Two-mode Squeezing Research Articles

Erratum: Two-mode squeezing of distant nitrogen-vacancy-center ensembles by manipulating the reservoir [Phys. Rev. A85, 022324 (2012)

Received 28 November 2012DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.069901©2012 American Physical Society

Optomechanical quantum-state transfer beyond one-to-one interaction

It has been predicted that the quantum state of a single-mode laser field can be one-to-one transferred to a single macroscopic oscillator via optomechanical interactions (2003 Phys. Rev. A 68 013808). Here we generalize the one-to-one way to both two-to-one and one-to-two ways. In the two-to-one way, it is possible to transfer the two-mode light squeezing to a single macroscopic oscillator. By the one-to-two transfer, the single light squeezing leads to the two-mode squeezing of macroscopic oscillators. The transfer of single- and two-mode quantum correlations from light to oscillators better facilitates the quantum-state transfer in quantum communication networks.

Quantum optomechanics with a high-frequency dilational mode in thin dielectric membranes

The interaction between a high-frequency dilational mode of a thin dielectric film and an optical cavity field is studied theoretically in the membrane-in-the-middle setup. A derivation from first principles leads to a multi-mode optomechanical Hamiltonian where multiple cavity modes are coupled by the thickness variation of the membrane. For membrane thicknesses of the order of 1 μm, the frequency of this dilational mode is in the GHz range. This can be matched to the free spectral range of the optical cavity, such that the mechanical oscillator will resonantly couple cavity modes at different frequencies. Furthermore, such a large mechanical frequency also means that the quantum ground state of motion can be reached with conventional refrigeration techniques. Estimation of the coupling strength with realistic parameters suggests that optomechanical effects can be observable with this dilational mode. It is shown how this system can be used as a quantum limited optical amplifier. The dilational motion can also lead to quantum correlations between cavity modes at different frequencies, which is quantified with an experimentally accessible two-mode squeezing spectrum. Finally, an explicit signature of radiation pressure shot noise in this system is identified.

Squeeze-swapping by Bell measurement studied in terms of the entangled state representation

By virtue of the entangled state representation (Hong-Yi Fan and J R Klauder 1994 Phys. Rev. A 49 704) and the two-mode squeezing operator's natural representation (Hong-Yi Fan and Yue Fan 1996 Phys. Rev. A 54 958) we propose the squeeze-swapping mechanism which can generate quantum entanglement and new squeezed states of continuum variables.

Measurement of two-mode squeezing with photon number resolving multipixel detectors

The measurement of the two-mode squeezed vacuum generated in an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) was performed with photon number resolving multipixel photon counters (MPPCs). Implementation of the MPPCs allows for the observation of noise reduction in a broad dynamic range of the OPA gain, which is inaccessible with standard single photon avalanche photodetectors.

Continuous-variable entanglement and two-mode squeezing in a single-atom Raman laser

The quantum statistical properties of light emitted by a two-photon double Raman laser is investigated. Using the master equation derived in the good-cavity limit, we study the squeezing and entanglement properties of the cavity field. It turns out that the cavity radiation exhibits two-mode squeezing and entanglement in the transient as well as steady state regime for realizable parameters. We establish a connection between two-mode squeezing and entanglement that gives insight into the physical origin of these quantum features. We also discuss the interplay between the laser detuning and amplitude in modifying the properties of the cavity field.

Correspondence between quantum-optical transform and classical-optical transform explored by developing Dirac’s symbolic method

By virtue of the new technique of performing integration over Dirac’s ket-bra operators, we explore quantum optical version of classical optical transformations such as optical Fresnel transform, Hankel transform, fractional Fourier transform, Wigner transform, wavelet transform and Fresnel-Hadmard combinatorial transform etc. In this way one may gain benefit for developing classical optics theory from the research in quantum optics, or vice-versa. We cannot only find some new quantum mechanical unitary operators which correspond to the known optical transformations, deriving a new theorem for calculating quantum tomogram of density operators, but also can reveal some new classical optical transformations. For examples, we find the generalized Fresnel operator (GFO) to correspond to the generalized Fresnel transform (GFT) in classical optics. We derive GFO’s normal product form and its canonical coherent state representation and find that GFO is the loyal representation of symplectic group multiplication rule. We show that GFT is just the transformation matrix element of GFO in the coordinate representation such that two successive GFTs is still a GFT. The ABCD rule of the Gaussian beam propagation is directly demonstrated in the context of quantum optics. Especially, the introduction of quantum mechanical entangled state representations opens up a new area in finding new classical optical transformations. The complex wavelet transform and the condition of mother wavelet are studied in the context of quantum optics too. Throughout our discussions, the coherent state, the entangled state representation of the two-mode squeezing operators and the technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators are fully used. All these have confirmed Dirac’s assertion: “...for a quantum dynamic system that has a classical analogue, unitary transformation in the quantum theory is the analogue of contact transformation in the classical theory”.

Publisher's Note: Two-mode squeezing of distant nitrogen-vacancy-center ensembles by manipulating the reservoir [Phys. Rev. A85, 022324 (2012)

Received 22 February 2012DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.85.029908©2012 American Physical Society

Spin-nematic squeezed vacuum in a quantum gas

Using squeezed states it is possible to surpass the standard quantum limit of measurement uncertainty by reducing the measurement uncertainty of one property at the expense of another complementary property. Squeezed states were first demonstrated in optical fields and later with ensembles of pseudo spin-1/2 atoms using non-linear atom-light interactions. Recently, collisional interactions in ultracold atomic gases have been used to generate a large degree of quadrature spin squeezing in two-component Bose condensates. For pseudo spin-1/2 systems, the complementary properties are the different components of the total spin vector <S>, which fully characterize the state on an SU(2) Bloch sphere. Here, we measure squeezing in a spin-1 Bose condensate, an SU(3) system, which requires measurement of the rank-2 nematic or quadrupole tensor <Q_ij> as well to fully characterize the state. Following a quench through a nematic to ferromagnetic quantum phase transition, squeezing is observed in the variance of the quadratures up to -8.3(-0.7 +0.6) dB (-10.3(-0.9 +0.7) dB corrected for detection noise) below the standard quantum limit. This spin-nematic squeezing is observed for negligible occupation of the squeezed modes and is analogous to optical two-mode vacuum squeezing. This work has potential applications to continuous variable quantum information and quantum-enhanced magnetometry.

Two-mode squeezing of distant nitrogen-vacancy-center ensembles by manipulating the reservoir

We present a scheme to engineer a two-mode squeezed state of effective bosonic modes realized by collective excitations of two distant nitrogen-vacancy-center ensembles (NVEs) coupled to separated transmission line resonators (TLRs), which are interconnected by a current-biased Josephson-junction superconducting qubit. By making use of the engineered NVE-TLR magnetic coupling with Raman transition between the ground sublevels of the NVEs, we may manipulate the artificial reservoir by tuning the external driving fields. The TLR decay induces an artificial reservoir, which can drive the system to the desired entangled squeezed states. Our idea provides a scalable way to a NVE-based continuous-variable quantum-information processing, which is close to being achievable with currently available technology.

Nonclassicality of two-mode nonorthogonal states

Nonclassical features of Schrödinger cat state with two-mode superposition state based on two coherent states π out of phase by fixing the relative phase equal to average photon number are discussed. Study of two-mode quadrature squeezing, oscillatory and sub-Poissonian photon statistics show that nonclassicality exists for these states. However, it is observed that the considered states do not violates the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality. Furthermore, simultaneously existence of quadrature squeezing and sub-Poissonian photon statistics shows that these states have more nonclassical features than that of famous even and odd coherent states.

The Squeezing Effect of Three-Mode Operator as an Extension from Two-Mode Squeezing Operator

We theoretically study the squeezing effect in a 3-wave mixing process, generated by the operator \(S_{3}\equiv \exp[\mu(a_{1}a_{2}-a_{1}^{\dagger}a_{2}^{\dagger})+\nu(a_{1}a_{3}-a_{1}^{\dagger}a_{3}^{\dagger})]\). The corresponding 3-mode squeezed vacuum state in Fock space and its uncertainty relation are presented. It turns out that S3 may exhibit enhanced squeezing. By virtue of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators, we also give the S3’s normally ordered expansion. Finally, we calculate the Wigner function of 3-mode squeezed vacuum state by using the Weyl ordering invariance under similar transformations.

Schemes of transmission of classical information via quantum channels with many senders: Discrete- and continuous-variable cases

Superadditivity effects in the classical capacity of discrete multi-access channels (MACs) and continuous variable (CV) Gaussian MACs are analysed. New examples of the manifestation of superadditivity in the discrete case are provided including, in particular, a channel which is fully symmetric with respect to all senders. Furthermore, we consider a class of channels for which {\it input entanglement across more than two copies of the channels is necessary} to saturate the asymptotic rate of transmission from one of the senders to the receiver. The 5-input entanglement of Shor error correction codewords surpass the capacity attainable by using arbitrary two-input entanglement for these channels. In the CV case, we consider the properties of the two channels (a beam-splitter channel and a "non-demolition" XP gate channel) analyzed in [Czekaj {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 82}, 020302 (R) (2010)] in greater detail and also consider the sensitivity of capacity superadditivity effects to thermal noise. We observe that the estimates of amount of two-mode squeezing required to achieve capacity superadditivity are more optimistic than previously reported.

The physical significances and applications of Schmidt decompositions of continuum bipartile entangled state representation

According to the continuum bipartite entangled state representation |η&gt; we derive the Schmidt decomposition of |η&gt;, respectively in the coordinate representation, momentum representation and the particle number representation, and explain their physical significances. As the applications of the Schmidt decomposition, we directly derive the action of the single-mode squeeze operator on |η&gt;, the two-mode squeeze operator's entangled state representation, as well as the matrix element of displacement operator in the Fock space. Generalization of our discussion in this paper to the multipartite entangled state cases is feasible.

One- and two-mode successively squeezed state and its statistical properties

One- and two-mode successively squeezed state, obtained through re-squeezing two single mode squeezed states by the two-mode squeezing operator, is studied in terms of the technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators. We first derive the normally ordered form of this one- and two-mode successively squeezing operator, and then investigate the quantum statistical properties of the corresponding squeezed state. Particularly, we use the Weyl ordering invariance under a similar transformation to derive the analytical expression of its Wigner function, which seems very easy and concise. Finally, the experimental generation of one- and two-mode successively squeezed state is also proposed simply.

Role of phase fluctuation and dephasing in the enhancing continuous variable entanglement of a two-photon coherent beat laser

A steady state analysis of the nonclassical features and statistical properties of the cavity radiation of a two-photon coherent beat laser is presented. Results show that the degree of two-mode squeezing, detectable entanglement and intensity of the cavity radiation can increase with the deviation of the phase fluctuations of the laser employed in preparing the atoms, but decrease with the increasing rate at which the induced coherence superposition decays. Although it is found that varying the phase fluctuations and dephasing can lead to modification in the quantum features and statistical properties of the radiation, it does not alter the similarity in the nature of the degree of entanglement detectable by the criteria following from Duan—Giedke—Cirac—Zoller and logarithmic negativity in a perceivable manner. Since the intensity and quantum features can be readily enhanced, this system is expected to be a viable source of a strong robust entangled (squeezed) light under various conditions. Moreover, comparison of the mean number of photon pairs with intensity difference shows that the chance of inciting a two-photon process can be enhanced by changing the rate of dephasing and phase fluctuations.

Observation of the dynamical Casimir effect in a superconducting circuit

One of the most surprising predictions of modern quantum theory is that the vacuum of space is not empty. In fact, quantum theory predicts that it teems with virtual particles flitting in and out of existence. Although initially a curiosity, it was quickly realized that these vacuum fluctuations had measurable consequences--for instance, producing the Lamb shift of atomic spectra and modifying the magnetic moment of the electron. This type of renormalization due to vacuum fluctuations is now central to our understanding of nature. However, these effects provide indirect evidence for the existence of vacuum fluctuations. From early on, it was discussed whether it might be possible to more directly observe the virtual particles that compose the quantum vacuum. Forty years ago, it was suggested that a mirror undergoing relativistic motion could convert virtual photons into directly observable real photons. The phenomenon, later termed the dynamical Casimir effect, has not been demonstrated previously. Here we observe the dynamical Casimir effect in a superconducting circuit consisting of a coplanar transmission line with a tunable electrical length. The rate of change of the electrical length can be made very fast (a substantial fraction of the speed of light) by modulating the inductance of a superconducting quantum interference device at high frequencies (>10 gigahertz). In addition to observing the creation of real photons, we detect two-mode squeezing in the emitted radiation, which is a signature of the quantum character of the generation process.

Cavity quantum electro-optics. II. Input-output relations between traveling optical and microwave fields

In a previous paper [Phys. Rev. A 81, 063837 (2010)], I proposed a quantum model of the cavity electro-optic modulator, which can coherently couple an optical cavity mode to a microwave resonator mode and enable quantum operations on the two modes, including laser cooling of the microwave resonator, electro-optic entanglement, and backaction-evading optical measurement of a microwave quadrature. In this sequel, I focus on the quantum input-output relations between traveling optical and microwave fields coupled to the cavity electro-optic modulator. With red-sideband optical pumping, the relations are shown to resemble those of a beam splitter for the traveling fields, so that in the ideal case of zero parasitic loss and critical coupling, microwave photons can be coherently up converted to ``flying'' optical photons with unit efficiency, and vice versa. With blue-sideband pumping, the modulator acts as a nondegenerate parametric amplifier, which can generate two-mode squeezing and hybrid entangled photon pairs at optical and microwave frequencies. These fundamental operations provide a potential bridge between circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics.

Dynamics of the cavity radiation of a correlated emission laser initially seeded with a thermal light

A detailed analysis of the time evolution of the two-mode squeezing, entanglement and intensity of the cavity radiation of a two-photon correlated emission laser initially seeded with a thermal light is presented. The dependences of the degree of two-mode squeezing and entanglement on the intensity of the thermal light and time are found to have a more or less similar nature, although the actual values differ, especially in the early stages of the process and when the atoms are initially prepared with nearly 50:50 probability to be in the upper and lower energy levels. Seeding the cavity degrades the nonclassical features significantly, particularly in the vicinity of t=0. It is also shown that the mean photon number in a wider time span has a dip when mode b is seeded but a peak when mode a is seeded. Moreover, it turns out that the effect of the seed light on the nonclassical features and intensity of the cavity radiation decreases significantly with time, an outcome essentially attributed to the pertinent emission–absorption mechanism. This can be taken as an encouraging aspect in the practical utilization of this model as a source of a bright entangled light.

Observation of Two-Mode Squeezing in the Microwave Frequency Domain

Continuous variable entanglement between two modes of a radiation field is usually studied at optical frequencies. Here we demonstrate experiments that show the entanglement between microwave photons of different energy in a broadband squeezed beam. We use a Josephson parametric amplifier to generate the two-mode correlated state and detect all four quadrature components simultaneously in a two-channel heterodyne setup using amplitude detectors. Analyzing two-dimensional phase space histograms for all possible pairs of quadratures allows us to determine the full covariance matrix, which is in good agreement with the one expected for a two-mode squeezed state.