How quantum correlations enhance prediction of complementary measurements

If there are correlations between two qubits then the results of the measurement on one of them can help to predict measurement results on the other one. It is an interesting question what can be predicted about the results of two complementary projective measurements on the first qubit. To quantify these predictions the complementary \emph{knowledge excesses} are used. A non-trivial constraint restricting them is derived. For any mixed state and for arbitrary measurements the knowledge excesses are bounded by a factor depending only on the maximal violation of Bell's inequalities. This result is experimentally verified on two-photon Werner states prepared by means of spontaneous parametric down-conversion.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Several experimental realizations of symmetric phase-covariant quantum cloner of single-photon qubits

We compare several optical implementations of phase-covariant cloning machines. The experiments are based on copying of the polarization state of a single photon in bulk optics by special unbalanced beam splitter or by balanced beam splitter accompanied by a state filtering. Also the all-fiber based setup is discussed, where the information is encoded into spatial modes, i.e., the photon can propagate through two optical fibers. Each of the four implementations possesses some advantages and disadvantages that are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 11 figure

Surface spontaneous parametric down-conversion

Surface spontaneous parametric down-conversion is predicted as a consequence of continuity requirements for electric- and magnetic-field amplitudes at a discontinuity of chi2 nonlinearity. A generalization of the usual two-photon spectral amplitude is suggested to describe this effect. Examples of nonlinear layered structures and periodically-poled nonlinear crystals show that surface contributions to spontaneous down-conversion can be important.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

A note on nonseparable Lipschitz-free spaces

We prove that several classical Banach space properties are equivalent to separability for the class of Lipschitz-free spaces, including Corson's property ($\mathcal{C}$), Talponen's Countable Separation Property, or being a G\^ateaux differentiability space. On the other hand, we single out more general properties where this equivalence fails. In particular, the question whether the duals of non-separable Lipschitz-free spaces have a weak$^*$ sequentially compact ball is undecidable in ZFC. Finally, we provide an example of a nonseparable dual Lipschitz-free space that fails the Radon-Nikod\'ym property

Experimental linear-optical implementation of a multifunctional optimal qubit cloner

We present the first experimental implementation of a multifunctional device for the optimal cloning of one to two qubits. Previous implementations have always been designed to optimize the cloning procedure with respect to one single type of a priori information about the cloned state. In contrast, our "all-in-one" implementation is optimal for several prominent regimes such as universal cloning, phase-covariant cloning, and also the first ever realized mirror phase-covariant cloning, when the square of the expected value of Pauli's Z operator is known in advance. In all these regimes the experimental device yields clones with almost maximum achievable average fidelity (97.5% of theoretical limit). Our device has a wide range of possible applications in quantum information processing, especially in quantum communication. For instance, one can use it for incoherent and coherent attacks against a variety of cryptographic protocols, including the Bennett-Brassard 1984 protocol of quantum key distribution through the Pauli damping channels. It can be also applied as a state-dependent photon multiplier in practical quantum networks.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, accepted to Phys. Rev. A (Rapid Communications

Experimental asymmetric phase-covariant quantum cloning of polarization qubits

We report on two optical realizations of the $1 \to 2$ asymmetric phase-covariant cloning machines for polarization states of single photons. The experimental setups combine two-photon interference and tunable polarization filtering that enables us to control the asymmetry of the cloners. The first scheme involves a special unbalanced bulk beam splitter exhibiting different splitting ratios for vertical and horizontal polarizations, respectively. The second implemented scheme consists of a balanced fiber coupler where photon bunching occurs, followed by a free-space part with polarization filters. With this later approach we were able to demonstrate very high cloning fidelities which are above the universal cloning limit.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure

Emission of photon pairs at discontinuities of nonlinearity in spontaneous parametric down-conversion

In order to fulfil the continuity requirements for electric- and magnetic-field amplitudes at discontinuities of chi2 nonlinearity additional photon pairs have to be emitted in the area of discontinuity. Generalized two-photon spectral amplitudes can be used to describe properties of photon pairs generated in this process that we call surface spontaneous parametric down-conversion. The spectral structure of such photon pairs is similar to that derived for photon pairs generated in the volume. Surface and volume contributions to spontaneous down-conversion can be comparable as an example of nonlinear layered structures shows.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figure