Distributed Quantum Computation Research Articles

Path selection for quantum repeater networks

Quantum networks will support long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) and distributed quantum computation, and are an active area of both experimental and theoretical research. Here, we present an analysis of topologically complex networks of quantum repeaters composed of heterogeneous links. Quantum networks have fundamental behavioral differences from classical networks; the delicacy of quantum states makes a practical path selection algorithm imperative, but classical notions of resource utilization are not directly applicable, rendering known path selection mechanisms inadequate. To adapt Dijkstra’s algorithm for quantum repeater networks that generate entangled Bell pairs, we quantify the key differences and define a link cost metric, seconds per Bell pair of a particular fidelity, where a single Bell pair is the resource consumed to perform one quantum teleportation. Simulations that include both the physical interactions and the extensive classical messaging confirm that Dijkstra’s algorithm works well in a quantum context. Simulating about three hundred heterogeneous paths, comparing our path cost and the total work along the path gives a coefficient of determination of 0.88 or better.

Prospects for storage and retrieval of a quantum-dot single photon in an ultracold87Rb ensemble

Epitaxially grown quantum dots (QDs) are promising sources of non-classical states of light such as single photons and entangled photons. However, in order for them to be used as a resource for long-distance quantum communication, distributed quantum computation, or linear optics quantum computing, these photons must be coupled efficiently to long-lived quantum memories as part of a quantum repeater network. Here, we theoretically examine the prospects for efficient storage and retrieval of a QD-generated single photon with a 1 ns lifetime in a multi-level atomic system. We calculate using an experimentally demonstrated optical depth of 150 that the storage (total) efficiency can exceed 46% (28%) in a dense, ultracold ensemble of $^{87}$Rb atoms. Furthermore, we find that the optimal control pulse required for storage and retrieval can be obtained using a diode laser and an electro-optic modulator rather than a mode-locked, pulsed laser source. Increasing the optical depth, for example by using Bose-condensed ensembles or an optical cavity, can increase the efficiencies to near unity. Aside from enabling a high-speed quantum network based on QDs, such an efficient optical interface between an atomic ensemble and a QD can also lead to entanglement between collective spin-wave excitations of atoms and the spin of an electron or hole confined in the QD.

Scheme for the generation of freely traveling optical trio coherent states

Trio coherent states (TCSs) are non-Gaussian three-mode entangled states which can serve as a useful resource for continuous-variable quantum tasks, so their generation is of primary importance. Schemes exist to generate stable TCSs in terms of vibrational motion of a trapped ion inside a crystal. However, to perform quantum communication and distributed quantum computation the states should be shared beforehand among distant parties. That is, their modes should be able to be directed to different desired locations in space. In this work, we propose an experimental setup to generate such free-traveling TCSs in terms of optical fields. Our scheme uses standard physical resources, such as coherent states, balanced beam splitters, phase shifters, nonideal on-off photodetectors, and realistic weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities, without the need of single photons or homodyne or heterodyne measurements. We study the dependences of the fidelity of the state generated by our scheme with respect to the target TCS and the corresponding generation probability for the parameters involved. In theory, the fidelity could be nearly perfect for whatever weak nonlinearities $\ensuremath{\tau}$ and low photodetector efficiency $\ensuremath{\eta}$, provided that the amplitude $|\ensuremath{\alpha}|$ of an input coherent state is large enough, namely, $|\ensuremath{\alpha}|\ensuremath{\ge}5/(\sqrt{\ensuremath{\eta}}\ensuremath{\tau})$.

Optically controlled phase gate and teleportation of a controlled-not gate for spin qubits in a quantum-dot–microcavity coupled system

Using linear optical manipulation, single photons, entangled photon pairs, photon measurement, and classical communication, we propose a scheme for a two-spin-qubit phase gate and the teleportation of a controlled-not gate between two electron spins from acting on local qubits to acting on remote qubits using quantum dots in optical microcavities. The scheme is based on spin selective photon reflection from the cavity and is achieved in a deterministic way by the sequential detection of photons and the single-qubit rotations of a single electron spin in a self-assembled GaAs-InAs quantum dot. The feasibility of the scheme is assessed showing that high average fidelities of the gates are achievable in the weak-coupling regime when the side leakage and cavity loss are low. The scheme opens promising possibilities for long-distance quantum communication, distributed quantum computation, and construction of remote quantum-information-processing networks.

A short review note on the qubits and SWAP

This manuscript presents a short review on the qubits, SWAP and then continues these discussions to the STIRAP. To find the answer to some computational problems, a large number of qubits must be collected and handled in agreement with certain orders. Therefore, for the first time distributed quantum computing is presented. These comments connect with STIRAP which is suitable to apply for comprehending quantum computer and quantum information processing.

Physical optimization of quantum error correction circuits with spatially separated quantum dot spins

We propose an efficient protocol for optimizing the physical implementation of three-qubit quantum error correction with spatially separated quantum dot spins via virtual-photon-induced process. In the protocol, each quantum dot is trapped in an individual cavity and each two cavities are connected by an optical fiber. We propose the optimal quantum circuits and describe the physical implementation for correcting both the bit flip and phase flip errors by applying a series of one-bit unitary rotation gates and two-bit quantum iSWAP gates that are produced by the long-range interaction between two distributed quantum dot spins mediated by the vacuum fields of the fiber and cavity. The protocol opens promising perspectives for long distance quantum communication and distributed quantum computation networks.

Efficient distributed quantum computing

We provide algorithms for efficiently moving and addressing quantum memory in parallel. These imply that the standard circuit model can be simulated with a low overhead by a more realistic model of a distributed quantum computer. As a result, the circuit model can be used by algorithm designers without worrying whether the underlying architecture supports the connectivity of the circuit. In addition, we apply our results to existing memory-intensive quantum algorithms. We present a parallel quantum search algorithm and improve the time–space trade-off for the element distinctness and collision finding problems.

Anisotropic rare-earth spin ensemble strongly coupled to a superconducting resonator.

Interfacing photonic and solid-state qubits within a hybrid quantum architecture offers a promising route towards large scale distributed quantum computing. Ideal candidates for coherent qubit interconversion are optically active spins, magnetically coupled to a superconducting resonator. We report on an on-chip cavity QED experiment with magnetically anisotropic Er(3+)∶Y2SiO5 crystals and demonstrate collective strong coupling of rare-earth spins to a lumped element resonator. Moreover, the electron spin resonance and relaxation dynamics of the erbium spins are detected via direct microwave absorption, without the aid of a cavity.

Generation of multiparticle three-dimensional entanglement state via adiabatic passage

A scheme is proposed for generating a multiparticle three-dimensional entangled state by appropriately adiabatic evolutions, where atoms are respectively trapped in separated cavities so that individual addressing is needless. In the ideal case, losses due to the spontaneous transition of an atom and the excitation of photons are efficiently suppressed since atoms are all in ground states and the fields remain in a vacuum state. Compared with the previous proposals, the present scheme reduces its required operation time via simultaneously controlling four classical fields. This advantage would become even more obvious as the number of atoms increases. The experimental feasibility is also discussed. The successful preparation of a high-dimensional multiparticle entangled state among distant atoms provides better prospects for quantum communication and distributed quantum computation.

Quantum computation and entangled state generation via long-range off-resonant Raman coupling

A scheme is proposed to implement two-qubit controlled quantum phase gate and SWAP gate and generate two-qubit entangled state via long-range off-resonant Raman coupling between two spatially separated superconducting quantum-interference devices (SQUIDs). In the scheme each SQUID is coupled with a single-mode cavity individually and the two distant cavities are connected by an optical fiber. The two lowest levels of each SQUID are used to represent the two logical states of a qubit while the two intermediate levels of each SQUID are used to facilitate coherent coupling of quantum states of the qubits during the virtual excitation process of photon. The scheme is robust against fiber loss, cavity decay, and the effect of spontaneous decay from the higher levels and it would be an important step toward distributed quantum computation and long-distance entanglement distribution.

Quantum teleportation between remote atomic-ensemble quantum memories

Quantum teleportation and quantum memory are two crucial elements for large-scale quantum networks. With the help of prior distributed entanglement as a "quantum channel," quantum teleportation provides an intriguing means to faithfully transfer quantum states among distant locations without actual transmission of the physical carriers [Bennett CH, et al. (1993) Phys Rev Lett 70(13):1895-1899]. Quantum memory enables controlled storage and retrieval of fast-flying photonic quantum bits with stationary matter systems, which is essential to achieve the scalability required for large-scale quantum networks. Combining these two capabilities, here we realize quantum teleportation between two remote atomic-ensemble quantum memory nodes, each composed of ∼10(8) rubidium atoms and connected by a 150-m optical fiber. The spin wave state of one atomic ensemble is mapped to a propagating photon and subjected to Bell state measurements with another single photon that is entangled with the spin wave state of the other ensemble. Two-photon detection events herald the success of teleportation with an average fidelity of 88(7)%. Besides its fundamental interest as a teleportation between two remote macroscopic objects, our technique may be useful for quantum information transfer between different nodes in quantum networks and distributed quantum computing.

Quantum tasks in Minkowski space

The fundamental properties of quantum information and its applications to computing and cryptography have been greatly illuminated by considering information-theoretic tasks that are provably possible or impossible within non-relativistic quantum mechanics. I describe here a general framework for defining tasks within (special) relativistic quantum theory and illustrate it with examples from relativistic quantum cryptography and relativistic distributed quantum computation. The framework gives a unified description of all tasks previously considered and also defines a large class of new questions about the properties of quantum information in relation to Minkowski causality. It offers a way of exploring interesting new fundamental tasks and applications, and also highlights the scope for a more systematic understanding of the fundamental information-theoretic properties of relativistic quantum theory.

Generation of a squeezed state at 1.55 μm with periodically poled LiNbO3

We report on the generation of a squeezing vacuum at 1.55 μm using an optical parametric amplifier based on periodically poled LiNbO3. Using three specifically designed narrow linewidth mode cleaners as the spatial mode and noise filter of the laser at 1.55 μm and 775 nm, the squeezed vacuum of up to 3.0 dB below the shot noise level at 1.55 μm is experimentally obtained. This system is compatible with standard telecommunication optical fibers, and will be useful for continuous variable long-distance quantum communication and distributed quantum computing.

Quantum superposition of localized and delocalized phases of photons

Based on a variant of 2-site Jaynes–Cummings–Hubbard model constructed using superconducting circuits, we propose a method to coherently superpose the localized and delocalized phases of microwave photons, which makes it possible to engineer the collective features of multiple photons in the quantum way using an individual two-level system. Our proposed architecture is also a promising candidate for implementing distributed quantum computation since it is capable of coupling remote qubits in separate resonators in a controllable way.

Robust tripartite-to-bipartite entanglement localization by weak measurements and reversal

We propose a robust and efficient approach for tripartite-to-bipartite entanglement localization. By using weak measurements and quantum measurement reversal, an almost maximal entangled state shared by two parties can be generated with the assistance of the third party by local quantum operations and classical communication from a W-like state. We show that this approach works well in the presence of losses and phase diffusion. Our method provides an active way to fight against decoherence, and might help for quantum communication and distributed quantum computation.

Analysis of photon-mediated entanglement between distinguishable matter qubits

We theoretically evaluate establishing remote entanglement between distinguishable matter qubits through interference and detection of two emitted photons. The fidelity of the entanglement operation is analyzed as a function of the temporal- and frequency-mode matching between the photons emitted from each quantum memory. With a general analysis, we define limits on the absolute magnitudes of temporal- and frequency-mode mismatches in order to maintain entanglement fidelities greater than 99$%$ with two-photon detection efficiencies greater than 90$%$. We apply our analysis to several selected systems of quantum memories. Results indicate that high fidelities may be achieved in each system using current experimental techniques, while maintaining acceptable rates of entanglement. Thus, it might be possible to use two-photon-mediated entanglement operations between distinguishable quantum memories to establish a network for quantum communication and distributed quantum computation.

Realization of Reliable Solid-State Quantum Memory for Photonic Polarization Qubit

Faithfully storing an unknown quantum light state is essential to advanced quantum communication and distributed quantum computation applications. The required quantum memory must have high fidelity to improve the performance of a quantum network. Here we report the reversible transfer of photonic polarization states into collective atomic excitation in a compact solid-state device. The quantum memory is based on an atomic frequency comb (AFC) in rare-earth ion-doped crystals. We obtain up to 0.999 process fidelity for the storage and retrieval process of single-photon-level coherent pulse. This reliable quantum memory is a crucial step toward quantum networks based on solid-state devices.

Fast and effective implementation of discrete quantum Fourier transform via virtual-photon-induced process in separate cavities

We present a fast and effective scheme to implement the multiqubit discrete quantum Fourier transform (DQFT) for distant atoms trapped in separate cavities connected by optical fibers via a virtual-photon-induced process. The effective coupling between two distributed atoms is achieved without exciting and transporting photons through the optical fiber, and the gate operation is robust against the decoherence effect when the thermal photons in the environment are negligible. The implementation of the scheme is appealingly simple because the complex combination of quantum gate operations, which act on each two qubits in the rearranged DQFT circuit, is achieved only in one step through the interaction controlled by optical switches between two adjacent cavities. The scheme opens promising perspectives for scalable quantum communication networks and distributed quantum computation.

Non-Markovian dynamics and strong coupling between atomic transitions and a waveguide continuum edge

In quantum communication and distributed quantum computing, one-dimensional waveguides provide directional transfer of quantum information. A single-mode waveguide has a density-of-states singularity at the lower cut-off frequency, which resembles sharp resonances of a cavity but with non-Markovian dynamics. Thus we put forward schemes of coupling atomic transitions and a waveguide continuum edge. We first present a scheme of spin-photon quantum interface operating in the non-Markovian regime for a $\Lambda$-type three-level system coupled to a waveguide. Then we show that strong coupling between atomic transitions and a waveguide continuum edge can lead to vacuum Rabi oscillations and bound polariton states.

Gaussification and Entanglement Distillation of Continuous-Variable Systems: A Unifying Picture

Distillation of entanglement using only Gaussian operations is an important primitive in quantum communication, quantum repeater architectures, and distributed quantum computing. Existing distillation protocols for continuous degrees of freedom are only known to converge to a Gaussian state when measurements yield precisely the vacuum outcome. In sharp contrast, non-Gaussian states can be deterministically converted into Gaussian states while preserving their second moments, albeit by usually reducing their degree of entanglement. In this work-based on a novel instance of a noncommutative central limit theorem-we introduce a picture general enough to encompass the known protocols leading to Gaussian states, and new classes of protocols including multipartite distillation. This gives the experimental option of balancing the merits of success probability against entanglement produced.