Determination of any pure spatial qudits from a minimum number of measurements by phase-stepping interferometry

We present a proof-of-principle demonstration of a method to characterize any pure spatial qudit of arbitrary dimension d, which is based on the classic phase-shift interferometry technique. In the proposed scheme a total of only 4d measurement outcomes are needed, implying a significant reduction with respect to the standard schemes for quantum-state tomography which require on the order of d^2. By using this technique, we have experimentally reconstructed a large number of states ranging from d=2 up to 14 with mean fidelity values higher than 0.97. For that purpose the qudits were codified in the discretized transverse-momentum position of single photons, once they are sent through an aperture with d slits. We provide an experimental implementation of the method based in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which allows one to reduce the number of measurement settings to four since the d slits can be measured simultaneously. Furthermore, it can be adapted to consider the reconstruction of the unknown state from the outcome frequencies of 4d−3 fixed projectors independently of the encoding or the nature of the quantum system, allowing one to implement the reconstruction method in a general experiment.Fil: Pears Stefano, Quimey Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física; ArgentinaFil: Rebón, Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Física La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Física La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Ledesma, Silvia Adriana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física; ArgentinaFil: Iemmi, Claudio César. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física; Argentin

Determination of any pure spatial qudits from a minimum number of measurements by phase-stepping interferometry

We present a proof-of-principle demonstration of a method to characterize any pure spatial qudit of arbitrary dimension d, which is based on the classic phase-shift interferometry technique. In the proposed scheme a total of only 4d measurement outcomes are needed, implying a significant reduction with respect to the standard schemes for quantum-state tomography which require on the order of d2. By using this technique, we have experimentally reconstructed a large number of states ranging from d=2 up to 14 with mean fidelity values higher than 0.97. For that purpose the qudits were codified in the discretized transverse-momentum position of single photons, once they are sent through an aperture with d slits. We provide an experimental implementation of the method based in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which allows one to reduce the number of measurement settings to four since the d slits can be measured simultaneously. Furthermore, it can be adapted to consider the reconstruction of the unknown state from the outcome frequencies of 4d-3 fixed projectors independently of the encoding or the nature of the quantum system, allowing one to implement the reconstruction method in a general experiment.Instituto de Física La Plat

Controlled generation of mixed spatial qudits with arbitrary degree of purity

We propose a method for preparing mixed quantum states of arbitrary dimension D (D≥2) which are codified in the discretized transverse momentum and position of single photons, once they are sent through an aperture with D slits. Following our previous technique we use a programmable single phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) to define the aperture and set the complex transmission amplitude of each slit, allowing the independent control of the complex coefficients that define the quantum state. Since these SLMs give us the possibility to dynamically vary the complex coefficients of the state during the measurement time, we can generate not only pure states but also quantum states compatible with a mixture of pure quantum states. Therefore, by using these apertures varying on time according to a probability distribution, we have experimentally obtained D-dimensional quantum states with purities that depend on the parameters of the distribution through a clear analytical expression. This fact allows us to easily customize the states to be generated. Moreover, the method offers the possibility of working without changing the optical setup between pure and mixed states, or when the dimensionality of the states is increased. The obtained results show a quite good performance of our method at least up to dimension D=11, being the fidelity of the prepared states F>0.98 in every case.Departamento de FísicaInstituto de Física La Plat

Determination of any pure spatial qudits from a minimum number of measurements by phase-stepping interferometry

We present a proof-of-principle demonstration of a method to characterize any pure spatial qudit of arbitrary dimension d, which is based on the classic phase-shift interferometry technique. In the proposed scheme a total of only 4d measurement outcomes are needed, implying a significant reduction with respect to the standard schemes for quantum-state tomography which require on the order of d2. By using this technique, we have experimentally reconstructed a large number of states ranging from d=2 up to 14 with mean fidelity values higher than 0.97. For that purpose the qudits were codified in the discretized transverse-momentum position of single photons, once they are sent through an aperture with d slits. We provide an experimental implementation of the method based in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which allows one to reduce the number of measurement settings to four since the d slits can be measured simultaneously. Furthermore, it can be adapted to consider the reconstruction of the unknown state from the outcome frequencies of 4d-3 fixed projectors independently of the encoding or the nature of the quantum system, allowing one to implement the reconstruction method in a general experiment.Instituto de Física La Plat

Preparing and reconstructing pure quantum states of arbitrary D dimension using a spatial light modulator

Los qudits espaciales son sistemas cuánticos de dimensión D en donde la información se encuentra codificada en los grados de libertad de posición y momento transversal de fotones individuales. Si bien momento y posición son variables continuas, pueden utilizarse, por medio de una discretización adecuada, para definir estados cuánticos de dimensión finita arbitraria. Este método se basa en el uso de un arreglo de D rendijas, lo que determina el número de posibles caminos seguidos por el fotón. En este trabajo se presenta un nuevo método para preparar estados cuánticos puros arbitrarios de dimensión D utilizando un único modulador espacial de luz (SLM) trabajando en modo de fase. Con el fin de estudiar la fidelidad del proceso hemos implementado el método para un gran número de estados de dimensión 2 cubriendo la esfera de Bloch. Como ejemplos adicionales, mostramos la flexibilidad del método para implementar qudits de mayor dimensión en los casos D = 3 y 7. Esta nueva configuración, además de más simple, compacta, menos costosa y de eliminar problemas de alineado, reduce ampliamente las pérdidas lumi-nosas, lo cual es relevante al trabajar con fotones individuales generados por conversión paramétrica espontánea descendente (SPDC).Spatial qudits are D-dimensional quantum systems where the information is encoded in the position and transverse momentum degrees of freedom of single photons. Although momentum and position are continuous variables, this magnitudes can be used, through appropriate discretization, to define quantum states of arbitrary finite dimension. This method relies on the use of an array of D slits, which determines the number of possible paths followed by the photon. In this paper we present a new method for preparing pure states of arbitrary dimension D using a single spatial light modulator (SLM) working in phase mode. We have implemented the method for a large number of states of dimension D = 2 covering the Bloch sphere. As further examples, show the flexibility of the method to implement in qudits of larger dimensions, where D = 3 and 7. This new configuration, as well as being simple, compact, less expensive and eliminating alignment problems, greatly reduces light loss, which is important when working with single photons generated by spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC).Instituto de Física La Plat

First report on a pupping area of the tope shark Galeorhinus galeus (Carcharhiniformes, Triakidae) in the south-west Atlantic

Neonates of the tope shark Galeorhinus galeus are captured in sport and recreational coastal fisheries from January to April each year in Engaño Bay (42° 58′–43° 41′ S), Chubut, Argentina. The presence of these neonates is the first evidence of a pupping area for this shark in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. Knowledge of the pupping areas of chondrichthyans is important for establishing conservation measures and appropriate fishing regulations.Fil: Bovcon, Nelson Darío. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Trelew. Departamento de Biología. Laboratorio de Hidrobiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Cochia, Pablo D.. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Trelew. Departamento de Biología. Laboratorio de Hidrobiología; ArgentinaFil: Navoa, Ximena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Trelew. Departamento de Biología. Laboratorio de Hidrobiología; ArgentinaFil: Ledesma, Pablo Jeronimo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Trelew. Departamento de Biología. Laboratorio de Hidrobiología; ArgentinaFil: Caille, Guillermo Martín. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Trelew. Departamento de Biología. Laboratorio de Hidrobiología; ArgentinaFil: Baigún, Claudio Rafael M.. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentin

Set of 4d–3 observables to determine any pure qudit state

We present a tomographic method which requires only 4d-3 measurement outcomes to reconstruct any pure quantum state of arbitrary dimension d. Using the proposed scheme, we have experimentally reconstructed a large number of pure states of dimension d=7, obtaining a mean fidelity of 0.94. Moreover, we performed numerical simulations of the reconstruction process, verifying the feasibility of the method for higher dimensions. In addition, the a priori assumption of purity can be certified within the same set of measurements, which represents an improvement with respect to other similar methods and contributes to answering the question of how many observables are needed to uniquely determine any pure state.Universidad de Buenos AiresConsejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y TécnicasInstituto de Física La Plat

Conditional purity and quantum correlation measures in two qubit mixed states

We analyze and show experimental results of the conditional purity, the quantum discord and other related measures of quantum correlation in mixed two-qubit states constructed from a pair of photons in identical polarization states. The considered states are relevant for the description of spin pair states in interacting spin chains in a transverse magnetic field. We derive clean analytical expressions for the conditional local purity and other correlation measures obtained as a result of a remote local projective measurement, which are fully verified by the experimental results. A simple exact expression for the quantum discord of these states in terms of the maximum conditional purity is also derived.Instituto de Física La PlataDepartamento de Físic

Conditional purity and quantum correlation measures in two qubit mixed states

We analyze and show experimental results of the conditional purity, the quantum discord and other related measures of quantum correlation in mixed two-qubit states constructed from a pair of photons in identical polarization states. The considered states are relevant for the description of spin pair states in interacting spin chains in a transverse magnetic field. We derive clean analytical expressions for the conditional local purity and other correlation measures obtained as a result of a remote local projective measurement, which are fully verified by the experimental results. A simple exact expression for the quantum discord of these states in terms of the maximum conditional purity is also derived.Instituto de Física La PlataDepartamento de Físic

Intraoperative computed tomography imaging for dose calculation in intraoperative electron radiation therapy: Initial clinical observations

In intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) the energy of the electron beam is selected under the conventional assumption of water-equivalent tissues at the applicator end. However, the treatment field can deviate from the theoretic flat irradiation surface, thus altering dose profiles. This patient-based study explored the feasibility of acquiring intraoperative computed tomography (CT) studies for calculating three-dimensional dose distributions with two factors not included in the conventional assumption, namely the air gap from the applicator end to the irradiation surface and tissue heterogeneity. In addition, dose distributions under the conventional assumption and from preoperative CT studies (both also updated with intraoperative data) were calculated to explore whether there are other alternatives to intraoperative CT studies that can provide similar dose distributions. The IOERT protocol was modified to incorporate the acquisition of intraoperative CT studies before radiation delivery in six patients.This study was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (http://www.ciencia.gob.es) [grant number TEC2013–48251-C2 to JP, VG-V and MJL-C], co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), “A way of making Europe” (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf); by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (http://www.ciencia.gob.es), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (https://www.isciii.es) [grant numbers DTS14/00192 to JP, VG-V and FAC; PI15/02121 to FAC and JC-H; PI18/01625 to JP], co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), “A way of making Europe” (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf); and by Comunidad de Madrid (http://www.comunidad.madrid) [grant number TOPUS-CM S2013/MIT3024 to JP], co-funded by European Structural and Investment Fund (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes/overview-funding-programmes_en). The CNIC is supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (http://www.ciencia.gob.es) and the Pro CNIC Foundation (https://www.fundacionprocnic.es) [to MD], and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (SEV-2015-0505). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript