A Hybrid Long-Distance Entanglement Distribution Protocol

We propose a hybrid (continuous-discrete variable) quantum repeater protocol for distribution of entanglement over long distances. Starting from entangled states created by means of single-photon detection, we show how entangled coherent state superpositions, also known as `Schr\"odinger cat states', can be generated by means of homodyne detection of light. We show that near-deterministic entanglement swapping with such states is possible using only linear optics and homodyne detectors, and we evaluate the performance of our protocol combining these elements.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Lift-up, Kelvin-Helmholtz and Orr mechanisms in turbulent jets

Three amplification mechanisms present in turbulent jets, namely lift-up, Kelvin–Helmholtz and Orr, are characterized via global resolvent analysis and spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) over a range of Mach numbers. The lift-up mechanism was recently identified in turbulent jets via local analysis by Nogueira et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 873, 2019, pp. 211–237) at low Strouhal number ( St ) and non-zero azimuthal wavenumbers ( m ). In these limits, a global SPOD analysis of data from high-fidelity simulations reveals streamwise vortices and streaks similar to those found in turbulent wall-bounded flows. These structures are in qualitative agreement with the global resolvent analysis, which shows that they are a response to upstream forcing of streamwise vorticity near the nozzle exit. Analysis of mode shapes, component-wise amplitudes and sensitivity analysis distinguishes the three mechanisms and the regions of frequency–wavenumber space where each dominates, finding lift-up to be dominant as St/m→0 . Finally, SPOD and resolvent analyses of localized regions show that the lift-up mechanism is present throughout the jet, with a dominant azimuthal wavenumber inversely proportional to streamwise distance from the nozzle, with streaks of azimuthal wavenumber exceeding five near the nozzle, and wavenumbers one and two most energetic far downstream of the potential core

Weakly nonlinear modelling of a forced turbulent axisymmetric wake

A theory is presented where the weakly nonlinear analysis of laminar globally unstable flows in the presence of external forcing is extended to the turbulent regime. The analysis is demonstrated and validated using experimental results of an axisymmetric bluff-body wake at high Reynolds numbers, Re_D ∼1.88×10^5, where forcing is applied using a zero-net-mass-flux actuator located at the base of the blunt body. In this study we focus on the response of antisymmetric coherent structures with azimuthal wavenumbers m = ±1at a frequency St_D = 0.2 S, responsible for global vortex shedding. We found experimentally that axisymmetric forcing (m = 0) couples nonlinearly with the global shedding mode when the flow is forced at twice the shedding frequency, resulting in parametric subharmonic resonance through a triadic interaction between forcing and shedding. We derive simple weakly nonlinear models from the phase-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and show that they capture accurately the observed behaviour for this type of forcing. The unknown model coefficients are obtained experimentally by producing harmonic transients. This approach should be applicable in a variety of turbulent flows to describe the response of global modes to forcing

Entanglement verification for quantum key distribution systems with an underlying bipartite qubit-mode structure

We consider entanglement detection for quantum key distribution systems that use two signal states and continuous variable measurements. This problem can be formulated as a separability problem in a qubit-mode system. To verify entanglement, we introduce an object that combines the covariance matrix of the mode with the density matrix of the qubit. We derive necessary separability criteria for this scenario. These criteria can be readily evaluated using semidefinite programming and we apply them to the specific quantum key distribution protocol.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, v2: final versio

Evaluation of the optical switching characteristics of erbium-doped fibres for the development of a fibre Bragg grating sensor interrogator

A polling topology that employs optical switching based on the properties of erbium-doped fibres (EDFs) is used to interrogate an array of FBGs. The properties of the EDF are investigated in its pumped and un-pumped states and the EDFs’ switching properties are evaluated by comparing them with a high performance electronically controlled MEM optical switch. Potential advantages of the proposed technique are discussed. © (2014) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only