some of the non-classical properties, such as the Mandel parameter, second-order correlation function, in addition to first- and second-order squeezing of the corresponding states, will be investigated numerically.

Quantum response of dephasing open systems

Abstract: We develop a theory of adiabatic response for open systems governed by Lindblad evolutions. The theory determines the dependence of the response coefficients on the dephasing rates and allows for residual dissipation even when the ground state is protected by a spectral gap. We give the quantum response a geometric interpretation in terms of Hilbert space projections: for a two-level system and, more generally, for systems with a suitable functional form of the dephasing, the dissipative and non-dissipative parts of the response are linked to a metric and to a symplectic form. The metric is the Fubini-Study metric and the symplectic form is the adiabatic curvature. When the metric and symplectic structures are compatible, the non-dissipative part of the inverse matrix of response coefficients turns out to be immune to dephasing. We give three examples of physical systems whose quantum states induce compatible metric and symplectic structures on control space: qubit, coherent states and a model of the integer quantum Hall effect.

Polarization-entanglement purification and concentration using cross-kerr nonlinearity

Abstract: We present an entanglement purification protocol and an entanglement concentration protocol in this paper, resorting to cross-Kerr nonlinearities and interference of two coherent beams. Our purification protocol can be used to purify photon pairs not only from an ideal entangled source but also from a parametric down-conversion source by the measurement on the interference of two coherent beams without giant cross-Kerr media. Our quantum nondemolition detection can also used to concentrate photon pairs in less entangled pure states efficiently. Our protocols are more flexibilities in distinguishing the phases of the coherent states during homodyne detection.