arXiv subjects

Natalia Korolkova

Publications and source records attributed to Natalia Korolkova.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

An operational distinction between quantum entanglement and classical non-separability

Quantum entanglement describes superposition states in multi-dimensional systems, at least two partite, which cannot be factorized and are thus non-separable. Non-separable states exist also in classical theories involving vector spaces. In both cases, it is possible to violate a Bell-like inequality. This has led to controversial discussions, which we resolve by identifying an operational distinction between the classical and quantum cases.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quantum steering as a resource for secure tripartite Quantum State Sharing

Quantum State Sharing (QSS) is a protocol by which a (secret) quantum state may be securely split, shared between multiple potentially dishonest players, and reconstructed. Crucially the players are each assumed to be dishonest, and so QSS requires that only a collaborating authorised subset of players can access the original secret state; any dishonest unauthorised conspiracy cannot reconstruct it. We analyse a QSS protocol involving three untrusted players and demonstrate that quantum steering is the required resource which enables the protocol to proceed securely. We analyse the level of steering required to share any single-mode Gaussian secret which enables the states to be shared with the optimal use of resources.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Convicting emergent multipartite entanglement with evidence from a partially blind witness

Genuine multipartite entanglement underlies correlation experiments corroborating quantum mechanics and it is an expedient empowering many quantum technologies. One of many counterintuitive facets of genuine multipartite entanglement is its ability to exhibit an emergent character, that is, one can infer its presence in some multipartite states merely from a set of its separable marginals. Here, we show that the effect can be found also in the context of Gaussian states of bosonic systems. Specifically, we construct examples of multimode Gaussian states carrying genuine multipartite entanglement which can be verified solely from separable nearest-neighbour two-mode marginals. The key tool of our construction is a genuine multipartite entanglement witness acting only on some two-mode reductions of the global covariance matrix, which we find by a numerical solution of a semi-definite programme. We also propose an experimental scheme for preparation of the simplest three-mode state, which requires interference of three correlatively displaced squeezed beams on two beam splitters. Besides revealing the concept of emergent genuine multipartite entanglement in the Gaussian scenario and bringing it closer to experimentally testable form, our results pave the way to effective diagnostics methods of global properties of multipartite states without complete tomography.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Agile and versatile quantum communication: signatures and secrets

Agile cryptography allows for a resource-efficient swap of a cryptographic core in case the security of an underlying classical cryptographic algorithm becomes compromised. Conversely, versatile cryptography allows the user to switch the cryptographic task without requiring any knowledge of its inner workings. In this paper, we suggest how these related principles can be applied to the field of quantum cryptography by explicitly demonstrating two quantum cryptographic protocols, quantum digital signatures (QDS) and quantum secret sharing (QSS), on the same hardware sender and receiver platform. Crucially, the protocols differ only in their classical post-processing. The system is also suitable for quantum key distribution (QKD) and is highly compatible with deployed telecommunication infrastructures, since it uses standard quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) encoding and heterodyne detection. For the first time, QDS protocols are modified to allow for postselection at the receiver, enhancing protocol performance. The cryptographic primitives QDS and QSS are inherently multipartite and we prove that they are secure not only when a player internal to the task is dishonest, but also when (external) eavesdropping on the quantum channel is allowed. In our first proof-of-principle demonstration of an agile and versatile quantum communication system, the quantum states were distributed at GHz rates. This allows for a one-bit message to be securely signed using our QDS protocols in less than 0.05 ms over a 2 km fiber link and in less than 0.2~s over a 20 km fiber link. To our knowledge, this also marks the first demonstration of a continuous-variable direct QSS protocol.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Design of the coherent diffusive photon gun for generating non-classical states

We suggest and discuss a concept of deterministic integrated source of non-classical light based on the coherent diffusive photonics, a coherent light flow in a system of dissipatively coupled waveguides. We show how this practical quantum device can be realized with a system of single-mode waveguides laser-inscribed in nonlinear glass. We describe a hierarchy of models, from the complete multi-mode model of the waveguide network to the single mode coupled to a bath, analyze the conditions for validity of the simplest single-mode model and demonstrate feasibility of the generation of bright sub-Poissonian light states merely from a coherent input. Notably, the generation of non-classical states occurs at the initial stages of the dynamics, and can be accounted for in the linear model that allows us to circumvent the prohibiting computational complexity of the exact full quantum representation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Continuous-variable quantum digital signatures over insecure channels

Digital signatures ensure the integrity of a classical message and the authenticity of its sender. Despite their far-reaching use in modern communication, currently used signature schemes rely on computational assumptions and will be rendered insecure by a quantum computer. We present a quantum digital signatures (QDS) scheme whose security is instead based on the impossibility of perfectly and deterministically distinguishing between quantum states. Our continuous-variable (CV) scheme relies on phase measurement of a distributed alphabet of coherent states, and allows for secure message authentication against a quantum adversary performing collective beamsplitter and entangling-cloner attacks. Crucially, for the first time in the CV setting we allow for an eavesdropper on the quantum channels and yet retain shorter signature lengths than previous protocols with no eavesdropper. This opens up the possibility to implement CV QDS alongside existing CV quantum key distribution (QKD) platforms with minimal modification.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Quantum correlations in separable multi-mode states and in classically entangled light

In this review we discuss intriguing properties of apparently classical optical fields, that go beyond purely classical context and allow us to speak about quantum characteristics of such fields and about their applications in quantum technologies. We briefly define the genuinely quantum concepts of entanglement and steering. We then move to the boarder line between classical and quantum world introducing quantum discord, a more general concept of quantum coherence, and finally a controversial notion of classical entanglement. To unveil the quantum aspects of often classically perceived systems, we focus more in detail on quantum discordant correlations between the light modes and on nonseparability properties of optical vector fields leading to entanglement between different degrees of freedom of a single beam. To illustrate the aptitude of different types of correlated systems to act as quantum or quantum-like resource, entanglement activation from discord, high-precision measurements with classical entanglement and quantum information tasks using intra-system correlations are discussed. The common themes behind the versatile quantum properties of seemingly classical light are coherence, polarization and inter and intra--mode quantum correlations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Dissipatively Coupled Waveguide Networks for Coherent Diffusive Photonics

A photonic circuit is generally described as a structure in which light propagates by unitary exchange and transfers reversibly between channels. In contrast, the term `diffusive' is more akin to a chaotic propagation in scattering media, where light is driven out of coherence towards a thermal mixture. Based on the dynamics of open quantum systems, the combination of these two opposites can result in novel techniques for coherent light control. The crucial feature of these photonic structures is dissipative coupling between modes, via an interaction with a common reservoir. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that such systems can perform optical equalisation to smooth multimode light, or act as a distributor, guiding it into selected channels. Quantum thermodynamically, these systems can act as catalytic coherent reservoirs by performing perfect non-Landauer erasure. For lattice structures, localised stationary states can be supported in the continuum, similar to compacton-like states in conventional flat band lattices.

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arXiv2017

Trading quantum states for temporal profiles: tomography by the overlap

Quantum states and the modes of the optical field they occupy are intrinsically connected. Here, we show that one can trade the knowledge of a quantum state to gain information about the underlying mode structure and, vice versa, the knowledge about the modal shape allows one to perform a complete tomography of the quantum state. Our scheme can be executed experimentally using the interference between the signal and probe states on an unbalanced beam splitter with a single on/off-type detector. By changing the temporal overlap between the signal and the probe, the imperfect interference is turned into a powerful tool to extract the information about the signal mode structure. A single on/off detector is already sufficient to collect the necessary measurement data for the reconstruction of the diagonal part of the density matrix of an arbitrary multi-mode signal. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of our scheme with just one control parameter -- the time-delay of a coherent probe field.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Ancilla-driven quantum computation for qudits and continuous variables

Although qubits are the leading candidate for the basic elements in a quantum computer, there are also a range of reasons to consider using higher dimensional qudits or quantum continuous variables (QCVs). In this paper we use a general `quantum variable' formalism to propose a method of quantum computation in which ancillas are used to mediate gates on a well-isolated `quantum memory' register and which may be applied to the setting of qubits, qudits (for $d>2$) or QCVs. More specifically, we present a model in which universal quantum computation may be implemented on a register using only: repeated applications of a single fixed two-body ancilla-register interaction gate, ancillas prepared in a single state, and local measurements of these ancillas. In order to maintain determinism in the computation, adaptive measurements via a classical-feedforward of measurement outcomes are used, with the method similar to that in measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC). We show that our model has the same hybrid quantum-classical processing advantages as MBQC, including the power to implement any Clifford circuit in essentially one layer of quantum computation. In some physical settings, high-quality measurements of the ancillas may be highly challenging or not possible, and hence we also present a globally unitary model which replaces the need for measurements of the ancillas with the requirement for ancillas to be prepared in states from a fixed orthonormal basis. Finally, we discuss settings in which these models may be of practical interest.

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arXiv2016

Free-space quantum signatures using heterodyne detection

Digital signatures guarantee the authorship of electronic communications. Currently used "classical" signature schemes rely on unproven computational assumptions for security, while quantum signatures rely only on the laws of quantum mechanics. Previous quantum signature schemes have used unambiguous quantum measurements. Such measurements, however, sometimes give no result, reducing the efficiency of the protocol. Here, we instead use heterodyne detection, which always gives a result, although there is always some uncertainty. We experimentally demonstrate feasibility in a real environment by distributing signature states through a noisy 1.6km free-space channel. Our results show that continuous-variable heterodyne detection improves the signature rate for this type of scheme and therefore represents an interesting direction in the search for practical quantum signature schemes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Entangling the whole by beam splitting a part

A beam splitter is a basic linear optical element appearing in many optics experiments and is frequently used as a continuous-variable entangler transforming a pair of input modes from a separable Gaussian state into an entangled state. However, a beam splitter is a passive operation that can create entanglement from Gaussian states only under certain conditions. One such condition is that the input light is squeezed. We demonstrate experimentally that a beam splitter can create entanglement even from modes which do not possess such a squeezing provided that they are correlated to but not entangled with a third mode. Specifically, we show that a beam splitter can create three-mode entanglement by acting on two modes of a three-mode fully separable Gaussian state without entangling the two modes themselves. This beam splitter property is a key mechanism behind the performance of the protocol for entanglement distribution by separable states. Moreover, the property also finds application in collaborative quantum dense coding in which decoding of transmitted information is assisted by interference with a mode of the collaborating party.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Enhancing student learning of two-level quantum systems with interactive simulations

The QuVis Quantum Mechanics Visualization project aims to address challenges of quantum mechanics instruction through the development of interactive simulations for the learning and teaching of quantum mechanics. In this article, we describe evaluation of simulations focusing on two-level systems developed as part of the Institute of Physics Quantum Physics resources. Simulations are research-based and have been iteratively refined using student feedback in individual observation sessions and in-class trials. We give evidence that these simulations are helping students learn quantum mechanics concepts at both the introductory and advanced undergraduate level, and that students perceive simulations to be beneficial to their learning.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2014

Quantumness of Gaussian Discord: Experimental Evidence and Role of System-Environment Correlations

We provide experimental evidence of quantum features in bi-partite states classified as entirely classical according to a conventional criterion based on the Glauber P-function but possessing non-zero Gaussian quantum discord. Their quantum nature is experimentally revealed by acting locally on one part of the discordant state. Adding an environmental system purifying the state, we unveil the flow of quantum correlations within a global pure system using the Koashi-Winter inequality. We experimentally verify and investigate the counterintuitive effect of discord increase under the action of local loss and link it to the entanglement with the environment. For a discordant state generated by splitting a state in which the initial squeezing is destroyed by random displacements, we demonstrate the recovery of entanglement highlighting the role of system-environment correlations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Quantum discord from system-environment correlations

In an initially uncorrelated mixed separable bi-partite system, quantum correlations can emerge under the action of a local measurement or local noise [A. Streltsov, H. Kampermann, and D. Bruß, Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 170502 (2011)]. We analyze this counter-intuitive phenomenon using quantum discord as a quantifier. We then relate changes in quantum discord to system-environment correlations between the system in a mixed state and some purifying environmental mode using the Koashi-Winter inequality. On this basis, we suggest an interpretation of discord as a byproduct of transferring entanglement and correlations around the different subsystems of a global pure state.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Distributing Entanglement with Separable States

Like a silver thread, quantum entanglement [1] runs through the foundations and breakthrough applications of quantum information theory. It cannot arise from local operations and classical communication (LOCC) and therefore represents a more intimate relationship among physical systems than we may encounter in the classical world. The `nonlocal' character of entanglement manifests itself through a number of counterintuitive phenomena encompassing Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox [2,3], steering [4], Bell nonlocality [5] or negativity of entropy [6,7]. Furthermore, it extends our abilities to process information. Here, entanglement is used as a resource which needs to be shared between several parties, eventually placed at remote locations. However entanglement is not the only manifestation of quantum correlations. Notably, also separable quantum states can be used as a shared resource for quantum communication. The experiment presented in this paper highlights the quantumness of correlations in separable mixed states and the role of classical information in quantum communication by demonstrating entanglement distribution using merely a separable ancilla mode.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Improving continuous-variable entanglement distribution by separable states

We investigate the physical mechanism behind the counterintuitive phenomenon, the distribution of continuous-variable entanglement between two distant modes by sending a third separable auxiliary mode between them. For this purpose, we propose a new more simple and more efficient protocol resulting in distributed entanglement with more than an order of the magnitude higher logarithmic negativity than in the previously proposed protocol. This new protocol shows that the distributed entanglement originates from the entanglement of one mode and the auxiliary mode used for distribution which is first destroyed by local correlated noises and restored subsequently by the interference of the auxiliary mode with the second distant separable correlated mode.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Gaussian multipartite bound information

We demonstrate the existence of Gaussian multipartite bound information which is a classical analog of Gaussian multipartite bound entanglement. We construct a tripartite Gaussian distribution from which no secret key can be distilled, but which cannot be created by local operations and public communication. Further, we show that the presence of bound information is conditional on the presence of a part of the adversary's information creatable only by private communication. Existence of this part of the adversary's information is found to be a more generic feature of classical analogs of quantum phenomena obtained by mapping of non-classically correlated separable quantum states.

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