arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Lorenzo Maccone.
We propose the use of a quantum algorithm to deal with the problem of searching with errors in the framework of two-person games. Specifically, we present a solution to the Ulam's problem that polynomially reduces its query complexity and makes it independent from the dimension of the search space.
We point out a general framework that encompasses most cases in which quantum effects enable an increase in precision when estimating a parameter (quantum metrology). The typical quantum precision-enhancement is of the order of the square root of the number of times the system is sampled. We prove that this is optimal and we point out the different strategies (classical and quantum) that permit to attain this bound.
Quantum mechanics, through the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, imposes limits to the precision of measurement. Conventional measurement techniques typically fail to reach these limits. Conventional bounds to the precision of measurements such as the shot noise limit or the standard quantum limit are not as fundamental as the Heisenberg limits, and can be beaten using quantum strategies that employ `quantum tricks' such as squeezing and entanglement.
By quantum calibration we name an experimental procedure apt to completely characterize an unknown measurement apparatus by comparing it with other calibrated apparatuses. Here we show how to achieve the calibration of an arbitrary measuring apparatus, by using it in conjunction with a ``tomographer'' in a correlation setup with an input bipartite system. The method is robust to imperfections of the tomographer, and works for practically any input state of the bipartite system.
A protocol for synchronizing distant clocks is proposed that does not rely on the arrival times of the signals which are exchanged, and an optical implementation based on coherent-state pulses is described. This protocol is not limited by any dispersion that may be present in the propagation medium through which the light signals are exchanged. Possible improvements deriving from the use of quantum-mechanical effects are also addressed.
We calculate the communication capacity of a broadband electromagnetic waveguide as a function of its spatial dimensions and input power. We analyze the two cases in which either all the available modes or only a single directional mode are employed. The results are compared with those for the free space bosonic channel.
The minimum Renyi and Wehrl output entropies are found for bosonic channels in which the signal photons are either randomly displaced by a Gaussian distribution (classical-noise channel), or in which they are coupled to a thermal environment through lossy propagation (thermal-noise channel). It is shown that the Renyi output entropies of integer orders z>1 and the output Wehrl entropy are minimized when the channel input is a coherent state.
The von Neumann entropy at the output of a bosonic channel with thermal noise is analyzed. Coherent-state inputs are conjectured to minimize this output entropy. Physical and mathematical evidence in support of the conjecture is provided. A stronger conjecture--that output states resulting from coherent-state inputs majorize the output states from other inputs--is also discussed.
We analyze the role of nonlinear Hamiltonians in bosonic channels. We show that the information capacity as a function of the channel energy is increased with respect to the corresponding linear case, although only when the energy used for driving the nonlinearity is not considered as part of the energetic cost and when dispersive effects are negligible.
The classical capacity of the lossy bosonic channel is calculated exactly. It is shown that its Holevo information is not superadditive, and that a coherent-state encoding achieves capacity. The capacity of far-field, free-space optical communications is given as an example.
We calculate the entanglement assisted capacity of a multimode bosonic channel with loss. As long as the efficiency of the channel is above 50%, the superdense coding effect can be used to transmit more bits than those that can be stored in the message sent down the channel. Bounds for the other capacities of the multimode channel are also provided.
We study the communication capacities of bosonic broadband channels in the presence of different sources of noise. In particular we analyze lossy channels in presence of white noise and thermal bath. In this context, we provide a numerical solution for the entanglement assisted capacity and upper and lower bounds for the classical and quantum capacities.
Entanglement or entanglement generating interactions permit to achieve the maximum allowed speed in the dynamical evolution of a composite system, when the energy resources are distributed among subsystems. The cases of pre-existing entanglement and of entanglement-building interactions are separately addressed. The role of classical correlations is also discussed.
How fast can a quantum system evolve? We answer this question focusing on the role of entanglement and interactions among subsystems. In particular, we analyze how the order of the interactions shapes the dynamics.
We establish the minimum time it takes for an initial state of mean energy E and energy spread DE to move from its initial configuration by a predetermined amount. Distances in Hilbert space are estimated by the fidelity between the initial and final state. In this context, we also show that entanglement is necessary to achieve the ultimate evolution speed when the energy resources are distributed among all subsystems.
Extended phase-matching conditions for spontaneous parametric down-conversion are examined. By augmenting the conventional phase-matching conditions, they permit the creation of a class of frequency-entangled states that generalizes the usual twin-beam biphoton state. An experimental characterization of these states is possible through interferometric coincidence counting.
It is shown that parametric downconversion, with a short-duration pump pulse and a long nonlinear crystal that is appropriately phase matched, can produce a frequency-entangled biphoton state whose individual photons are coincident in frequency. Quantum interference experiments which distinguish this state from the familiar time-coincident biphoton state are described.
A method is proposed to employ entangled and squeezed light for determining the position of a party and for synchronizing distant clocks. An accuracy gain over analogous protocols that employ classical resources is demonstrated and a quantum-cryptographic positioning application is given, which allows only trusted parties to learn the position of whatever must be localized. The presence of a lossy channel and imperfect photodetection is considered. The advantages in using partially entangled states is discussed.