arXiv subjects

F. Fesquet

Publications and source records attributed to F. Fesquet.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum secret sharing in tripartite superconducting network

Superconducting microwave quantum networks is a rapidly developing field, enabling distributed quantum computing and holding a promise for hybrid architectures in quantum internet. Quantum secret sharing (QSS) is one of the key protocols for multipartite quantum networks and can provide an unconditionally secure way to share quantum states among $n$ players. Using microwave two-mode squeezed states as an entanglement resource, we experimentally implement a QSS protocol with $n = 3$, where a subset of at least $k = 2$ players must collaborate to faithfully reconstruct the original secret state. We demonstrate reconstructed-state fidelities that surpass the asymptotic no-cloning threshold of $F_\textrm{nc} = 2/3$ and identify a parameter regime that allows for unconditionally secure communication in the presence of an omnipotent dishonest player. Furthermore, we experimentally explore inherent connections between QSS and other important quantum information processing tasks, such as quantum dense coding and elementary quantum error correction of channel erasures. Finally, we discuss extensions of QSS and its relation to the concept of blind quantum computing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Probing an electron spin ensemble with squeezed microwave signals

The efficient transfer of quantum states into a long-lived storage unit such as solid-state spin ensembles is widely recognized as a critical challenge with significant implications for quantum communication, sensing and computing applications. Here, we experimentally investigate the interaction of propagating squeezed microwaves with an electron spin resonance transition in order to evaluate the use of spin ensembles as quantum memories for GHz signals. We generate continuous variable microwave states with a squeezing of up to 5dB below the vacuum level and let this signal interrogate a spin ensemble, which is inductively coupled to a lumped element superconducting microwave resonator with a cooperativity of C=0.3. Analyzing this signal using Wigner tomography, we observe a transfer efficiency of around 61% between the squeezed microwaves and the spin excitation. We successfully model our experimental results with a dedicated steady-state model based on the quantum input-output formalism and provide guidance for design parameters required to enable spin-based quantum memories.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Quantum teleportation over thermal microwave network

Quantum communication in the microwave regime is set to play an important role in distributed quantum computing and hybrid quantum networks. However, typical superconducting quantum circuits require millikelvin temperatures for operation, which poses a significant challenge for largescale microwave quantum networks. Here, we present a solution to this challenge by demonstrating the successful quantum teleportation of microwave coherent states between two spatially-separated dilution refrigerators over a thermal microwave channel in the temperature range up to $4$ K. We distribute two-mode squeezed states over this noisy channel and employ the resulting quantum entanglement for quantum teleportation of coherent states with fidelities of $72.3 \pm 0.5 ~\%$ at $1$ K and $59.9 \pm 2.5 \%$ at $4$ K, exceeding the no-cloning and classical communication thresholds, respectively. We successfully model the teleportation protocol using a Gaussian operator formalism that includes losses and noise. Our analysis shows that the teleportation infidelity mainly stems from a parasitic heating of the cold quantum nodes due to the hot network connection. These results demonstrate the experimental feasibility of distributed superconducting architectures and motivate further investigations of noisy quantum networks in various frequency regimes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Demonstration of microwave single-shot quantum key distribution

Security of modern classical data encryption often relies on computationally hard problems, which can be trivialized with the advent of quantum computers. A potential remedy for this is quantum communication which takes advantage of the laws of quantum physics to provide secure exchange of information. Here, quantum key distribution (QKD) represents a powerful tool, allowing for unconditionally secure quantum communication between remote parties. At the same time, microwave quantum communication is set to play an important role in future quantum networks because of its natural frequency compatibility with superconducting quantum processors and modern near-distance communication standards. To this end, we present an experimental realization of a continuous-variable QKD protocol based on propagating displaced squeezed microwave states. We use superconducting parametric devices for generation and single-shot quadrature detection of these states. We demonstrate unconditional security in our experimental microwave QKD setting. We show that security performance can be improved by adding finite trusted noise to the preparation side. Our results indicate feasibility of secure microwave quantum communication with the currently available technology in both open-air (up to $\sim$ 80 m) and cryogenic (over 1000 m) conditions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Cryogenic microwave link for quantum local area networks

Scalable quantum information processing with superconducting circuits is expected to advance from individual processors located in single dilution refrigerators to more powerful distributed quantum computing systems. The realization of hardware platforms for quantum local area networks (QLANs) compatible with superconducting technology is of high importance in order to achieve a practical quantum advantage. Here, we present a fundamental prototype platform for a microwave QLAN based on a cryogenic link connecting two separate dilution cryostats over a distance of $6.6$ m with a base temperature of $52$ mK in the center. Superconducting microwave coaxial cables are employed to form a quantum communication channel between the distributed network nodes. We demonstrate the continuous-variable entanglement distribution between the remote dilution refrigerators in the form of two-mode squeezed microwave states, reaching squeezing of $2.10 \pm 0.02$ dB and negativity of $0.501 \pm 0.011$. Furthermore, we show that quantum entanglement is preserved at channel center temperatures up to $1$ K, paving the way towards microwave quantum communication at elevated temperatures. Consequently, such a QLAN system can form the backbone for future distributed quantum computing with superconducting circuits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Two-dimensional Planck spectroscopy for microwave photon calibration

Quantum state tomography of weak microwave signals is an important part of many protocols in the field of quantum information processing with superconducting circuits. This step typically relies on an accurate $\textit{in-situ}$ estimation of signal losses in the experimental set-up and requires a careful photon number calibration. Here, we present an improved method for the microwave loss estimation inside of a closed cryogenic system. Our approach is based on Planck's law and makes use of independent temperature sweeps of individual parts of the cryogenic set-up. Using this technique, we can experimentally resolve changes in microwave losses of less than 0.1 dB in the cryogenic environment. We discuss potential applications of this approach for precise characterization of quantum-limited superconducting amplifiers and in other prominent experimental settings.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quantum microwave parametric interferometer

Classical interferometers are indispensable tools for the precise determination of various physical quantities. Their accuracy is bound by the standard quantum limit. This limit can be overcome by using quantum states or nonlinear quantum elements. Here, we present the experimental study of a nonlinear Josephson interferometer operating in the microwave regime. Our quantum microwave parametric interferometer (QUMPI) is based on superconducting flux-driven Josephson parametric amplifiers combined with linear microwave elements. We perform a systematic analysis of the implemented QUMPI. We find that its Gaussian interferometric power exceeds the shot-noise limit and observe sub-Poissonian photon statistics in the output modes. Furthermore, we identify a low-gain operation regime of the QUMPI which is essential for optimal quantum measurements in quantum illumination protocols.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Flow of quantum correlations in noisy two-mode squeezed microwave states

We study nonclassical correlations in propagating two-mode squeezed microwave states in the presence of noise. We focus on two different types of correlations, namely, quantum entanglement and quantum discord. Quantum discord has various intriguing fundamental properties which require experimental verification, such as the asymptotic robustness to environmental noise. Here, we experimentally investigate quantum discord in propagating two-mode squeezed microwave states generated via superconducting Josephson parametric amplifiers. By exploiting an asymmetric noise injection into these entangled states, we demonstrate the robustness of quantum discord against thermal noise while verifying the sudden death of entanglement. Furthermore, we investigate the difference between quantum discord and entanglement of formation, which can be directly related to the flow of locally inaccessible information between the environment and the bipartite subsystem. We observe a crossover behavior between quantum discord and entanglement for low noise photon numbers, which is a result of the tripartite nature of noise injection. We demonstrate that the difference between entanglement and quantum discord can be related to the security of certain quantum key distribution protocols.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Characterizations of thermal stability and electrical performance of Au-Ni coating on CuCrZr substrate for high vacuum radio-frequency contact application

Radio-frequency (RF) contacts-which are an example of electrical contacts-are commonly employed on accelerators and nuclear fusion experimental devices. RF contacts with a current load of 2 kA for steady-state operation were designed for application to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) device. In contrast to the typical working conditions of general commercial electrical contacts, those of RF contacts employed on fusion devices include high vacuum, high temperature, and neutron radiation. CuCrZr is currently of interest as a base material for the manufacture of louvers of RF contacts, which has excellent thermal and electrical properties and has low creep rate at 250 {\textdegree}C. In this study, a hard Au coating (Au-Ni) was electroplated on CuCrZr samples and the samples were then subjected to thermal aging treatment at 250 {\textdegree}C for 500 h in order to simulate the vacuum-commissioning process of the ITER. The effects of thermal aging on the hardness, elastic modulus, crystallite size, and compositions of the coating were investigated via microstructural and mechanical characterizations of the coating material. Metal atom migration in different coating layers during thermal aging was characterized and evaluated via scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy observations of the cross-sectional surfaces, and the obtained results could be used to directly select the coating thickness for the final RF contact component. The contact resistance-an important parameter of the RF contact-was measured in a dedicated testbed built to simulate fusion reactor conditions between CuCrZr pins and stainless steel plates coated with Au-Ni and Rh, respectively.

physics.app-ph↗