Distributed quantum sensing in a continuous variable entangled network

Networking plays a ubiquitous role in quantum technology. It is an integral part of quantum communication and has significant potential for upscaling quantum computer technologies that are otherwise not scalable. Recently, it was realized that sensing of multiple spatially distributed parameters may also benefit from an entangled quantum network. Here we experimentally demonstrate how sensing of an averaged phase shift among four distributed nodes benefits from an entangled quantum network. Using a four-mode entangled continuous variable (CV) state, we demonstrate deterministic quantum phase sensing with a precision beyond what is attainable with separable probes. The techniques behind this result can have direct applications in a number of primitives ranging from biological imaging to quantum networks of atomic clocks

Fiber coupled EPR-state generation using a single temporally multiplexed squeezed light source

A prerequisite for universal quantum computation and other large-scale quantum information processors is the careful preparation of quantum states in massive numbers or of massive dimension. For continuous variable approaches to quantum information processing (QIP), squeezed states are the natural quantum resources, but most demonstrations have been based on a limited number of squeezed states due to the experimental complexity in up-scaling. The number of physical resources can however be significantly reduced by employing the technique of temporal multiplexing. Here, we demonstrate an application to continuous variable QIP of temporal multiplexing in fiber: Using just a single source of squeezed states in combination with active optical switching and a 200 m fiber delay line, we generate fiber-coupled Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entangled quantum states. Our demonstration is a critical enabler for the construction of an in-fiber, all-purpose quantum information processor based on a single or few squeezed state quantum resources

Deterministic generation of a two-dimensional cluster state

Measurement-based quantum computation offers exponential computational speed-up via simple measurements on a large entangled cluster state. We propose and demonstrate a scalable scheme for the generation of photonic cluster states suitable for universal measurement-based quantum computation. We exploit temporal multiplexing of squeezed light modes, delay loops, and beam-splitter transformations to deterministically generate a cylindrical cluster state with a two-dimensional (2D) topological structure as required for universal quantum information processing. The generated state consists of more than 30000 entangled modes arranged in a cylindrical lattice with 24 modes on the circumference, defining the input register, and a length of 1250 modes, defining the computation depth. Our demonstrated source of 2D cluster states can be combined with quantum error correction to enable fault-tolerant quantum computation

Privatisation rescues function following loss of cooperation

A single cheating mutant can lead to the invasion and eventual eradication of cooperation from a population. Consequently, cheat invasion is often considered equal to extinction in empirical and theoretical studies of cooperator-cheat dynamics. But does cheat invasion necessarily equate extinction in nature? By following the social dynamics of iron metabolism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa during cystic fibrosis lung infection, we observed that individuals evolved to replace cooperation with a ‘private’ behaviour. Phenotypic assays showed that cooperative iron acquisition frequently was upregulated early in infection, which, however, increased the risk of cheat invasion. With whole-genome sequencing we showed that if, and only if, cooperative iron acquisition is lost from the population, a private system was upregulated. The benefit of upregulation depended on iron availability. These findings highlight the importance of social dynamics of natural populations and emphasizes the potential impact of past social interaction on the evolution of private traits

Determining thresholds for spatial urban design and transport features that support walking to create healthy and sustainable cities:findings from the IPEN Adult study

An essential characteristic of a healthy and sustainable city is a physically active population. Effective policies for healthy and sustainable cities require evidence-informed quantitative targets. We aimed to identify the minimum thresholds for urban design and transport features associated with two physical activity criteria: at least 80% probability of engaging in any walking for transport and WHO's target of at least 15% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity through walking. The International Physical Activity and the Environment Network Adult (known as IPEN) study (N=11 615; 14 cities across ten countries) provided data on local urban design and transport features linked to walking. Associations of these features with the probability of engaging in any walking for transport and sufficient physical activity (≥150 min/week) by walking were estimated, and thresholds associated with the physical activity criteria were determined. Curvilinear associations of population, street intersection, and public transport densities with walking were found. Neighbourhoods exceeding around 5700 people per km(2), 100 intersections per km(2), and 25 public transport stops per km(2) were associated with meeting one or both physical activity criteria. Shorter distances to the nearest park were associated with more physical activity. We use the results to suggest specific target values for each feature as benchmarks for progression towards creating healthy and sustainable cities