3,920 research outputs found
Structured light, transmission, and scattering
Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have established the principle that beams conveying orbital angular momentum offer a rich scope for information transfer. However, it is not clear how far it is practicable to operate such a concept at the single-photon level - especially when such a beam propagates through a system in which scattering can occur. In cases where scattering leads to photon deflection, it produces losses; however in terms of the retention of information content, there should be more concern over forward scattering. Based on a quantum electrodynamical formulation of theory, this paper aims to frame and resolve the key issues. A quantum amplitude is constructed for the representation of single and multiple scattering events in the propagation an individual photon, from a suitably structured beam. The analysis identifies potential limitations of principle, undermining complete fidelity of quantum information transmission
Twisted Photons: New Quantum Perspectives in High Dimensions
Quantum information science and quantum information technology have seen a
virtual explosion world-wide. It is all based on the observation that
fundamental quantum phenomena on the individual particle or system-level lead
to completely novel ways of encoding, processing and transmitting information.
Quantum mechanics, a child of the first third of the 20th century, has found
numerous realizations and technical applications, much more than was thought at
the beginning. Decades later, it became possible to do experiments with
individual quantum particles and quantum systems. This was due to technological
progress, and for light in particular, the development of the laser. Hitherto,
nearly all experiments and also nearly all realizations in the fields have been
performed with qubits, which are two-level quantum systems. We suggest that
this limitation is again mainly a technological one, because it is very
difficult to create, manipulate and measure more complex quantum systems. Here,
we provide a specific overview of some recent developments with
higher-dimensional quantum systems. We mainly focus on Orbital Angular Momentum
(OAM) states of photons and possible applications in quantum information
protocols. Such states form discrete higher-dimensional quantum systems, also
called qudits. Specifically, we will first address the question what kind of
new fundamental properties exist and the quantum information applications which
are opened up by such novel systems. Then we give an overview of recent
developments in the field by discussing several notable experiments over the
past 2-3 years. Finally, we conclude with several important open questions
which will be interesting for investigations in the future.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure
Detecting Orbital Angular Momentum of Light in Satellite-to-Ground Quantum Communications
Satellite-based quantum communications enable a bright future for
global-scale information security. However, the spin orbital momentum of light,
currently used in many mainstream quantum communication systems, only allows
for quantum encoding in a two-dimensional Hilbert space. The orbital angular
momentum (OAM) of light, on the other hand, enables quantum encoding in
higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces, opening up new opportunities for
high-capacity quantum communications. Due to its turbulence-induced decoherence
effects, however, the atmospheric channel may limit the practical usage of OAM.
In order to determine whether OAM is useful for satellite-based quantum
communications, we numerically investigate the detection likelihoods for OAM
states that traverse satellite-to-ground channels. We show that the use of OAM
through such channels is in fact feasible. We use our new results to then
investigate design specifications that could improve OAM detection -
particularly the use of advanced adaptive optics techniques. Finally, we
discuss how our work provides new insights into future implementations of
space-based OAM systems within the context of quantum communications.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure
Quantum information processing with space-division multiplexing optical fibres
The optical fibre is an essential tool for our communication infrastructure
since it is the main transmission channel for optical communications. The
latest major advance in optical fibre technology is spatial division
multiplexing (SDM), where new fibre designs and components establish multiple
co-existing data channels based on light propagation over distinct transverse
optical modes. Simultaneously, there have been many recent developments in the
field of quantum information processing (QIP), with novel protocols and devices
in areas such as computing, communication and metrology. Here, we review recent
works implementing QIP protocols with SDM optical fibres, and discuss new
possibilities for manipulating quantum systems based on this technology.Comment: Originally submitted version. Please see published version for
improved layout, new tables and updated references following review proces
On the conveyance of angular momentum in electronic energy transfer
When electronic excitation transfer occurs, it is of considerable interest to establish whether angular momentum can also be conveyed in the process. The question is prompted by a consideration that when the participating chromophores are atoms, ions, or molecular systems having high local symmetry, the electronic excited states that are involved are generally characterized not only by energy, but by angular momentum properties. Moreover, it is known that electron spin can be communicated between quantum dot exciton states. Resolving the general issue entails an electrodynamic representation exploiting irreducible tensor methods, the analysis being illustrated by application to energy transfer associated with a variety of multipolar transitions. The results exhibit novel connections between an angular momentum content of the electromagnetic coupling and a strongly varying distance dependence. It is concluded that the communication of angular momentum does not in general map unambiguously between a donor and energy acceptor
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