40 research outputs found
Gaussian Boson Sampling using threshold detectors
We study what is arguably the most experimentally appealing Boson Sampling
architecture: Gaussian states sampled with threshold detectors. We show that in
this setting, the probability of observing a given outcome is related to a
matrix function that we name the Torontonian, which plays an analogous role to
the permanent or the Hafnian in other models. We also prove that, provided that
the probability of observing two or more photons in a single output mode is
sufficiently small, our model remains intractable to simulate classically under
standard complexity-theoretic conjectures. Finally, we leverage the
mathematical simplicity of the model to introduce a physically motivated, exact
sampling algorithm for all Boson Sampling models that employ Gaussian states
and threshold detectors.Comment: 5+5 pages, 2 figures. Closer to published versio
Entanglement quantification and quantum benchmarking of optical communication devices
In this thesis, we develop a number of operational tests and tools for benchmarking the quantum nature of optical quantum communication devices. Using the laws of quantum physics, ideal quantum devices can fundamentally outperform their classical counterparts, or even achieve objectives which are classically impossible. Actual devices will not be ideal, but they may still be capable of facilitating quantum communication. Benchmarking tests, based on the presence of entanglement, can be used to verify whether or not imperfect quantum devices offer any advantage over their classical analogs. The general goal in this thesis is to provide strong benchmarking tools which simultaneously require minimal experimental resources but also offer a wide range of applicability. Another major component is the extension of existing qualitative benchmarks (`Is it quantum or classical?') to more quantitative forms (`How quantum is it?'). We provide a number of benchmarking results applicable to two main situations, namely discrete remote state preparation protocols and continuous-variable quantum device testing. The theoretical tools derived throughout this thesis are also applied to the tasks of certifying a remote state preparation experiment and a continuous-variable quantum memory