arXiv subjects

Min Namkung

Publications and source records attributed to Min Namkung.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Universal Operational Privacy in Distributed Quantum Sensing

Privacy is a fundamental requirement in distributed quantum sensor networks, where multiple clients estimate spatially distributed parameters using shared quantum resources while interacting with potentially untrusted servers. Despite its importance, existing privacy conditions rely on idealized quantum bounds and do not fully capture the operational constraints imposed by realistic measurements. Here, we introduce a universal operational privacy framework for distributed quantum sensing, formulated in terms of the experimentally accessible Fisher information matrix and applicable to arbitrary protocols characterized by singular information structures. The proposed condition provides a protocol-independent criterion, ensuring that no information about individual parameters is accessible to untrusted parties. We further experimentally demonstrate that a distributed quantum sensing protocol employing fewer photons than the number of estimated parameters simultaneously satisfies the universal privacy condition and achieves Heisenberg-limited precision. Our results establish universal operational constraints governing privacy in distributed quantum sensor networks and provide a foundation for practical, privacy-preserving quantum sensing beyond full-rank regimes.

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arXiv2026

Universal quantum cloning beyond noncontextual theory

Quantum theory fundamentally forbids the perfect copying of an arbitrary unknown quantum state, according to a principle known as the no-cloning theorem. Nevertheless, it is possible to construct a deterministic quantum map that produces multiple approximate copies of an unknown quantum state. This task is referred to as universal quantum cloning, further facilitating numerous quantum technologies such as quantum cryptography and quantum communication. In this work, we theoretically verify that the universal quantum cloning cannot be realized within a noncontextual theory, highlighting its intrinsically nonclassical nature. Our verification first {focuses on revealing that} $1\rightarrow2$ cloning scenario {is fully contextual}, and {further covers general examples to observe the contextual behavior of} $N\rightarrow M$ scenario. We believe that our results regarding quantum cloning serve a key role for understanding both quantum foundation and application.

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arXiv2026

Contextuality of quantum non-demolition measurement via state discrimination

Quantum non-demolition measurements facilitate various quantum technologies, including quantum communication. Notably, their operational structure can be replicated by a classical model--referred to as a noncontextual model--making it crucial to identify which features prevents such models from reproducing the corresponding quantum measurements. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate contextual features inherent in the structure of quantum non-demolition measurements. These features not only reveal the nonclassicality of unambiguous state discrimination, but also extend to sequential unambiguous discrimination and probabilistic quantum cloning, both of which involve post-measurement states. Moreover, our analysis extends to noisy scenarios, highlighting its potential relevance for practical implementations. We believe that our results broaden the scope of observing nonclassicality in quantum systems and ultimately contribute to the advancement of various quantum technologies.

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arXiv2026

Experimental demonstration of optimal measurement for unambiguously discriminating asymmetric qudit states

Identification of nonorthogonal quantum states without error is crucial for various applications in quantum information technology, as well as the foundations of quantum physics. Theoretical studies have proposed measurements that maximize the success probability of unambiguously discriminating quantum states. However, these methods are not always experimentally feasible, which has led most demonstrations to focus on equiprobable symmetric states. Here, we establish a projective measurement scheme that optimally discriminates multiple asymmetric qudit states. We experimentally demonstrate this optimal projective measurement using a photonic orbital angular momentum state, where asymmetric qudit states are encoded in the Laguerre-Gaussian modes of a heralded single-photon state. Our results have broad applications in high-dimensional quantum state-based quantum information processing, including quantum key distribution and quantum sensing.

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arXiv2026

Contextuality-enhanced quantum state discrimination under fixed failure probability

Quantum state discrimination enables the accurate identification of quantum states, which are generally nonorthogonal. Among various strategies, minimum-error discrimination and unambiguous state discrimination exhibit contextuality-enhanced success probabilities that surpass classical bounds, offering significant advantages for quantum sensing and communication. However, in practice, both error and failure outcomes can occur, suggesting the need for a unified strategy that incorporates both aspects while exploring the potential for contextuality enhancement. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate contextuality enhancement in quantum state discrimination under a fixed failure probability. We show that this enhancement disappears within a certain intermediate range of failure probabilities--a phenomenon absent in conventional strategies, where both minimum-error and unambiguous discrimination consistently outperform the noncontextual bound for equal priors. Moreover, we analyze how the existence of this non-enhancement region depends on the confusability of the quantum states, which corresponds to their fidelity in a quantum model. We further extend the discussion to the noisy state discrimination, which even encompasses the maximal-confidence discrimination. In this extended discussion, we observe that the non-enhancement region tends to disappear with increasing noise strength.

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arXiv2025

Photonic variational quantum eigensolver for NISQ-compatible quantum technology

Quantum computers have the potential to deliver speed-ups for solving certain important problems that are intractable for classical counterparts, making them a promising avenue for advancing modern computation. However, many quantum algorithms require deep quantum circuits, which are challenging to implement on current noisy devices. To address this limitation, variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) have been actively developed, enabling practical quantum computing in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. Among them, the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) stands out as a leading approach for solving problems in quantum chemistry, many-body physics, and even integer factorization. The VQE algorithm can be implemented on various quantum hardware platforms, including photonic systems, quantum dots, trapped ions, neutral atoms, and superconducting circuits. In particular, photonic platforms offer several advantages: they operate at room temperature, exhibit low decoherence, and support multiple degrees of freedom, making them suitable for scalable, high-dimensional quantum computation. Here we present methodologies for realizing VQE on photonic systems, highlighting their potential for practical quantum computing. We first provide a theoretical overview of the VQE framework, focusing on the procedure for variationally estimating ground state energies. We then explore how photonic systems can implement these processes, showing that a wide variety of problems can be addressed using either multiple qubit states or a single qudit state.

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arXiv2025

Unified strategy for non-invertible Fisher information matrix in quantum metrology

In quantum multi-parameter estimation, the precision of estimating unknown parameters is bounded by the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB), defined via the inverse of the Fisher information matrix (FIM). However, in certain scenarios such as distributed quantum sensing the FIM becomes non-invertible due to parameter redundancy, which depends on the probe state and measurement. This issue is often handled using a weaker form of the CRB, potentially overestimating the uncertainty and underrepresenting achievable precision. Here, we propose an alternative approach by introducing equality constraints to remove redundancy and define the CRB via the Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse of the FIM. This framework enables systematic treatment of both simultaneous estimation and distributed sensing cases. We demonstrate its utility by reanalyzing several known examples within this unified perspective, highlighting improved interpretability and practical relevance. Our results offer a concrete guideline for addressing non-invertible FIMs and enhancing the precision of quantum multi-parameter estimation in realistic scenarios.

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arXiv2024

Persistent quantum advantage with definite photon-number states in lossy multiple-phase estimation

Multiple-phase estimation exploiting quantum states has broad applications in novel sensing and imaging technologies. However, the unavoidable presence of lossy environments in practical settings often diminishes the precision of phase estimations. To address this challenge, we propose an optimal multiple-phase estimation scheme that is inherently robust against photon loss, ensuring a persistent quantum advantage across all levels of photon loss. The scheme employs a multi-mode definite photon-number (DPN) state with weights optimized for given levels of photon loss. We theoretically demonstrate that the DPN state can sustain quantum enhancement in estimation precision under all levels of photon loss, compared to the classical benchmark that employs a coherent state input. The proposed scheme using DPN states generalizes earlier studies employing NOON states, which are only optimal when photon loss is small. We believe that our study, demonstrating persistent robustness to photon loss, paves the way for significant advancements in quantum-enhanced sensing technologies, enabling practical applications and quantum advantages in real-world scenarios.

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arXiv2024

Optimal multiple-phase estimation with multi-mode NOON states against photon loss

Multi-mode NOON states can quantum-enhance multiple-phase estimation in the absence of photon loss. However, a multi-mode NOON state is known to be vulnerable to photon loss, and its quantum-enhancement can be dissipated by lossy environment. In this work, we demonstrate that a quantum advantage in estimate precision can still be achieved in the presence of photon loss. This is accomplished by optimizing the weights of the multi-mode NOON states according to photon loss rates in the multiple modes, including the reference mode which defines the other phases. For practical relevance, we also show that photon-number counting via a multi-mode beam-splitter achieves the useful, albeit sub-optimal, quantum advantage. We expect this work to provide valuable guidance for developing quantum-enhanced multiple-phase estimation techniques in lossy environments.

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arXiv2023

Complete security analysis of {quantum key distribution} based on unified model of sequential discrimination strategy

The quantum key distribution for multiparty is one of the essential subjects of study. Especially, without using entangled states, performing the quantum key distribution for multiparty is a critical area of research. For this purpose, sequential discrimination, which provides multiparty quantum communication and quantum key distribution for {multiple receivers}, has recently been introduced. However, since there is a possibility of eavesdropping on the measurement result of a receiver by an intruder using quantum entanglement, a security analysis for {quantum key distribution} should be performed. {However,} no one has provided the security analysis for {quantum key distribution in view of the sequential scheme} yet. In this work, by proposing a unified model of sequential discrimination including an eavesdropper, we provide the security analysis of {quantum key distribution based on the unified model of sequential discrimination strategy.} In this model, the success probability of eavesdropping and the secret key rate can be used as a figure of merit. Then, we obtain a non-zero secret key rate between the sender and receiver, which implies that the sender and receiver can share a secret key despite eavesdropping. Further, we propose a realistic quantum optical experiment for the proposed model. We observe that the secret key between the sender and receiver can be non-zero, even with imperfections. As opposed to common belief, we further observe that the success probability of eavesdropping is smaller in the case of colored noise than in the case of white noise.

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arXiv2023

Conclusive discrimination by $N$ sequential receivers between $r\geq2$ arbitrary quantum states

In the present article, we develop a general framework for the description of discrimination between $r\geq2$ quantum states by $N\geq1$ sequential receivers in the case where each receiver obtains a conclusive result. This type of discrimination constitutes an $N$-sequential extension of the minimum-error discrimination by one receiver. The developed general framework, which is valid for a conclusive discrimination between any number $r\geq2$ of arbitrary quantum states, pure or mixed, of an arbitrary dimension and any number $N\geq1$ of sequential receivers, is based on the notion of a quantum state instrument and this allows us to derive the new important general results. We, in particular, find a general condition on $r\geq2$ quantum states, under which, within the strategy where all types of receivers' quantum measurements are allowed, the optimal success probability is equal to that of the first receiver for any number $N\geq2$ of further sequential receivers. Furthermore, we extend our general framework to include an $N$-sequential conclusive discrimination between $r\geq2$ arbitrary quantum states under a noisy communication. As an example, we analyze analytically and numerically a two-sequential conclusive discrimination between two qubit states via depolarizing quantum channels. The derived new general results are important both from the theoretical point of view and for the development of a successful multipartite quantum communication via noisy quantum channels.

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arXiv2022

Specifying nonlocality of a pure bipartite state and analytical relations between measures for bipartite nonlocality and entanglement

For a multipartite quantum state, the maximal violation of all Bell inequalities constitutes a measure of its nonlocality [Loubenets, J. Math. Phys. 53, 022201 (2012)]. In the present article, for the maximal violation of Bell inequalities by a pure bipartite state, possibly infinite-dimensional, we derive a new upper bound expressed in terms of the Schmidt coefficients of this state. This new upper bound allows us also to specify general analytical relations between the maximal violation of Bell inequalities by a bipartite quantum state, pure or mixed, and such entanglement measures for this state as "negativity" and "concurrence". To our knowledge, no any general analytical relations between measures for bipartite nonlocality and entanglement have been reported in the literature though, for a general bipartite state, specifically such relations are important for the entanglement certification and quantification scenarios. As an example, we apply our new results to finding upper bounds on nonlocality of bipartite coherent states intensively discussed last years in the literature in view of their experimental implementations.

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arXiv2022

Atomic indirect measurement and robust binary quantum communication under phase-diffusion noise

It was known that a novel quantum communication protocol surpassing the shot noise limit can be proposed by an atomic indirect measurement based on the Jaynes-Cummings model. Moreover, the quantum communication with the atomic indirect measurement can nearly achieve the Helstrom bound as well as the accessible information when message is transmitted by an ideal coherent state. Here, we show that the atomic indirect measurement is robust against the phase-diffusion noise. By considering the error probability of discriminating received signal, we show that the atomic indirect measurement can also nearly achieve the Helstrom bound as well as the accessible information even the channel is exposed to the phase-diffused noise. Moreover, we further show that atomic indirect measurement outperforms the feedback-excluded receiver composed of a photon number resolving detector and maximum-a-posteriori decision rule when the standard deviation of the phase-diffusion channel is not too large.

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arXiv2021

Enhanced Optimal Quantum Communication by Generalized Phase Shift Keying Coherent Signal

It is well known that the maximal success probability of the binary quantum communication can be improved by using a sub-Poissonian non-standard coherent state as an information carrier. In the present article, we consider the quantum communication with $N$-ary phase shift keying ($N$-PSK) signal for an arbitrary positive integer $N>1$. By using non-standard coherent state, we analytically provide the maximal success probability of the quantum communication with $N$-PSK. Unlike the binary case, we show that even super-Poissonianity of non-standard coherent state can improve the maximal success probability of $N$-PSK quantum communication.

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arXiv2021

Indirect Measurement for Optimal Quantum Communication Enhanced by Binary Non-standard Coherent States

It is well known that the Helstrom bound can be improved by generalizing the form of a coherent state. Thus, designing a quantum measurement achieving the improved Helstrom bound is important for novel quantum communication. In the present article, we analytically show that the improved Helstrom bound can be achieved by a projective measurement composed of orthogonal non-standard Schrödinger cat states. Moreover, we numerically show that the improved Helstrom bound can be nearly achieved by an indirect measurement based on the Jaynes-Cummings model. As the Jaynes-Cummings model describes an interaction between a light and a two-level atom, we emphasize that the indirect measurement considered in this article has potential to be experimentally implemented.

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arXiv2021

Violation of general Bell inequalities by a pure bipartite quantum state

In the present article, based on the formalism introduced in [Loubenets, J. Math. Phys. 53, 022201 (2012)], we derive for a pure bipartite quantum state a new upper bound on its maximal violation of general Bell inequalities. This new bound indicates that, for an infinite dimensional pure bipartite state with a finite sum of its Schmidt coefficients, violation of any general Bell inequality is bounded from above by the value independent on a number of settings and a type of outcomes, continuous or discrete, specific to this Bell inequality. As an example, we apply our new general results to specifying upper bounds on the maximal violation of general Bell inequalities by infinite dimensional bipartite states having the Bell states like forms comprised of two binary coherent states $|α\rangle ,|-α\rangle$, with $α>0$. We show that, for each of these bipartite coherent states, the maximal violation of general Bell inequalities cannot exceed the value $3$ and analyse numerically the dependence of the derived analytical upper bounds on a parameter $α>0$.

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arXiv2021

Two-sequential Conclusive Discrimination between Binary Coherent States via Indirect Measurements

A general scenario for an $N$-sequential conclusive state discrimination introduced recently in Loubenets and Namkung [arXiv:2102.04747] can provide a multipartite quantum communication realizable in the presence of a noise. In the present article, we propose a new experimental scheme for the implementation of a sequential conclusive discrimination between binary coherent states via indirect measurements within the Jaynes-Cummings interaction model. We find that if the mean photon number is less than 1.6, then, for our two-sequential state discrimination scheme, the optimal success probability is larger than the one presented in Fields, Varga, and Bergou [2020, IEEE Int. Conf. Quant. Eng. Comp.]. We also show that, if the mean photon number is almost equal to 1.2, then the optimal success probability nearly approaches the Helstrom bound.

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arXiv2014

Revisiting Quantum discord for two-qubit X states: Error bound to Analytical formula

In this article, we investigate the error bound of quantum discord, obtained by the analytic formula of Ali et al.[Phys. Rev. A 81(2010), 042105] in case of general X states and by the analytic formula of Fanchini et al.[Phys. Rev. A 81(2010), 052107] in case of symmetric X states. We show that results of Ali et. al. to general X states and Fanchini et al. to symmetric X states may have worst-case error of 0.004565 and 0.0009 respectively.

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