## Physics

### Quantum information transfer using photons. (arXiv:1708.00424v1 [quant-ph])

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Optical communication channels have redefined the purview and applications of classical computing; similarly, photonic transfer of quantum information promises to open new horizons for quantum computing. The implementation of light-matter interfaces that preserve quantum information is technologically challenging, but key building blocks for such devices have recently been demonstrated in several research groups. Here, we outline the theoretical framework for information transfer between nodes of a quantum network, review the current experimental state of the art, and discuss the prospects for hybrid systems currently in development.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Coulomb-corrected strong-field quantum trajectories beyond dipole approximation. (arXiv:1708.00429v1 [physics.atom-ph])

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Non-dipole effects in strong-field photoelectron momentum spectra have been revealed experimentally [C.T.L. Smeenk et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 193002 (2011); A. Ludwig et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 243001 (2014)]. For certain laser parameters and photoelectron momenta the spectra were found to be shifted against the laser propagation direction whereas one would naively assume that the radiation pressure due to the $\vec{v}\times\vec{B}$-force pushes electrons always in propagation direction. Only the interplay between Lorentz and Coulomb force may give rise to such counterintuitive dynamics. In this work, we calculate the momentum-dependent shift in and against the propagation direction by extending the quantum trajectory-based Coulomb-corrected strong-field approximation beyond the dipole approximation. A semi-analytical treatment where both magnetic and Coulomb force are treated perturbatively but simultaneously reproduces the results from the full numerical solution of the equations of motion.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Composable security in relativistic quantum cryptography. (arXiv:1708.00433v1 [quant-ph])

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Relativistic protocols have been proposed to overcome some impossibility results in classical and quantum cryptography. In such a setting, one takes the location of honest players into account, and uses the fact that information cannot travel faster than the speed of light to limit the abilities of dishonest agents. For example, various relativistic bit commitment protocols have been proposed. Although it has been shown that bit commitment is sufficient to construct oblivious transfer and thus multiparty computation, composing specific relativistic protocols in this way is known to be insecure. A composable framework is required to perform such a modular security analysis of construction schemes, but no known frameworks can handle models of computation in Minkowski space.

By instantiating the systems model from the Abstract Cryptography framework with causal boxes, we obtain such a composable framework, in which messages are assigned a location in Minkowski space (or superpositions thereof). This allows us to analyze relativistic protocols, and derive novel possibility and impossibility results. We show that (1) coin flipping can be constructed from the primitive channel with delay, (2) biased coin flipping, bit commitment and channel with delay are all impossible without further assumptions, and (3) it is impossible to improve a channel with delay. This implies in particular non-composability of all proposed relativistic bit commitment protocols, as well as non-composability of (quantum, but non-relativistic) biased coin flipping protocols.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Metropolitan quantum key distribution with silicon photonics. (arXiv:1708.00434v1 [quant-ph])

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) provide a compact and stable platform for quantum photonics. Here we demonstrate a silicon photonics quantum key distribution (QKD) transmitter in the first high-speed polarization-based QKD field tests. The systems reach composable secret key rates of 950 kbps in a local test (on a 103.6-m fiber with a total emulated loss of 9.2 dB) and 106 kbps in an intercity metropolitan test (on a 43-km fiber with 16.4 dB loss). Our results represent the highest secret key generation rate for polarization-based QKD experiments at a standard telecom wavelength and demonstrate PICs as a promising, scalable resource for future formation of metropolitan quantum-secure communications networks.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Tuning quantum measurements to control chaos. (arXiv:1604.03494v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Environment-induced decoherence has long been recognised as being of crucial importance in the study of chaos in quantum systems. In particular, the exact form and strength of the system-environment interaction play a major role in the quantum-to-classical transition of chaotic systems. In this work we focus on the effect of varying monitoring strategies, i.e. for a given decoherence model and a fixed environmental coupling, there is still freedom on how to monitor a quantum system. We show here that there is a region between the deep quantum regime and the classical limit where the choice of the monitoring parameter allows one to control the complex behaviour of the system, leading to either the emergence or suppression of chaos. Our work shows that this is a result from the interplay between quantum interference effects induced by the nonlinear dynamics and the effectiveness of the decoherence for different measurement schemes.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Tensor-Network Simulations of the Surface Code under Realistic Noise. (arXiv:1607.06460v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

The surface code is a many-body quantum system, and simulating it in generic conditions is computationally hard. While the surface code is believed to have a high threshold, the numerical simulations used to establish this threshold are based on simplified noise models. We present a tensor-network algorithm for simulating error correction with the surface code under arbitrary local noise. We use this algorithm to study the threshold and the subthreshold behavior of the amplitude-damping and systematic rotation channels. We also compare these results to those obtained by making standard approximations to the noise models.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Extracting the physical sector of quantum states. (arXiv:1609.02797v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

The physical nature of any quantum source guarantees the existence of an effective Hilbert space of finite dimension, the physical sector, in which its state is completely characterized with arbitrarily high accuracy. The extraction of this sector is essential for state tomography. We show that the physical sector of a state, defined in some pre-chosen basis, can be systematically retrieved with a procedure using only data collected from a set of commuting quantum measurement outcomes, with no other assumptions about the source. We demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of the physical-sector extraction by applying it to simulated and experimental data for quantum light sources, as well as quantum systems of finite dimensions.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Decoherence as a way to measure extremely soft collisions with dark matter. (arXiv:1609.04145v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

A new frontier in the search for dark matter (DM) is based on the idea of detecting the decoherence caused by DM scattering against a mesoscopic superposition of normal matter. Such superpositions are uniquely sensitive to very small momentum transfers from new particles and forces, especially DM with a mass below 100 MeV. Here we investigate what sorts of dark sectors are inaccessible with existing methods but would induce noticeable decoherence in the next generation of matter interferometers. We show that very soft, but medium range (0.1 nm - 1 $\mu$m) elastic interactions between nuclei and DM are particularly suitable. We construct toy models for such interactions, discuss existing constraints, and delineate the expected sensitivity of forthcoming experiments. The first hints of DM in these devices would appear as small variations in the anomalous decoherence rate with a period of one sidereal day. This is a generic signature of interstellar sources of decoherence, clearly distinguishing it from terrestrial backgrounds. The OTIMA experiment under development in Vienna will begin to probe Earth-thermalizing DM once sidereal variations in the background decoherence rate are pushed below one part in a hundred for superposed 5-nm gold nanoparticles. The proposals by Bateman et al. and Geraci et al. could be similarly sensitive, although they would require at least a month of data taking. DM that is absorbed or elastically reflected by the Earth, and so avoids a greenhouse density enhancement, would not be detectable by those three experiments. On the other hand, the aggressive proposals of the MAQRO collaboration and Pino et al. would immediately open up many orders of magnitude in DM mass, interaction range, and coupling strength, regardless of how DM behaves in bulk matter.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Witnessing irreducible dimension. (arXiv:1611.01258v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

The Hilbert space dimension of a quantum system is the most basic quantifier of its information content. Lower bounds on the dimension can be certified in a device-independent way, based only on observed statistics. We highlight that some such "dimension witnesses" capture only the presence of systems of some dimension, which in a sense is trivial, not the capacity of performing information processing on them, which is the point of experimental efforts to control high-dimensional systems. In order to capture this aspect, we introduce the notion of irreducible dimension of a quantum behaviour. This dimension can be certified, and we provide a witness for irreducible dimension four.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### A Complete Characterization of Pretty Good State Transfer on Paths. (arXiv:1612.05603v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

We give a complete characterization of pretty good state transfer on paths between any pair of vertices with respect to the quantum walk model determined by the XY-Hamiltonian. If $n$ is the length of the path, and the vertices are indexed by the positive integers from 1 to $n$, with adjacent vertices having consecutive indices, then the necessary and sufficient conditions for pretty good state transfer between vertices $a$ and $b$ are that (a) $a + b = n + 1$, (b) $n + 1$ has at most one odd non-trivial divisor, and (c) if $n = 2^t r - 1$, for $r$ odd and $r \neq 1$, then $a$ is a multiple of $2^{t - 1}$.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Experimental triple-slit interference in a strongly-driven V-type artificial atom. (arXiv:1703.02308v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Rabi oscillations of a two-level atom appear as a quantum interference effect between the amplitudes associated to 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 3-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 multi-path-interference experiments for probing foundational concepts in quantum physics.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Robustness of error-suppressing entangling gates in cavity-coupled transmon qubits. (arXiv:1703.03514v2 [cond-mat.mes-hall] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Superconducting transmon qubits comprise one of the most promising platforms for quantum information processing due to their long coherence times and to their scalability into larger qubit networks. However, their weakly anharmonic spectrum leads to spectral crowding in multiqubit systems, making it challenging to implement fast, high-fidelity gates while avoiding leakage errors. To address this challenge, we use a protocol known as SWIPHT [Phys. Rev. B 91, 161405(R) (2015)], which yields smooth, simple microwave pulses designed to suppress leakage without sacrificing gate speed through spectral selectivity. Here, we determine the parameter regimes in which SWIPHT is effective and demonstrate that in these regimes it systematically produces two-qubit gate fidelities for cavity-coupled transmons in the range 99.6%-99.9% with gate times as fast as 23 ns. Our results are obtained from full numerical simulations that include current experimental levels of relaxation and dephasing. These high fidelities persist over a wide range of system parameters that encompass many current experimental setups and are insensitive to small parameter variations and pulse imperfections.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Probing helicity and the topological origins of helicity via non-local Hanbury-Brown and Twiss correlations. (arXiv:1609.03978v5 [cond-mat.mes-hall] CROSS LISTED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Quantum Hall edge modes are chiral while quantum spin Hall edge modes are helical. However, unlike chiral edge modes which always occur in topological systems, quasi-helical edge modes may arise in a trivial insulator too. These trivial quasi-helical edge modes are not topologically protected and therefore need to be distinguished from helical edge modes arising due to topological reasons. Earlier conductance measurements were used to identify these helical states, in this work we report on the advantage of using the non local shot noise as a probe for the helical nature of these states as also their topological or otherwise origin and compare them with chiral quantum Hall states. We see that in similar set-ups affected by same degree of disorder and inelastic scattering, non local shot noise "HBT" correlations can be positive for helical edge modes but are always negative for the chiral quantum Hall edge modes. Further, while trivial quasi-helical edge modes exhibit negative non-local "HBT" charge correlations, topological helical edge modes can show positive non-local "HBT" charge correlation. We also study the non-local spin correlations and Fano factor for clues as regards both the distinction between chirality/helicity as well as the topological/trivial dichotomy for helical edge modes.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Comment on "Unity-Efficiency Parametric Down-Conversion via Amplitude Amplification" [arXiv:1603.06857]. (arXiv:1707.09139v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

There is a serious flaw in the proposal [arXiv:1603.06857] for the achievement of unity efficiency in SPDC. This is a replacement due to mistakes in the table of probabilities. Numbers have been corrected.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Raum, Zeit und Wechselwirkung in der Quantentheorie der Ur-Alternativen. (arXiv:1707.08640v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

The quantum theory of Ur-alternatives of Carl Friedrich von Weizsaecker tries to constitute general quantum theory based on the concept of logical alternatives in time. Based on this interpretation of quantum theory the existence of free objects in space, their symmetry properties and their interactions shall be inferred. The alternatives are represented by binary alternatives, which are called Ur-alternatives because of their logically fundamental character. Through Ur-alternatives as elementary quantum theoretical units of information the Copernican revolution with respect to the question of space is realized in a consequent way. This means that not the objects of nature are in a given space, but the existence of space arises as a kind of indirect representation of relations between abstract quantum theoretical objects. The Ur-alternatives do not exist in a given physical reality, but the existence of space is constituted by Ur-alternatives at all. Such a concept of reality is implicitly contained within the uncertainty relation and can be seen especially in the EPR-paradoxon. It is shown in this thesis in a mathematical consistent way that a state in the tensor space of many Ur-alternatives can directly be mapped into a real three dimensional space which means that together with the dynamics a representation in a (3+1)-dimensional space-time becomes possible. By considering the $G_2$ an approach for the incorporation of the internal symmetries can be suggested. Furthermore the Ur-alternatives enable the constitution of a concept of interaction, which is based on quantum theoretical entanglement. By using this concept it is tried to obtain a purely quantum theoretical description of electromagnetism and gravity. This corresponds to a much more principle and in a radical sense background independent way of quantization.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### The photon identification loophole in EPRB experiments: computer models with single-wing selection. (arXiv:1707.08307v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

Recent Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm experiments [M. Giustina et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 250401 (2015); L. K. Shalm et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 250402 (2015)] that claim to be loophole free are scrutinized and are shown to suffer a photon identification loophole. The combination of a digital computer and discrete-event simulation is used to construct a minimal but faithful model of the most perfected realization of these laboratory experiments. In contrast to prior simulations, all photon selections are strictly made, as they are in the actual experiments, at the local station and no other "post-selection" is involved. The simulation results demonstrate that a manifestly non-quantum model that identifies photons in the same local manner as in these experiments can produce correlations that are in excellent agreement with those of the quantum theoretical description of the corresponding thought experiment, in conflict with Bell's theorem. The failure of Bell's theorem is possible because of our recognition of the photon identification loophole. Such identification measurement-procedures are necessarily included in all actual experiments but are not included in the theory of Bell and his followers.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### A quantum algorithm for greatest common divisor problem. (arXiv:1707.06430v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

We present a quantum algorithm solving the greatest common divisor (GCD) problem. This quantum algorithm possesses similar computational complexity with classical algorithms, such as the well-known Euclidean algorithm for GCD. This algorithm is an application of the quantum algorithms for the hidden subgroup problems, the same as Shor factoring algorithm. Explicit quantum circuits realized by quantum gates for this quantum algorithm are provided. We also give a computer simulation of this quantum algorithm and present the expected outcomes for the corresponding quantum circuit.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Multi-harmonic Quantum Dot Optomechanics in fused LiNbO$_3$-(Al)GaAs hybrids. (arXiv:1705.09948v2 [cond-mat.mes-hall] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

We fabricated an acousto-optic semiconductor hybrid device for strong optomechanical coupling of individual quantum emitters and a surface acoustic wave. Our device comprises a surface acoustic wave chip made from highly piezoelectric LiNbO$_3$ and a GaAs-based semiconductor membrane with an embedded layer of quantum dots. Employing multi-harmonic transducers, we generated sound waves on LiNbO$_3$ over a wide range of radio frequencies. We monitored their coupling to and propagation across the semiconductor membrane both in the electrical and optical domain. We demonstrate enhanced optomechanical tuning of the embedded quantum dots with increasing frequencies. This effect was verified by finite element modelling of our device geometry and attributed to an increased localization of the acoustic field within the semiconductor membrane. For moderately high acoustic frequencies, our simulations predict strong optomechanical coupling making our hybrid device ideally suited for applications in semiconductor based quantum acoustics.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### High efficiency photonic storage of single photons in cold atoms. (arXiv:1706.01404v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

An efficient quantum storage is highly desired for quantum information processing. As indicated by certain applications, a universal quantum storage is required to have a storage efficiency above 50% to beat the no-cloning limit. Although significant progress has been achieved in improving various quantum storage, the best storage efficiency of single photons is still below this criteria. By integrating a highly controllable single photon source with an optimized quantum storage, here we demonstrate an optical storage of single photons with storage efficiency of 65% in a cold atomic ensemble based on electromagnetically induced transparency. Meanwhile, the nonclassical characteristics of our storage are verified through the well-maintained nonclassical and single photon nature of the retrieved single photons.

Categories: Journals, Physics

### Few photon scattering on Bose-Hubbard lattices. (arXiv:1705.10555v2 [quant-ph] UPDATED)

arXiv.org: Quantum Physics - Wed, 2017-08-02 18:45

We theoretically investigate the scattering of few photon light on Bose-Hubbard lattices using diagrammatic scattering theory. We explicitly derive general analytical expressions for the lowest order photonic correlation functions, which we apply numerically to several different lattices. We focus specifically on non-linear effects visible in the intensity-intensity correlation function and explain bunching and anti-bunching effects in dimers, chains, rings and planes. The numerical implementation can be applied to arbitrary Bose-Hubbard graphs, and we provide it as an attachment to this publication.

Categories: Journals, Physics