arXiv subjects

G. Mauro D'Ariano

Publications and source records attributed to G. Mauro D'Ariano.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2007

Optimal phase estimation in quantum networks

We address the problem of estimating the phase phi given N copies of the phase rotation u(phi) within an array of quantum operations in finite dimensions. We first consider the special case where the array consists of an arbitrary input state followed by any arrangement of the N phase rotations, and ending with a POVM. We optimise the POVM for a given input state and fixed arrangement. Then we also optimise the input state for some specific cost functions. In all cases, the optimal POVM is equivalent to a quantum Fourier transform in an appropriate basis. Examples and applications are given.

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arXiv2005

Minimax discrimination of two Pauli channels

We consider the problem of optimally discriminating two Pauli channels in the minimax strategy, maximizing the smallest of the probabilities of correct identification of the channel. We find the optimal input state at the channel and show the conditions under which using entanglement strictly enhances distinguishability. We finally compare the minimax strategy with the Bayesian one.

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arXiv2003

Secure communication using coherent states

We demonstrate that secure communication using coherent states is possible. The optimal eavesdropping strategy for an M-ry ciphering scheme shows that the minimum probability of error in a measurement for bit determination can be made arbitrarily close to the pure guessing value P_e=1/2. This ciphering scheme can be optically amplified without degrading the security level. New avenues are open to secure communications at high speeds in fiber-optic or free-space channels.

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arXiv2003

Quantum Tomography

This is the draft version of a review paper which is going to appear in "Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics"

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arXiv2003

Local observables for entanglement witnesses

We present an explicit construction of entanglement witnesses for depolarized states in arbitrary finite dimension. For infinite dimension we generalize the construction to twin-beams perturbed by Gaussian noises in the phase and in the amplitude of the field. We show that entanglement detection for all these families of states requires only three local measurements. The explicit form of the corresponding set of local observables (quorom) needed for entanglement witness is derived.

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arXiv2002

Improved discrimination of unitaries by entangled probes

We consider the problem of discriminating among a set of unitaries by means of measurements performed on the state undergoing the transformation. We show that use of entangled probes improves the discrimination in the two following cases: i) for a set of unitaries that are the UIR of a group and, ii) for any pair of transformations provided that multiple uses of the channel are allowed.

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arXiv2001

Quantum tomography as a tool for the characterization of optical devices

We describe a novel tool for the quantum characterization of optical devices. The experimental setup involves a stable reference state that undergoes an unknown quantum transformation and is then revealed by balanced homodyne detection. Through tomographic analysis on the homodyne data we are able to characterize the signal and to estimate parameters of the interaction, such as the loss of an optical component, or the gain of an amplifier. We present experimental results for coherent signals, with application to the estimation of losses introduced by simple optical components, and show how these results can be extended to the characterization of more general optical devices.

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arXiv2001

Using entanglement improves precision of quantum measurements

We show how entanglement can be used to improve the estimation of an unknown transformation. Using entanglement is always of benefit, in improving either the precision or the stability of the measurement. Examples relevant for applications are illustrated, for either qubits and continuous variables

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arXiv2001

Towards a tomographic picture of a Bose-Einstein condensate

We investigate by means of numerical simulations the possibilities of tomographic techniques applied to a Bose-Einstein condensate in order to reconstruct its ground state. Essentially, two scenarios are considered for which the density matrix elements can be retrieved from atom counting probabilities. The methods presented here allow to distinguish among various possible quantum states.

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arXiv2001

Optimal quantum estimation of the coupling between two bosonic modes

We address the problem of the optimal quantum estimation of the coupling parameter of a bilinear interaction, such as the transmittivity of a beam splitter or the internal phase-shift of an interferometer. The optimal measurement scheme exhibits Heisenberg scaling of the measurement precision versus the total energy.

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arXiv2000

Quorum of observables for universal quantum estimation

Any method for estimating the ensemble average of arbitrary operator (observables or not, including the density matrix) relates the quantity of interest to a complete set of observables, i.e. a quorum}. This corresponds to an expansion on an irreducible set of operators in the Liouville space. We give two general characterizations of these sets. All the known unbiased reconstruction techniques, i.e. ``quantum tomographies'', can be described in this framework. New operatorial resolutions are given that can be used to implement novel reconstruction schemes.

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arXiv2000

Parameters estimation in quantum optics

We address several estimation problems in quantum optics by means of the maximum-likelihood principle. We consider Gaussian state estimation and the determination of the coupling parameters of quadratic Hamiltonians. Moreover, we analyze different schemes of phase-shift estimation. Finally, the absolute estimation of the quantum efficiency of both linear and avalanche photodetectors is studied. In all the considered applications, the Gaussian bound on statistical errors is attained with a few thousand data.

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arXiv1999

Universal homodyne tomography with a single local oscillator

We propose a general method for measuring an arbitrary observable of a multimode electromagnetic field using homodyne detection with a single local oscillator. In this method the local oscillator scans over all possible linear combinations of the modes. The case of two modes is analyzed in detail and the feasibility of the measurement is studied on the basis of Monte-Carlo simulations. We also provide an application of this method in tomographic testing of the GHZ state.

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