Continuous-variable Entangled States Research Articles

Remote preparation and manipulation of squeezed light.

Remote state preparation enables one to create and manipulate a quantum state based on the shared entanglement between distant nodes. Here, we experimentally demonstrate remote preparation and manipulation of squeezed light. By performing a homodyne projective measurement on one mode of the continuous variable entangled state at Alice's station, a squeezed state is created at Bob's station. Moreover, rotation and displacement operations are applied on the prepared squeezed state by changing the projective parameters on Alice's state. We also show that the remotely prepared squeezed state is robust against loss and N - 1 squeezed states can be remotely prepared based on an N-mode continuous variable Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger-like state. Our results verify the entanglement-based model used in security analysis of quantum key distribution with continuous variables and have potential application in remote quantum information processing.

General model of counterpropagating continuous-variable entangled states in lossy waveguides

We present a general theoretical approach to model an integrated source of counterpropagating continuous-variable entangled states in lossy waveguides pumped by a classical pulsed source incident from above the waveguide. We use a backward Heisenberg approach to model the generation of the entangled state and then solve the adjoint master equation to model the propagation of the state in the lossy waveguide. We employ a numerical method to implement the Schmidt decomposition method for the biphoton wave function rather than pursuing analytical methods. This approach allows us to model a wide variety of waveguide systems and pump configurations. We apply our model to the nonlinear generation and propagation of continuous-variable entangled states in a coupled resonator optical waveguide under a variety of different pump conditions and derive the optimal pumping conditions for our system.

Quantum coherence of an orbital angular momentum multiplexed continuous-variable entangled state

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexed entangled state is an important quantum resource for high dimensional quantum information processing. In this paper, we experimentally quantify quantum coherence of OAM multiplexed continuous-variable (CV) entangled state and characterize its evolution in a noisy environment. We show that the quantum coherence of the OAM multiplexed CV entangled state carrying topological charges l = 1 and l = 2 are the same as that of the Gaussian mode with l = 0 in a noisy channel. Furthermore, we show that the quantum coherence of OAM multiplexed entangled state is robust to noise, even though the sudden death of entanglement is observed. Our results provide reference for applying quantum coherence of OAM multiplexed CV entangled state in a noisy environment.

Coherent perfect absorption of quantum light

Coherent perfect absorption (CPA) was introduced as a classical optics phenomenon of a standing-wave absorption by a subwavelength film. In this paper, we develop a theory of CPA of quantized standing waves taking account of a subwavelength thickness of the absorber. This approach allows us to merge all known quantum effects of CPA under a single theory and introduce other regimes of CPA including CPA of NOON states with arbitrary number of entangled photons, orthogonally squeezed vacuum states, continuous variable entangled states, and Schr\"odinger cat states. Detailed analysis of the quantum regime of CPA sheds light on fundamental aspects of quantum light dissipation and its practical implementation in quantum optics and quantum information.

Precise control of squeezing angle to generate 11 dB entangled state.

The strength of the quantum correlations of a continuous-variable entangled state is determined by several relative phases in the preparation, transmission, and detection processes of entangled states. In this paper, we report the first experimental and theoretical demonstrations of the precision of relative phases associated with the strength of quadrature correlations. Based on the interrelations of the relative phases, three precisely phase-locking methodologies are established: ultralow RAM control loops for the lengths and relative phases stabilization of the DOPAs, difference DC locking for the relative phase between the two squeezed beams, and DC-AC joint locking for the relative phases in BHDs. The phase-locking loops ensure the total phase noise to be 9.7±0.32/11.1±0.36 mrad. Finally, all the relative phase deviations are controlled to be in the range of -35 to 35 mrad, which enhances the correlations of the amplitude and phase quadratures to -11.1 and -11.3 dB. The entanglement also exhibits a broadband squeezing bandwidth up to 100 MHz. This paves a valuable resource for experimental realization and applications in quantum information and precision measurement.

Efficient Verification of Continuous-Variable Quantum States and Devices without Assuming Identical and Independent Operations.

Continuous-variable quantum information, encoded into infinite-dimensional quantum systems, is a promising platform for the realization of many quantum information protocols, including quantum computation, quantum metrology, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication. To successfully demonstrate these protocols, an essential step is the certification of multimode continuous-variable quantum states and quantum devices. This problem is well studied under the assumption that multiple uses of the same device result in identical and independently distributed (i.i.d.) operations. However, in realistic scenarios, identical and independent state preparation and calls to the quantum devices cannot be generally guaranteed. Important instances include adversarial scenarios and instances of time-dependent and correlated noise. In this Letter, we propose the first set of reliable protocols for verifying multimode continuous-variable entangled states and devices in these non-i.i.d scenarios. Although not fully universal, these protocols are applicable to Gaussian quantum states, non-Gaussian hypergraph states, as well as amplification, attenuation, and purification of noisy coherent states.

Quantum dialogue mediated by EPR-type entangled coherent states

Talking with each other on the telephone is convenient but insecure because the conversation content can be eavesdropped perfectly. Quantum dialogue protocols have thus been devised to enable two parties to talk with a reasonable level of security suited to urgent situations without the need of a prior quantum key distribution. Existing protocols use either discrete-variable or continuous-variable entangled states each of which has its own pros and cons. Here we employ Einstein–Podolky–Rosen-type entangled coherent states with fixed and large enough amplitudes which are intermediate between discrete- and continuous-variable states. The outstanding pros is the possibility of unambiguous and efficient identification of a given entangled coherent state which is necessary for the decoding process. Single-mode gates required for the encoding process are executable as well, possibly with the assistance of additional resources. Two types of control methods are introduced to protect the quantum dialogue from outsider’s attacks. The information leakage problem is also discussed showing that it hardly influences the protocol security for a long enough dialogue.

Photonic hybrid state entanglement swapping using cat state superpositions.

We propose the use of hybrid entanglement in an entanglement swapping protocol, as means of distributing a Bell state with high fidelity to two parties. The hybrid entanglement used in this work is described as a discrete variable (Fock state) and a continuous variable (cat state super- position) entangled state. We model equal and unequal levels of photonic loss between the two propagating continuous variable modes, before detecting these states via a projective vacuum-one-photon measurement, and the other mode via balanced homodyne detection. We investigate homodyne measurement imperfections, and the associated success probability of the measurement schemes chosen in this protocol. We show that our entanglement swapping scheme is resilient to low levels of photonic losses, as well as low levels of averaged unequal losses between the two propagating modes, and show an improvement in this loss resilience over other hybrid entanglement schemes using coherent state superpositions as the propagating modes. Finally, we conclude that our protocol is suitable for potential quantum networking applications which require two nodes to share entanglement separated over a distance of , when used with a suitable entanglement purification scheme.

Counterpropagating continuous-variable entangled states in lossy coupled-cavity optical waveguides

We present an integrated source of counterpropagating entangled states based on a coupled resonator optical waveguide that is pumped by a classical pulsed source incident from above the waveguide. We investigate theoretically the generation and propagation of continuous variable entangled states in this coupled-cavity system in the presence of intrinsic loss. Using a tight-binding approximation, we derive analytic time-dependent expressions for the number of photons in each cavity, as well as for the correlation variance between the photons in different pairs of cavities, to evaluate the degree of quantum entanglement. We also derive simple approximate expressions for these quantities that can be used to guide the design of such systems, and discuss how pumping configurations and physical properties of the system affect the photon statistics and the degree of quantum correlation.

Methods for Derivation of Density Matrix of Arbitrary Multi-Mode Gaussian States from Its Phase Space Representation**Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 11574400 and 11204379, the Beijing Institute of Technology Research Fund Program for Young Scholars, and the NSFC-ICTP Proposal under Grant No 11981240356.

We present a method for derivation of the density matrix of an arbitrary multi-mode continuous variable Gaussian entangled state from its phase space representation. An explicit computer algorithm is given to reconstruct the density matrix from Gaussian covariance matrix and quadrature average values. As an example, we apply our method to the derivation of three-mode symmetric continuous variable entangled state. Our method can be used to analyze the entanglement and correlation in continuous variable quantum network with multi-mode quantum entanglement states.

Continuous-variable entangled states of light carrying orbital angular momentum

The orbital angular momentum of light, unlike spin, is an infinite-dimensional discrete variable and may hence offer enhanced performances for encoding, transmitting, and processing quantum information. Hitherto, this degree of freedom of light has been studied mainly in the context of quantum states with definite number of photons. On the other hand, field-quadrature continuous-variable quantum states of light allow implementing many important quantum protocols not accessible with photon-number states. Here, we realize a scheme based on a $q$-plate device for endowing a bipartite continuous-variable Gaussian entangled state with nonzero orbital angular momentum. We then apply a reconfigurable homodyne detector working directly with such nonzero orbital angular momentum modes in order to retrieve experimentally their entire quantum-state covariance matrix, thus providing a full characterization of their quantum fluctuation properties. Our work is a step towards generating multipartite continuous-variable entanglement in a single optical beam.

Superposition of Entangled Coherent States: Physical Realization and Properties

Continuous variable entangled states and especially entangled coherent states have attracted increasing interest in the Geld of quantum information processing. The characteristic features of the superposition of quantum states can be found in the literature. Because of these significant findings, we introduce and investigate a special superposition of multipartite entangled coherent states. We prove that the free-traveling optical field scheme can generate such a superposed state. Using a geometric measure of entanglement, we then investigate the correlation behavior of the superposed state.

Evolution of a two-mode squeezed vacuum for amplitude decay via continuous-variable entangled state approach

Extending the recent work completed by Fan et al. [Front. Phys. 9(1), 74 (2014)] to a two-mode case, we investigate how a two-mode squeezed vacuum evolves when it undergoes a two-mode amplitude dissipative channel, with the same decay rate κ, using the continuous-variable entangled state approach. Our analytical results show that the initial pure-squeezed vacuum state evolves into a definite mixed state with entanglement and squeezing, decaying over time as a result of amplitude decay. We also investigate the time evolutions of the photon number distribution, the Wigner function, and the optical tomogram in this channel. Our results indicate that the evolved photon number distribution is related to Jacobi polynomials, the Wigner function has a standard Gaussian distribution (corresponding to the vacuum) at long periods, losing its nonclassicality due to amplitude decay, and a larger squeezing leads to a longer decay time.

Experimental investigation of transmission characteristics of continuous variable entangled state over optical fibers

Continuous variable (CV) quantum entanglement is an essential resource for quantum computation and communication protocols. The use of CV quantum entanglement at a telecommunication wavelength of 1.5m in combination with existing fiber telecommunication networks offers the possibility to implement long-distance quantum communication protocols like quantum key distribution (QKD) and applications such as quantum repeaters, quantum teleportation in the future. In spite of the fact that the optical power attenuation of light in a standard telecommunication fiber is lowest at a wavelength of 1.5m, the entangled states will interact with fiber channels and the disentanglement will occur. It is one of the important factors restricting the development of long distance quantum information. In this paper, CV entangled state at 1.5m telecommunication band is obtained by using a type-II periodically poled KTP (PPKTP) crystal inside a nondegenerate optical parametric amplifier (NOPA). A wedged PPKTP is used for implementing frequency-down-conversion of the pump field to generate the optically entangled state and achieving the dispersion compensation between the pump and the subharmonic waves. By controlling the temperature and the length of the PPKTP crystal, a triply resonant optical parametric oscillator with a threshold of 80 mW is realized. Einstein-PodolskyRosen (EPR)-entangled beams with quantum correlation of 8.3 dB for both the amplitude and phase quadratures are experimentally generated by using a single NOPA at a pump power of 40 mW and an injected signal power of 10 mW when the relative phase between the pump and injected signal is locked to . The generated entangled state is coupled into a single-mode optical fiber, and the transmission characteristics of the generated EPR entangled beams through standard single-mode fibers are investigated experimentally and theoretically. A fiber polarization controller is used to compensate for the polarization state variation induced by random fluctuations of birefringence of the single mode fiber when the light propagates along the fiber, and to keep the polarization of light linear at the fiber output. A 0.21 dB quantum entanglement could still be observed for the EPR-entangled beams transmitted through a 50-km-long single-mode fiber. The theoretical prediction considering the excess noise in fiber channel is in good agreement with the experimental result. The generated CV quantum entanglement is highly suitable for the required experiments, such as CV measurement-device-independence QKD based on standard fibers, owing to the fact that the tolerance of the excess noise in the quantum channel can be enhanced significantly with respect to a coherent state if EPR-entangled beams are used.

Persistent energy–time entanglement covering multiple resonances of an on-chip biphoton frequency comb

We investigate the time-frequency signatures of an on-chip biphoton frequency comb (BFC) generated from a silicon nitride microring resonator. Using a Franson interferometer, we examine the multifrequency nature of the photon pair source in a time entanglement measurement scheme; having multiple frequency modes from the BFC results in a modulation of the interference pattern. This measurement together with a Schmidt mode decomposition shows that the generated continuous variable energy-time entangled state spans multiple pair-wise modes. Additionally, we demonstrate nonlocal dispersion cancellation, a foundational concept in time-energy entanglement, suggesting the potential of the chip-scale BFC for large-alphabet quantum key distribution.

Engineering continuous and discrete variable quantum vortex states by nonlocal photon subtraction in a reconfigurable photonic chip

We study the production of entangled two- and N-mode quantum states of light in optical waveguides. To this end, we propose a quantum photonic circuit that produces a reconfigurable superposition of photon subtraction on two single-mode squeezed states. Under postselection, continuous variable or discrete variable entangled states with possibilities in quantum information processing are obtained. Likewise, nesting leads to higher-dimension entanglement with a similar design, enabling the generation of non-Gaussian continuous variable cluster states. Additionally, we show the operation of the device through the generation of quantum vortex states of light and propose an integrated device that measures their order and handedness. Finally, we study the non-Gaussianity, nonclassicality, and entanglement of the quantum states generated with this scheme by means of the optical field-strength distribution, Wigner function, and logarithmic negativity.

Quantum-Enhanced Sensing Based on Time Reversal of Nonlinear Dynamics

We experimentally demonstrate a nonlinear detection scheme exploiting time-reversal dynamics that disentangles continuous variable entangled states for feasible readout. Spin-exchange dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates is used as the nonlinear mechanism which not only generates entangled states but can also be time reversed by controlled phase imprinting. For demonstration of a quantum-enhanced measurement we construct an active atom SU(1,1) interferometer, where entangled state preparation and nonlinear readout both consist of parametric amplification. This scheme is capable of exhausting the quantum resource by detecting solely mean atom numbers. Controlled nonlinear transformations widen the spectrum of useful entangled states for applied quantum technologies.

Efficient scheme for hybrid teleportation via entangled coherent states in circuit quantum electrodynamics.

We propose a deterministic scheme for teleporting an unknown qubit state through continuous-variable entangled states in superconducting circuits. The qubit is a superconducting two-level system and the bipartite quantum channel is a microwave photonic entangled coherent state between two cavities. A Bell-type measurement performed on the hybrid state of solid and photonic states transfers a discrete-variable unknown electronic state to a continuous-variable photonic cat state in a cavity mode. In order to facilitate the implementation of such complex protocols we propose a design for reducing the self-Kerr nonlinearity in the cavity. The teleporation scheme enables quantum information processing operations with circuit-QED based on entangled coherent states. These include state verification and single-qubit operations with entangled coherent states. These are shown to be experimentally feasible with the state of the art superconducting circuits.

Quantum frequency up-conversion of continuous variable entangled states

We demonstrate experimentally quantum frequency up-conversion of a continuous variable entangled optical field via sum-frequency-generation process. The two-color entangled state initially entangled at 806 and 1518 nm with an amplitude quadrature difference squeezing of 3.2 dB and phase quadrature sum squeezing of 3.1 dB is converted to a new entangled state at 530 and 1518 nm with the amplitude quadrature difference squeezing of 1.7 dB and phase quadrature sum squeezing of 1.8 dB. Our implementation enables the observation of entanglement between two light fields spanning approximately 1.5 octaves in optical frequency. The presented scheme is robust to the excess amplitude and phase noises of the pump field, making it a practical building block for quantum information processing and communication networks.

Satisfying the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen criterion with massive particles.

In 1935, Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen (EPR) questioned the completeness of quantum mechanics by devising a quantum state of two massive particles with maximally correlated space and momentum coordinates. The EPR criterion qualifies such continuous-variable entangled states, where a measurement of one subsystem seemingly allows for a prediction of the second subsystem beyond the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Up to now, continuous-variable EPR correlations have only been created with photons, while the demonstration of such strongly correlated states with massive particles is still outstanding. Here we report on the creation of an EPR-correlated two-mode squeezed state in an ultracold atomic ensemble. The state shows an EPR entanglement parameter of 0.18(3), which is 2.4 s.d. below the threshold 1/4 of the EPR criterion. We also present a full tomographic reconstruction of the underlying many-particle quantum state. The state presents a resource for tests of quantum nonlocality and a wide variety of applications in the field of continuous-variable quantum information and metrology.