Entanglement of particles versus entanglement of fields: Independent quantum resources

Abstract

Nature allows one to explore a manifold of remarkable quantum effects. Most prominently, quantum entanglement can be observed in many-particle systems, between multiple quantized fields, and hybrid combinations thereof. This diversity, however, also leads to contradicting conclusions about what truly constitutes entanglement in any given physical scenario. By explicitly allowing various perspectives, we rigorously consider different notions of entanglement in the context of first and second quantization. By providing instructive examples, we show that particle entanglement and field entanglement are actually distinct phenomena that can occur and be observed independently of each other. This finding not only affects our fundamental understanding but has direct implications on quantum technology which can harness those independent forms of entanglement in practical scenarios.