Preparation of polarization entangled mixed states of two photons

We propose a scheme for preparing arbitrary two photons polarization entangled mixed states via controlled location decoherence. The scheme uses only linear optical devices and single-mode optical fibers, and may be feasible in experiment within current optical technology.Comment: 3 pages, 5 figs. The article has been rewritten. Discussion about experiment are added. To appear in Phys. Rev.

Minimal Absorption Measurements

We show that it is not possible to discriminate two close transparencies without a certain number of photons being absorbed. We extend this to the discrimination of patterns of transparency (images).Comment: 11 pages (latex

Quantum and Classical Noise in Practical Quantum Cryptography Systems based on polarization-entangled photons

Quantum-cryptography key distribution (QCKD) experiments have been recently reported using polarization-entangled photons. However, in any practical realization, quantum systems suffer from either unwanted or induced interactions with the environment and the quantum measurement system, showing up as quantum and, ultimately, statistical noise. In this paper, we investigate how ideal polarization entanglement in spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) suffers quantum noise in its practical implementation as a secure quantum system, yielding errors in the transmitted bit sequence. Because all SPDC-based QCKD schemes rely on the measurement of coincidence to assert the bit transmission between the two parties, we bundle up the overall quantum and statistical noise in an exhaustive model to calculate the accidental coincidences. This model predicts the quantum-bit error rate and the sifted key and allows comparisons between different security criteria of the hitherto proposed QCKD protocols, resulting in an objective assessment of performances and advantages of different systems.Comment: Rev Tex Style, 2 columns, 7 figures, (a modified version will appear on PRA

Interaction-free generation of entanglement

In this paper, we study how to generate entanglement by interaction-free measurement. Using Kwiat et al.'s interferometer, we construct a two-qubit quantum gate that changes a particle's trajectory according to the other particle's trajectory. We propose methods for generating the Bell state from an electron and a positron and from a pair of photons by this gate. We also show that using this gate, we can carry out the Bell measurement with the probability of 3/4 at the maximum and execute a controlled-NOT operation by the method proposed by Gottesman and Chuang with the probability of 9/16 at the maximum. We estimate the success probability for generating the Bell state by our procedure under imperfect interaction.Comment: 18 pages, Latex2e, 11 eps figures, v2: minor corrections and one reference added, v3: a minor correctio

Quantum non-demolition (QND) modulation of quantum interference

We propose an experiment where quantum interference between two different paths is modulated by means of a QND measurement on one or both the arm of the interferometer. The QND measurement is achieved in a Kerr cell. We illustrate a scheme for the realisation of this experiment and some further developments.Comment: accepted for publicatio

Direct measurement of optical quasidistribution functions: multimode theory and homodyne tests of Bell's inequalities

We develop a multimode theory of direct homodyne measurements of quantum optical quasidistribution functions. We demonstrate that unbalanced homodyning with appropriately shaped auxiliary coherent fields allows one to sample point-by-point different phase space representations of the electromagnetic field. Our analysis includes practical factors that are likely to affect the outcome of a realistic experiment, such as non-unit detection efficiency, imperfect mode matching, and dark counts. We apply the developed theory to discuss feasibility of observing a loophole-free violation of Bell's inequalities by measuring joint two-mode quasidistribution functions under locality conditions by photon counting. We determine the range of parameters of the experimental setup that enable violation of Bell's inequalities for two states exhibiting entanglement in the Fock basis: a one-photon Fock state divided by a 50:50 beam splitter, and a two-mode squeezed vacuum state produced in the process of non-degenerate parametric down-conversion.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figure

Secure communications using quantum cryptography

The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as {open_quotes}key{close_quotes} material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single-photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over {open_quotes}open{close_quotes} multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible. We have also constructed a quantum key distribution system for free-space, line-of-sight transmission using single-photon polarization states, which is currently undergoing laboratory testing. 7 figs

Coupled cavities for enhancing the cross-phase modulation in electromagnetically induced transparency

We propose an optical double-cavity resonator whose response to a signal is similar to that of an Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) medium. A combination of such a device with a four-level EIT medium can serve for achieving large cross-Kerr modulation of a probe field by a signal field. This would offer the possibility of building a quantum logic gate based on photonic qubits. We discuss the technical requirements that are necessary for realizing a probe-photon phase shift of Pi caused by a single-photon signal. The main difficulty is the requirement of an ultra-low reflectivity beamsplitter and to operate a sufficiently dense cool EIT medium in a cavity.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, REVTeX, to appear in Phys. Rev. A (v2 - minor changes in discussion of experimental conditions

A high-flux source of polarization-entangled photons from a periodically-poled KTP parametric downconverter

We have demonstrated a high-flux source of polarization-entangled photons using a type-II phase-matched periodically-poled KTP parametric downconverter in a collinearly propagating configuration. We have observed quantum interference between the single-beam downconverted photons with a visibility of 99% and a measured coincidence flux of 300/s/mW of pump. The Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt version of Bell's inequality was violated with a value of 2.711 +/- 0.017.Comment: 7 pages submitted to Physical Review

Multi-parameter Entanglement in Quantum Interferometry

The role of multi-parameter entanglement in quantum interference from collinear type-II spontaneous parametric down-conversion is explored using a variety of aperture shapes and sizes, in regimes of both ultrafast and continuous-wave pumping. We have developed and experimentally verified a theory of down-conversion which considers a quantum state that can be concurrently entangled in frequency, wavevector, and polarization. In particular, we demonstrate deviations from the familiar triangular interference dip, such as asymmetry and peaking. These findings improve our capacity to control the quantum state produced by spontaneous parametric down-conversion, and should prove useful to those pursuing the many proposed applications of down-converted light.Comment: submitted to Physical Review