Operational multipartite entanglement classes for symmetric photonic qubit states

We present experimental schemes that allow to study the entanglement classes of all symmetric states in multiqubit photonic systems. In addition to comparing the presented schemes in efficiency, we will highlight the relation between the entanglement properties of symmetric Dicke states and a recently proposed entanglement scheme for atoms. In analogy to the latter, we obtain a one-to-one correspondence between well-defined sets of experimental parameters and multiqubit entanglement classes inside the symmetric subspace of the photonic system.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur

Entanglement Equivalence of NN-qubit Symmetric States

We study the interconversion of multipartite symmetric $N$-qubit states under stochastic local operations and classical communication (SLOCC). We demonstrate that if two symmetric states can be connected with a nonsymmetric invertible local operation (ILO), then they belong necessarily to the separable, W, or GHZ entanglement class, establishing a practical method of discriminating subsets of entanglement classes. Furthermore, we prove that there always exists a symmetric ILO connecting any pair of symmetric $N$-qubit states equivalent under SLOCC, simplifying the requirements for experimental implementations of local interconversion of those states.Comment: Minor correction

Ion crystals in anharmonic traps

There is currently intensive research into creating a large-scale quantum computer with trapped ions. It is well known that for a linear ion crystal in a harmonic potential, the ions near the center are more closely spaced compared to the ions near the ends. This is problematic as the number of ions increases. Here, we consider a linear ion crystal in an anharmonic potential that is purely quartic in position. We find that the ions are more evenly spaced compared to the harmonic case. We develop a variational approach to calculate the properties of the ground state. We also characterize the zigzag transition in an anharmonic potential

Operational determination of multi-qubit entanglement classes via tuning of local operations

We present a physical setup with which it is possible to produce arbitrary symmetric long-lived multiqubit entangled states in the internal ground levels of photon emitters, including the paradigmatic GHZ and W states. In the case of three emitters, where each tripartite entangled state belongs to one of two well-defined entanglement classes, we prove a one-to-one correspondence between well-defined sets of experimental parameters, i.e., locally tunable polarizer orientations, and multiqubit entanglement classes inside the symmetric subspace.Comment: Improved version. Accepted in Physical Review Letter

Generation of Symmetric Dicke States of Remote Qubits with Linear Optics

We propose a method for generating all symmetric Dicke states, either in the long-lived internal levels of N massive particles or in the polarization degrees of freedom of photonic qubits, using linear optical tools only. By means of a suitable multiphoton detection technique, erasing Welcher-Weg information, our proposed scheme allows the generation and measurement of an important class of entangled multiqubit states.Comment: New version, a few modifications and a new figure, accepted in Physical Review Letter

Quantum Imaging with Incoherent Photons

We propose a technique to obtain sub-wavelength resolution in quantum imaging with potentially 100% contrast using incoherent light. Our method requires neither path-entangled number states nor multi-photon absorption. The scheme makes use of N photons spontaneously emitted by N atoms and registered by N detectors. It is shown that for coincident detection at particular detector positions a resolution of \lambda / N can be achieved.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, improved presentation. Accepted in Physical Review Letter

Multipartite Entanglement Criterion from Uncertainty Relations

We formulate an entanglement criterion using Peres-Horodecki positive partial transpose operations combined with the Schr\"odinger-Robertson uncertainty relation. We show that any pure entangled bipartite and tripartite state can be detected by experimentally measuring mean values and variances of specific observables. Those observables must satisfy a specific condition in order to be used, and we show their general form in the $2\times 2$ (two qubits) dimension case. The criterion is applied on a variety of physical systems including bipartite and multipartite mixed states and reveals itself to be stronger than the Bell inequalities and other criteria. The criterion also work on continuous variable cat states and angular momentum states of the radiation field.Comment: 5 page

Binding of IFT22 to the intraflagellar transport complex is essential for flagellum assembly

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) relies on motor proteins and the IFT complex to construct cilia and flagella. The IFT complex subunit IFT22/RabL5 has sequence similarity with small GTPases although the nucleotide specificity is unclear because of non-conserved G4/G5 motifs. We show that IFT22 specifically associates with G-nucleotides and present crystal structures of IFT22 in complex with GDP, GTP, and with IFT74/81. Our structural analysis unravels an unusual GTP/GDP-binding mode of IFT22 bypassing the classical G4 motif. The GTPase switch regions of IFT22 become ordered upon complex formation with IFT74/81 and mediate most of the IFT22-74/81 interactions. Structure-based mutagenesis reveals that association of IFT22 with the IFT complex is essential for flagellum construction in Trypanosoma brucei although IFT22 GTP-loading is not strictly required

Deterministic models of quantum fields

Deterministic dynamical models are discussed which can be described in quantum mechanical terms. -- In particular, a local quantum field theory is presented which is a supersymmetric classical model. The Hilbert space approach of Koopman and von Neumann is used to study the classical evolution of an ensemble of such systems. Its Liouville operator is decomposed into two contributions, with positive and negative spectrum, respectively. The unstable negative part is eliminated by a constraint on physical states, which is invariant under the Hamiltonian flow. Thus, choosing suitable variables, the classical Liouville equation becomes a functional Schroedinger equation of a genuine quantum field theory. -- We briefly mention an U(1) gauge theory with ``varying alpha'' or dilaton coupling where a corresponding quantized theory emerges in the phase space approach. It is energy-parity symmetric and, therefore, a prototype of a model in which the cosmological constant is protected by a symmetry.Comment: 6 pages; synopsis of hep-th/0510267, hep-th/0503069, hep-th/0411176 . Talk at Constrained Dynamics and Quantum Gravity - QG05, Cala Gonone (Sardinia, Italy), September 12-16, 2005. To appear in the proceeding