arXiv subjects

André Xuereb

Publications and source records attributed to André Xuereb.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Structured Parameterization and Non-Stabilizerness in Hypergraph QAOA

The quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) has emerged as a promising candidate for demonstrating quantum advantage on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. While various QAOA parameterization schemes exist, ranging from the original single-angle approach to the more expressive multi-angle quantum approximate optimization algorithm (MA-QAOA) and automorphic-angle quantum approximate optimization algorithm (AA-QAOA), each presents distinct trade-offs between expressiveness and classical optimization complexity. In this work, we introduce the $k$-interaction-angle quantum approximate optimization algorithm ($k$A-QAOA), a parameterization scheme that groups cost function terms by their $k$-body interaction order, providing a natural middle ground between parameter efficiency and solution quality. This approach is particularly well-suited for combinatorial optimization problems defined on hypergraphs, where multi-body interactions naturally arise in applications such as Boolean satisfiability and resource allocation with multi-party constraints. We benchmark $k$A-QAOA against standard single-angle quantum approximate optimization algorithm (SA-QAOA), MA-QAOA, and AA-QAOA on two problem classes: 3-uniform cyclic sign-alternating hypergraphs and random coefficient hypergraphs. Our results demonstrate that $k$A-QAOA achieves approximation ratios comparable to MA-QAOA while requiring significantly fewer function evaluations, thereby reducing quantum resource consumption.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Nonreciprocity in Quantum Technology

Nonreciprocity-the ability to transmit signals in one direction while blocking them in the reverse-has become a powerful resource in quantum technologies, enabling directional amplification, routing of quantum information, and topologically protected quantum states. Recent experimental advances have demonstrated nonreciprocal behavior in low-loss, fully integrated devices operating with weak or no magnetic bias, enabled by synthetic gauge fields, optomechanical interactions, and chiral light-matter coupling. These achievements overcome the limitations of more traditional approaches, making nonreciprocity compatible with superconducting circuits and scalable quantum photonic architectures as well as an integral part of the next generation of modular quantum computers, distributed quantum networks, and precision metrology. Here we highlight the key concepts for engineering nonreciprocity in quantum systems and describe how this functionality can be employed for high-fidelity qubit readout, robust quantum state transfer, and boosting the sensitivity of quantum sensors.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Quantum Zeno blockade in optomechanical systems

We investigate the application of the quantum Zeno effect (QZE) for the preparation of non-Gaussian states in optomechanical systems. By frequently monitoring the system, the QZE can suppress transitions away from desired subspaces of states. We show that this enables the preparation of states in qubit subspaces even in the presence of noise and decoherence. Through analytical and numerical analysis, we demonstrate that QZE-based protocols can significantly improve the robustness of state preparation of qubit states in continuous variable architectures. Our results extend the utility of the QZE beyond discrete systems, highlighting its potential for enhancing quantum control in more complex quantum information processing environments. These findings offer a promising approach for achieving reliable non-Gaussian states in optomechanical systems, with implications for the development of photonic quantum computing and quantum sensing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

European Quantum Ecosystems -- Preparing the Industry for the Quantum Security and Communications Revolution

There is mounting evidence that a second quantum revolution based on the technological capabilities to detect and manipulate single quantum particles (e.g., electrons, photons, ions, etc), a feat not achieved during the first quantum revolution, is progressing fast. It is expected that in less than 10 years, this second quantum revolution shall have a significant impact over numerous industries, including finance, medicine, energy, transportation, etc. Quantum computers threaten the status quo of cybersecurity, due to known quantum algorithms that can break asymmetric encryption, which is what gives us the ability to communicate securely using a public channel. Considering the world's dependence on digital communication through data exchange and processing, retaining the ability to communicate securely even once quantum computers come into play, cannot be stressed enough. Two solutions are available: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC); which, we emphasise, are not mutually exclusive. The EuroQCI initiative, of which EQUO is a part of, focuses on QKD and aims to build a network whereby EU countries can communicate securely through QKD. To this aim, the DEP (Digital Europe Programme) project aims to bring technological matureness to QKD by deploying a QKD test network and, through this exercise, understand what is lacking from an operator's point of view when the time to integrate QKD in their network comes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Fisher-information-based estimation of optomechanical coupling strengths

The formalism of quantum estimation theory, focusing on the quantum and classical Fisher information, is applied to the estimation of the coupling strength in an optomechanical system. In order to estimate the optomechanical coupling, we have considered a cavity optomechanical model with non-Markovian Brownian motion of the mirror and employed input-output formalism to obtain the cavity output field. Our estimation scenario is based on balanced homodyne photodetection of the cavity output field. We have explored the difference between the associated measurement-dependent classical Fisher information and the quantum Fisher information, thus addressing the question of whether it is possible to reach the lower bound of the mean squared error of an unbiased estimator by means of balanced homodyne detection. We have found that the phase of the local oscillator in the homodyne detection is crucial; certain quadrature measurements allow very accurate estimation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quantum Random Access Codes Implementation for Resource Allocation and Coexistence with Classical Telecommunication

In a world where Quantum Networks are rapidly becoming a reality, the development of the Quantum Internet is gaining increasing interest. Nevertheless, modern quantum networks are still in the early stages of development and have limited capacity to distribute resources among different users -- a constraint that needs to be taken into account. In this work we aim to investigate these constraints, using a novel setup for implementing Quantum Random Access Codes (QRACs), communication protocols known for their quantum advantage over their classical counterparts and semi-device-independent self-testing applications. Our QRAC states, made for the first time using weak coherent pulses instead of entangled single photons, allow us to experimentally test our encoding and decoding strategy from the resource allocation perspective. Moreover, by emulating a coexistent classical communication, we test the resilience of our implementation in presence of noise. The achieved results represent a significant milestone both for theoretical studies of quantum resource allocation and for the implementation of quantum infrastructures capable of coexisting with regular telecommunication networks.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Deciding finiteness of bosonic dynamics with tunable interactions

In this work we are motivated by factorization of bosonic quantum dynamics and we study the corresponding Lie algebras, which can potentially be infinite dimensional. To characterize such factorization, we identify conditions for these Lie algebras to be finite dimensional. We consider cases where each free Hamiltonian term is itself an element of the generated Lie algebra. In our approach, we develop new tools to systematically divide skew-hermitian bosonic operators into appropriate subspaces, and construct specific sequences of skew-hermitian operators that are used to gauge the dimensionality of the Lie algebras themselves. The significance of our result relies on conditions that constrain only the independently controlled generators in a particular Hamiltonian, thereby providing an effective algorithm for verifying the finiteness of the generated Lie algebra. In addition, our results are tightly connected to mathematical work where the polynomials of creation and annihilation operators are known as the Weyl algebra. Our work paves the way for better understanding factorization of bosonic dynamics relevant to quantum control and quantum technology.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Routing entanglement through quantum networks

Entanglement, one of the clearest manifestations of non-classical physics, holds significant promise for technological applications such as more secure communications and faster computations. In this paper we explore the use of non-reciprocal transport in a network of continuous-variable systems to route entanglement in one direction through the network. We develop the theory and discuss a potential realization of controllable flow of entanglement in quantum systems; our method employs only Gaussian interactions and engineered dissipation to break the symmetry. We also explore the conditions under which thermal fluctuations limit the distance over which the entanglement propagates and observe a counter-intuitive behavior between this distance, the strength of the entanglement source, and the strength of the hopping through the network.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

DQC1 as an Open Quantum System

The DQC1 complexity class, or power of one qubit model, is examined as an open quantum system. We study the dynamics of a register of qubits carrying out a DQC1 algorithm and show that, for any algorithm in the complexity class, the evolution of the logical qubit can be described as an open quantum system undergoing a dynamics which is unital. Unital quantum channels respect the Tasaki-Crooks fluctuation theorem and we demonstrate how this is captured by the thermodynamics of the logical qubit. As an application, we investigate the equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics of the DQC1 trace estimation algorithm. We show that different computational inputs, i.e. different traces being estimated, lead to different energetic exchanges across the register of qubits and that the temperature of the logical qubit impacts the magnitude of fluctuations experienced and quality of the algorithm.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quantum Physics in Space

Advances in quantum technologies are giving rise to a revolution in the way fundamental physics questions are explored at the empirical level. At the same time, they are the seeds for future disruptive technological applications of quantum physics. Remarkably, a space-based environment may open many new avenues for exploring and employing quantum physics and technologies. Recently, space missions employing quantum technologies for fundamental or applied studies have been proposed and implemented with stunning results. The combination of quantum physics and its space application is the focus of this review: we cover both the fundamental scientific questions that can be tackled with quantum technologies in space and the possible implementation of these technologies for a variety of academic and commercial purposes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Estimation of disorders in the rest positions of two membranes in optomechanical systems

The formalism of quantum estimation theory is applied to estimate the disorders in the positions of two membranes positioned in a driven cavity. We consider the coupled-cavities and the transmissive-regime models to obtain effective descriptions of this system for different reflectivity values of the membranes. Our models consist also high temperatures Brownian motions of the membranes, losses of the cavity fields, the input-output formalism and a balanced homodyne photodetection of the cavity output field. In this two-parameter estimation scenario we compare the classical and quantum Fisher information matrices and evaluate the accuracies of the estimations. We show that models prefer very different estimation strategies and the temperature does not have a detrimental effect on the estimation accuracies, but makes more difficult to attain the quantum optimal limit. Our analysis also reveals that best estimation strategies with unit effiecient detectors are measurements of the quadratures of the output field.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Optomechanics for quantum technologies

The ability to control the motion of mechanical systems through its interaction with light has opened the door to a plethora of applications in fundamental and applied physics. With experiments routinely reaching the quantum regime, the focus has now turned towards creating and exploiting interesting non-classical states of motion and entanglement in optomechanical systems. Quantumness has also shifted from being the very reason why experiments are constructed to becoming a resource for the investigation of fundamental physics and the creation of quantum technologies. Here, by focusing on opto- and electromechanical platforms we review recent progress in quantum state preparation and entanglement of mechanical systems, together with applications to signal processing and transduction, quantum sensing, topological physics, as well as small-scale thermodynamics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Floquet control of optomechanical bistability in multimode systems

Cavity optomechanical systems enable fine manipulation of nanomechanical degrees of freedom with light, adding operational functionality and impacting their appeal in photonic technologies. We show that distinct mechanical modes can be exploited with a temporally modulated laser drive to steer between bistable steady states induced by changes of cavity radiation pressure. We investigate the influence of thermo-optic nonlinearity on these Floquet dynamics and find that it can inhibit or enhance the performance of the coupling mechanism in contrast to their often performance limiting character. Our results provide new techniques for the characterization of thermal properties and the control of optomechanical systems in sensing and computational applications

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Floquet phonon lasing in multimode optomechanical systems

Dynamical radiation pressure effects in cavity optomechanical systems give rise to self-sustained oscillations or `phonon lasing' behavior, producing stable oscillators up to GHz frequencies in nanoscale devices. Like in photonic lasers, phonon lasing normally occurs in a single mechanical mode. We show here that phase-locked, multimode phonon lasing can be established in a multimode optomechanical system through Floquet dynamics induced by a temporally modulated laser drive. We demonstrate this concept in a suitably engineered silicon photonic nanocavity coupled to multiple GHz-frequency mechanical modes. We find that the long-term frequency stability is significantly improved in the multimode lasing state as a result of the phase locking. These results provide a path towards highly stable ultra-compact oscillators, pulsed phonon lasing, coherent waveform synthesis, and emergent many-mode phenomena in oscillator arrays.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Optimal estimation of the optomechanical coupling strength

We apply the formalism of quantum estimation theory to obtain information about the value of the nonlinear optomechanical coupling strength. In particular, we discuss the minimum mean-square error estimator and a quantum Cramér--Rao-type inequality for the estimation of the coupling strength. Our estimation strategy reveals some cases where quantum statistical inference is inconclusive and merely result in the reinforcement of prior expectations. We show that these situations also involve the highest expected information losses. We demonstrate that interaction times in the order of one time period of mechanical oscillations are the most suitable for our estimation scenario, and compare situations involving different photon and phonon excitations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Optimal estimation of matter-field coupling strength in the dipole approximation

This paper is devoted to the study of the Bayesian-inference approach in the context of estimating the dipole coupling strength in matter-field interactions. In particular, we consider the simplest model of a two-level system interacting with a single mode of the radiation field. Our estimation strategy is based on the emerging state of the two-level system, whereas we determine both the minimum mean-square error and maximum likelihood estimators for uniform and Gaussian prior probability density functions. In the case of the maximum likelihood estimator, we develop a mathematical method which extends the already existing approaches to the variational problem of the average cost function. We demonstrate that long interaction times, large initial mean photon numbers, and nonzero detuning between two-level system transition and the frequency of the electromagnetic field mode have a deleterious effect on the optimality of the estimation scenario. We also present several cases where the estimation process is inconclusive, despite many ideal conditions being met.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Enhanced continuous generation of non-Gaussianity through optomechanical modulation

We study the non-Gaussian character of quantum optomechanical systems evolving under the fully nonlinear optomechanical Hamiltonian. By using a measure of non-Gaussianity based on the relative entropy of an initially Gaussian state, we quantify the amount of non-Gaussianity induced by both a constant and time-dependent cubic light-matter coupling and study its general and asymptotic behaviour. We find analytical approximate expressions for the measure of non-Gaussianity and show that initial thermal phonon occupation of the mechanical element does not significantly impact the non-Gaussianity. More importantly, we also show that it is possible to continuously increase the amount of non-Gaussianity of the state by driving the light-matter coupling at the frequency of mechanical resonance, suggesting a viable mechanism for increasing the non-Gaussianity of optomechanical systems even in the presence of noise.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Nonreciprocal topological phononics in optomechanical arrays

We propose a platform for robust and tunable nonreciprocal phonon transport based on arrays of optomechanical microtoroids. In our approach, time-reversal symmetry is broken by the interplay of photonic spin-orbit coupling, engineered using a state-of-the-art geometrical approach, and the optomechanical interaction. We demonstrate the topologically protected nature of this system by investigating its robustness to imperfections. This type of system could find application in phonon-based information storage and signal processing devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗