Semi-device-independent certification of multiple unsharpness parameters through sequential measurements

Abstract

Based on a sequential communication game, semi-device-independent certification of an unsharp instrument has recently been demonstrated [K. Mohan, A. Tavakoli, and N. Brunner, New J. Phys. 21, 083034 (2019)]. In this paper, we provide semi-device-independent self-testing protocols in the prepare-measure scenario to certify multiple unsharpness parameters along with the states and the measurement settings. This is achieved through the sequential quantum advantage shared by multiple independent observers in a suitable communication game known as the parity-oblivious random-access code. We demonstrate that in the three-bit parity-oblivious random-access code at most three independent observers can sequentially share quantum advantage. The optimal pair (triple) of quantum advantages enables us to uniquely certify the qubit states, the measurement settings, and the unsharpness parameter(s). The practical implementation of a given protocol involves inevitable losses. In a suboptimal scenario, we derive a certified interval within which a specific unsharpness parameter has to be confined. We extend our treatment to the four-bit case and show that at most two observers can share quantum advantage for the qubit system. Further, we provide an outline to argue that four sequential observers can share the quantum advantage for the two-qubit system, thereby enabling the certification of three unsharpness parameters.