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P. D. Drummond

Publications and source records attributed to P. D. Drummond.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2013

Manipulating Majorana fermions in one-dimensional spin-orbit coupled atomic Fermi gases

Majorana fermions are promising candidates for storing and processing information in topological quantum computation. The ability to control such individual information carriers in trapped ultracold atomic Fermi gases is a novel theme in quantum information science. However, fermionic atoms are neutral and thus are difficult to manipulate. Here, we theoretically investigate the control of emergent Majorana fermions in one-dimensional spin-orbit coupled atomic Fermi gases. We discuss (i) how to move Majorana fermions by increasing or decreasing an effective Zeeman field, which acts like a solid state control voltage gate; and (ii) how to create a pair of Majorana fermions by adding a magnetic impurity potential. We discuss the experimental realization of our control scheme in an ultracold Fermi gas of $^{40}$K atoms.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗
arXiv2012

Resolution of unity for fermionic Gaussian operators

The fermionic Gaussian operator basis provides a representation for treating strongly correlated fermion systems, as well as playing an important role in random matrix theory. We prove that a resolution of unity exists for any even distribution of eigenvalues over hermitian fermionic Gaussian operators in the nonstandard symmetry classes. This has some important consequences. It demonstrates a useful technique for constructing fundamental mathematical identities in an exponentially complex Hilbert space. It also shows that, to obtain nontrivial results for random matrix canonical ensembles in the nonstandard symmetry classes, it is necessary to consider ensembles that are not even functions of the eigenvalues. We show that the same restriction does not apply to the standard Wigner-Dyson symmetry classes of random matrices.

math-ph↗
arXiv2012

Entanglement, number fluctuations and optimized interferometric phase measurement

We derive a phase-entanglement criterion for two bosonic modes which is immune to number fluc- tuations, using the generalized Moore-Penrose inverse to normalize the phase-quadrature operator. We also obtain a phase-squeezing criterion that is immune to number fluctuations using similar techniques. These are utilized to obtain an operational definition of relative phase-measurement sensitivity, via analysis of phase measurement in interferometry. We show that these measures are proportional to enhanced phase-measurement sensitivity. The phase-entanglement criterion is a hallmark for a new type of quantum squeezing, namely planar quantum squeezing. This has the property that it squeezes two orthogonal spin directions simultaneously, which is possible owing to the fact that the SU(2) group that describes spin symmetry has a three-dimensional parameter space, of higher dimension than the group for photonic quadratures. The practical advantage of planar quantum squeezing is that, unlike conventional spin-squeezing, it allows noise reduction over all phase-angles simultaneously. The application of this type of squeezing is to quantum measure- ment of an unknown phase. We show that a completely unknown phase requires two orthogonal measurements, and that with planar quantum squeezing it is possible to reduce the measurement uncertainty independently of the unknown phase value. This is a different type of squeezing to the usual spin-squeezing interferometric criterion, which is only applicable when the measured phase is already known to a good approximation, or can be measured iteratively. As an example, we calcu- late the phase-entanglement of the ground state of a two-well, coupled Bose-Einstein condensate, similar to recent experiments. This system demonstrates planar squeezing in both the attractive and repulsive interaction regimes.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2012

Dynamical preparation of EPR entanglement in two-well Bose-Einstein condensates

We propose to generate Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) entanglement between groups of atoms in a two-well Bose-Einstein condensate using a dynamical process similar to that employed in quantum optics. The local nonlinear S-wave scattering interaction has the effect of creating a spin squeezing at each well, while the tunneling, analogous to a beam splitter in optics, introduces an interference between these fields that results in an inter-well entanglement. We consider two internal modes at each well, so that the entanglement can be detected by measuring a reduction in the variances of the sums of local Schwinger spin observables. As is typical of continuous variable (CV) entanglement, the entanglement is predicted to increase with atom number, and becomes sufficiently strong at higher numbers of atoms that the EPR paradox and steering non-locality can be realized. The entanglement is predicted using an analytical approach and, for larger atom numbers, stochastic simulations based on truncated Wigner function. We find generally that strong tunnelling is favourable, and that entanglement persists and is even enhanced in the presence of realistic nonlinear losses.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2011

Quantum dynamics in ultra-cold atomic physics

We review recent developments in the theory of quantum dynamics in ultra-cold atomic physics, including exact techniques, but focusing on methods based on phase-space mappings that are appli- cable when the complexity becomes exponentially large. These phase-space representations include the truncated Wigner, positive-P and general Gaussian operator representations which can treat both bosons and fermions. These phase-space methods include both traditional approaches using a phase-space of classical dimension, and more recent methods that use a non-classical phase-space of increased dimensionality. Examples used include quantum EPR entanglement of a four-mode BEC, time-reversal tests of dephasing in single-mode traps, BEC quantum collisions with up to 106 modes and 105 interacting particles, quantum interferometry in a multi-mode trap with nonlinear absorp- tion, and the theory of quantum entropy in phase-space. We also treat the approach of variational optimization of the sampling error, giving an elementary example of a nonlinear oscillator.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2011

Entanglement and nonlocality in multi-particle systems

Entanglement, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox and Bell's failure of local-hidden-variable (LHV) theories are three historically famous forms of "quantum nonlocality". We give experimental criteria for these three forms of nonlocality in multi-particle systems, with the aim of better understanding the transition from microscopic to macroscopic nonlocality. We examine the nonlocality of N separated spin J systems. First, we obtain multipartite Bell inequalities that address the correlation between spin values measured at each site, and then we review spin squeezing inequalities that address the degree of reduction in the variance of collective spins. The latter have been particularly useful as a tool for investigating entanglement in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). We present solutions for two topical quantum states: multi-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states, and the ground state of a two-well BEC.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2011

Linear entropy in quantum phase space

We calculate the quantum Renyi entropy in a phase space representation for either fermions or bosons. This can also be used to calculate purity and fidelity, or the entanglement between two systems. We show that it is possible to calculate the entropy from sampled phase space distributions in normally ordered representations, although this is not possible for all quantum states. We give an example of the use of this method in an exactly soluble thermal case. The quantum entropy cannot be calculated at all using sampling methods in classical symmetric (Wigner) or antinormally ordered (Husimi) phase spaces, due to inner product divergences. The preferred method is to use generalized Gaussian phase space methods, which utilize a distribution over stochastic Green's functions. We illustrate this approach by calculating the reduced entropy and entanglement of bosonic or fermionic modes coupled to a time-evolving, non-Markovian reservoir.

cond-mat.other↗
arXiv2011

Quantum noise in three-dimensional BEC interferometry

We develop a theory of quantum fluctuations and squeezing in a three-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensate atom interferometer with nonlinear losses. We use stochastic equations in a truncated Wigner representation to treat quantum noise. Our approach includes the multi-mode spatial evolution of spinor components and describes the many-body dynamics of a mesoscopic quantum system.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗
arXiv2011

Planar quantum squeezing and atom interferometry

We obtain a lower bound on the sum of two orthogonal spin component variances in a plane. This gives a novel planar uncertainty relation which holds even when the Heisenberg relation is not useful. We investigate the asymptotic, large $J$ limit, and derive the properties of the planar quantum squeezed states that saturate this uncertainty relation. These states extend the concept of spin squeezing to any two conjugate spin directions. We show that planar quantum squeezing can be achieved experimentally as the ground state of a Bose-Einstein condensate in two coupled potential wells with a critical attractive interaction. These states reduce interferometric phase noise at all phase angles simultaneously. This is useful for one-shot interferometric phase-measurements where the measured phase is completely unknown. Our results can also be used to derive entanglement criteria for multiple spins $J$ at separated sites, with applications in quantum information.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2011

Entanglement, EPR steering, and Bell-nonlocality criteria for multipartite higher-spin systems

We develop criteria to detect three classes of nonlocality that have been shown by Wiseman et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 140402 (2007)] to be nonequivalent: entanglement, EPR steering, and the failure of local hidden-variable theories. We use the approach of Cavalcanti et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 210405 (2007)] for continuous variables to develop the nonlocality criteria for arbitrary spin observables defined on a discrete Hilbert space. The criteria thus apply to multisite qudits, i.e., systems of fixed dimension d, and take the form of inequalities. We find that the spin moment inequalities that test local hidden variables (Bell inequalities) can be violated for arbitrary d by optimized highly correlated nonmaximally entangled states provided the number of sites N is high enough. On the other hand, the spin inequalities for entanglement are violated and thus detect entanglement for such states, for arbitrary d and N, and with a violation that increases with N.We show that one of the moment entanglement inequalities can detect the entanglement of an arbitrary generalized multipartite Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state. Because they involve the natural observables for atomic systems, the relevant spin-operator correlations should be readily observable in trapped ultracold atomic gases and ion traps.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2010

EPR entanglement strategies in two-well BEC

Criteria suitable for measuring entanglement between two different potential wells in a Bose- Einstein condensation (BEC) are evaluated. We show how to generate the required entanglement, utilizing either an adiabatic two-mode or dynamic four-mode interaction strategy, with techniques that take advantage of s-wave scattering interactions to provide the nonlinear coupling. The dynamic entanglement method results in an entanglement signature with spatially separated detectors, as in the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2010

Spin entanglement, decoherence and Bohm's EPR paradox

We obtain criteria for entanglement and the EPR paradox for spin-entangled particles and analyse the effects of decoherence caused by absorption and state purity errors. For a two qubit photonic state, entanglement can occur for all transmission efficiencies. In this case, the state preparation purity must be above a threshold value. However, Bohm's spin EPR paradox can be achieved only above a critical level of loss. We calculate a required efficiency of 58%, which appears achievable with current quantum optical technologies. For a macroscopic number of particles prepared in a correlated state, spin entanglement and the EPR paradox can be demonstrated using our criteria for efficiencies η > 1/3 and η > 2/3 respectively. This indicates a surprising insensitivity to loss decoherence, in a macroscopic system of ultra-cold atoms or photons.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2010

Universal behavior of pair correlations in a strongly interacting Fermi gas

We show that short-range pair correlations in a strongly interacting Fermi gas follow a simple universal law described by Tan's relations. This is achieved through measurements of the static structure factor which displays a universal scaling proportional to the ratio of Tan's contact to the momentum $C/q$. Bragg spectroscopy of ultracold $^6$Li atoms from a periodic optical potential is used to measure the structure factor for a wide range of momenta and interaction strengths, providing broad confirmation of this universal law. We calibrate our Bragg spectra using the $f$-sum rule, which is found to improve the accuracy of the structure factor measurement.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗
arXiv2010

Bell inequalities for Continuous-Variable Measurements

Tests of local hidden variable theories using measurements with continuous variable (CV) outcomes are developed, and a comparison of different methods is presented. As examples, we focus on multipartite entangled GHZ and cluster states. We suggest a physical process that produces the states proposed here, and investigate experiments both with and without binning of the continuous variable. In the former case, the Mermin-Klyshko inequalities can be used directly. For unbinned outcomes, the moment-based CFRD inequalities are extended to functional inequalities by considering arbitrary functions of the measurements at each site. By optimising these functions, we obtain more robust violations of local hidden variable theories than with either binning or moments. Recent inequalities based on the algebra of quaternions and octonions are compared with these methods. Since the prime advantage of CV experiments is to provide a route to highly efficient detection via homodyne measurements, we analyse the effect of noise and detection losses in both binned and unbinned cases. The CV moment inequalities with an optimal function have greater robustness to both loss and noise. This could permit a loophole-free test of Bell inequalities.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2009

Testing for Multipartite Quantum Nonlocality Using Functional Bell Inequalities

We show that arbitrary functions of continuous variables, e.g. position and momentum, can be used to generate tests that distinguish quantum theory from local hidden variable theories. By optimising these functions, we obtain more robust violations of local causality than obtained previously. We analytically calculate the optimal function and include the effect of nonideal detectors and noise, revealing that optimized functional inequalities are resistant to standard forms of decoherence. These inequalities could allow a loophole-free Bell test with efficient homodyne detection.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2009

Synchronous Quantum Memories with Time-symmetric Pulses

We propose a dynamical approach to quantum memories using a synchronous oscillator-cavity model, in which the coupling is shaped in time to provide the optimum interface to a symmetric input pulse. This overcomes the known difficulties of achieving high quantum input-output fidelity with storage times long compared to the input signal duration. Our generic model is applicable to any linear storage medium ranging from a superconducting device to an atomic medium. We show that with temporal modulation of coupling and/or detuning, it is possible to mode-match to time-symmetric pulses that have identical pulse shapes on input and output.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2008

Non-local pair correlations in the 1D Bose gas at finite temperature

The behavior of the spatial two-particle correlation function is surveyed in detail for a uniform 1D Bose gas with repulsive contact interactions at finite temperatures. Both long-, medium-, and short-range effects are investigated. The results span the entire range of physical regimes, from ideal gas, to strongly interacting, and from zero temperature to high temperature. We present perturbative analytic methods, available at strong and weak coupling, and first-principle numerical results using imaginary time simulations with the gauge-P representation in regimes where perturbative methods are invalid. Nontrivial effects are observed from the interplay of thermally induced bunching behavior versus interaction induced antibunching.

cond-mat.other↗
arXiv2008

The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox: from concepts to applications

This Colloquium examines the field of the EPR Gedankenexperiment, from the original paper of Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen, through to modern theoretical proposals of how to realize both the continuous-variable and discrete versions of the EPR paradox. We analyze the relationship with entanglement and Bell's theorem, and summarize the progress to date towards experimental confirmation of the EPR paradox, with a detailed treatment of the continuous-variable paradox in laser-based experiments. Practical techniques covered include continuous-wave parametric amplifier and optical fibre quantum soliton experiments. We discuss current proposals for extending EPR experiments to massive-particle systems, including spin-squeezing, atomic position entangle- ment, and quadrature entanglement in ultra-cold atoms. Finally, we examine applications of this technology to quantum key distribution, quantum teleportation and entanglement-swapping.

quant-ph↗