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Emitters of single-photons are essential resources for emerging quantum technologies and developed within different platforms including nonlinear optics, atomic and solid-state systems. The energy level structures of emission processes are critical for reaching and controlling high-quality sources. The most commonly applied test uses a Hanbury-Brown and Twiss (HBT) setup to determine the emitter energy level structure based on fitting temporal correlations of photon detection events. However, only partial information about the emission process is extracted from such detection, that might be followed by an inconclusive fitting of the data. This process predetermines our limited ability to quantify and understand the dynamics in the photon emission process that are of importance for the applications in communication, sensing and computing. In this work, we present a complete analysis based on all normalized coincidences between detection and no-detection events recorded in the same HBT setup to certify expected properties of an emitted photonic state. As a proof of concept we apply our methodology to single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, in which case the certification conclusively rejects a model based on a two-level emitter that radiates a photonic states mixed with any classical noise background., Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures

We demonstrate the establishment of quantum-secure data transfer links at two locations in Denmark: on the campus of Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby and between two power grid nodes owned and operated by Energinet in Odense. Four different channels were investigated, one being a purely underground fiber and the other three being combinations of underground fibers and optical ground wires (OPGWs). Coherent `quantum' states at 1550 nm, prepared and measured using a semi-autonomous continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) prototype, were multiplexed in wavelength with `classical' 100G encrypted data traffic from a pair of commercial layer-2 network encryption devices operating at around 1300 nm. At DTU, we estimate average secret key rates in the asymptotic limit of $1.12$ Mbps (channel loss of 5.5 dB at 1550 nm) while at Energinet, the figures corresponding to the three channels (with losses of 4.1, 6.7, and 8.9 dB) are $2.05$, $0.90$, and $0.23$ Mbps, respectively. The demonstration showcases that QKD can serve as an additional layer to protect sensitive network traffic propagating on insecure channels., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures

We show that quantum entanglement can provide an exponential advantage in learning properties of a bosonic continuous-variable (CV) system. The task we consider is estimating a probabilistic mixture of displacement operators acting on $n$ bosonic modes, called a random displacement channel. We prove that if the $n$ modes are not entangled with an ancillary quantum memory, then the channel must be sampled a number of times exponential in $n$ in order to estimate its characteristic function to reasonable precision; this lower bound on sample complexity applies even if the channel inputs and measurements performed on channel outputs are chosen adaptively. On the other hand, we present a simple entanglement-assisted scheme that only requires a number of samples independent of $n$, given a sufficient amount of squeezing. This establishes an exponential separation in sample complexity. We then analyze the effect of photon loss and show that the entanglement-assisted scheme is still significantly more efficient than any lossless entanglement-free scheme under mild experimental conditions. Our work illuminates the role of entanglement in learning continuous-variable systems and points toward experimentally feasible demonstrations of provable entanglement-enabled advantage using CV quantum platforms., Comment: 7+26 pages, 3+5 figures

Building scalable and secure quantum networks with many users has a high application potential but also holds many practical challenges. A significant stride in this pursuit involves extending quantum key distribution, an information-theoretically secure method for establishing cryptographic keys between two distant users, from a point-to-point protocol implemented on direct optical connections to a quantum access network. Yet, realizations of quantum access networks have, so far, relied on probabilistic or time-sharing strategies. Here, we show theoretically and experimentally that a solution without these constraints can come from the exclusive features of continuous-variable systems. Based on coherent states, we propose continuous-variable quantum passive-optical-network (CV-QPON) protocols, enabling deterministic and simultaneous secret key generation among all network users. We achieve this by leveraging the inherent wave-like property of coherent states split at a beam splitter and electric-field quadrature measurements. We show two protocols with different trust levels assigned to the network users and experimentally demonstrate key generation in a quantum access network with 8 users, each with an 11 km span of access link. Depending on the trust assumptions about users, we reach 1.5 Mbits/s and 2.1 Mbits/s of total network key generation. Demonstrating the potential to expand the network's capacity to accommodate tens of users at a high rate, our CV-QPON protocols offer a pathway toward establishing low-cost, high-rate, and scalable quantum access networks using standard telecom technologies and directly exploiting the existing access network infrastructure.

Variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) are hybrid quantum-classical approaches used for tackling a wide range of problems on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. Testing these algorithms on relevant hardware is crucial to investigate the effect of noise and imperfections and to assess their practical value. Here, we implement a variational algorithm designed for optimized parameter estimation on a continuous variable platform based on squeezed light, a key component for high-precision optical phase estimation. We investigate the ability of the algorithm to identify the optimal metrology process, including the optimization of the probe state and measurement strategy for small-angle optical phase sensing. Two different optimization strategies are employed, the first being a gradient descent optimizer using Gaussian parameter shift rules to estimate the gradient of the cost function directly from the measurements. The second strategy involves a gradient-free Bayesian optimizer, fine-tuning the system using the same cost function and trained on the data acquired through the gradient-dependent algorithm. We find that both algorithms can steer the experiment towards the optimal metrology process. However, they find minima not predicted by our theoretical model, demonstrating the strength of variational algorithms in modelling complex noise environments, a non-trivial task., Comment: Main document: 7 pages, 3 figures, Supplementary Material: 14 page, 10 figures

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) based on quadrature measurements of the vacuum have so far used balanced homodyne detection to obtain a source of high entropy. Here we propose a simple direct detection measurement scheme using only a laser and a photodiode that still extracts randomness from vacuum fluctuations. We prove the security of the QRNG based on a reduced set of assumptions in comparison to previous security proofs for quadrature detection as our proof does not require the laser or electronic noise to be Gaussian. Using a low-cost setup based on a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser we experimentally implement the QRNG scheme. We propose a system characterization method, apply it to our implementation and demonstrate a real-time randomness extraction rate of 3.41 Gbit per second. The unique combination of speed, low cost, and rigorous security proof gives our QRNG design a large potential for a wide-scale usage in a variety of applications ranging from quantum key distribution to mobile applications and internet of things., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures

This work reports a fully guided setup for single-mode squeezing generation on integrated titanium-indiffused periodically poled nonlinear resonators. A continuous wave laser beam is delivered and the squeezed field is collected by single-mode fibers, where up to -3.17(9) dB of useful squeezing is available in fibers. To showcase the usefulness of such a fiber-coupled device, we applied the generated squeezed light in a fiber-based phase sensing experiment, showing a quantum enhancement in the signal-to-noise ratio of 0.35 dB. Moreover, our investigation of photorefraction's impact on the cavity resonance condition suggests that it causes system instabilities at high powers.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a well-known application of quantum information theory that guarantees information-theoretically secure key exchange. As QKD becomes more and more commercially viable, challenges such as scalability, network integration, and high production costs need to be addressed. Photonic and electronic integrated circuits that can be produced in large volumes at low cost hold the key to large-scale deployment of next-generation QKD systems. Here, we present a continuous-variable (CV) QKD system using an integrated photonic-electronic receiver that combines a silicon photonic integrated circuit implementing a phase-diverse receiver with custom-designed GaAs pHEMT transimpedance amplifiers. The QKD system operates at a classical telecom symbol rate of 10 GBaud, generating high secret key rates exceeding 0.7 Gb/s over a distance of 5 km and 0.3 Gb/s over a distance of 10 km. The secret keys are secure against collective attacks with finite-size effects taken into account. Well-designed digital signal processing enabled the high-speed operation. Our experiment sets a new record for secure quantum communication and paves the way for the next generation of CV-QKD systems.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables two remote parties to share encryption keys with security based on the laws of physics. Continuous variable (CV) QKD with coherent states and coherent detection integrates well with existing telecommunication networks. However, thus far, long-distance CV-QKD has only been demonstrated using a highly complex scheme where the local oscillator is transmitted, opening security loopholes for eavesdroppers and limiting its potential applications. Here, we report a long-distance CV-QKD experiment with a locally generated local oscillator over a 100 km fiber channel with a total loss of 15.4 dB. This record-breaking distance is achieved by controlling the phase-noise-induced excess noise through a machine-learning framework for carrier recovery and optimizing the modulation variance. We implement the full CV-QKD protocol and demonstrate the generation of keys secure against collective attacks in the finite-size regime. Our results mark a significant milestone for realizing CV quantum access networks with a high loss budget, and pave the way for large-scale deployment of secure QKD.

We report the first coexistence experiment of 1550 nm single-mode squeezed states of light with a 1310 nm classical telecom channel over a 10 km fiber channel while measuring squeezing using a locally generated local oscillator. This is achieved using real-time optical heterodyne phase locking, allowing us to measure up to 0.5 dB of squeezing with a phase noise of 2.2 degrees., Comment: This paper has been submitted to ECOC 2023

Quantum key distribution (QKD) facilitates the distribution of information-theoretic secure encryption keys by utilizing the fundamental laws of physics. However, the security of QKD systems in practice can be undermined due to implementation flaws, also known as side channels. Measurement-device-independent (MDI) QKD offers a solution to these type of attacks by eliminating the vulnerability of the detector. Among different flavors of MDI-QKD, continuous variable (CV) MDI-QKD based on coherent states is a promising candidate for integration into existing telecom infrastructure. Despite previous demonstrations of the concept and the potential for secure communication offered by CV MDI-QKD, a practical implementation of the system for real-world data encryption has yet to be achieved. Here, we introduce a simple and practical CV MDI-QKD system design that can coexist with classical telecommunications channels. This is achieved through the use of a new relay structure, a real-time frequency and phase locking system and a well-designed digital signal-processing pipeline. Our design demonstrates the first practical CV MDI-QKD system, operating at a symbol rate of 20 MBaud and generating keys that are secure against collective attacks in both the finite-size and asymptotic regimes. This sets an important milestone towards in-field implementation and integration of high-performance CV MDI-QKD into telecom networks.

We analyze an all-optical setup which enables Bell-inequality violation over long distances by exploiting probabilistic entanglement swapping. The setup involves only two-mode squeezers, displacements, beamsplitters, and on/off detectors. We analyze a scenario with dichotomic inputs and outputs, and check the robustness of the Bell inequality violation for up to 6 parties, with respect to phase-, amplitude-, and dark-count noise, as well as loss.

We perform a theoretical investigation into how a two-mode squeezed vacuum state, that has undergone photon loss, can be stored and purified using noiseless amplification with a collection of solid-state qubits. The proposed method may be used to probabilistically increase the entanglement between the two parties sharing the state. The proposed amplification step is similar in structure to a set of quantum scissors. However, in this work the amplification step is realized by a state transfer from an optical mode to a set of solid-state qubits, which act as a quantum memory. We explore two different applications, the generation of entangled many-qubit registers, and the construction of quantum repeaters for long-distance quantum key distribution.

We investigated a machine learning method for joint estimation of polarization and phase for use in a Gaussian modulated CV-QKD system, over an 18 hour period measured on a installed fiber with 5.5 dB attenuation., Comment: 3 pages, 5 figures, conference

Magnetic field effects (MFE) in certain chemical reactions have been well established in the last five decades and are attributed to the evolution of transient radical-pairs whose spin dynamics are determined by local and external magnetic fields. The majority of existing experimental techniques used to probe these reactions only provide ensemble averaged reaction parameters and spin chemistry, hindering the observation of the potential presence of quantum coherent phenomena at the single molecule scale. Here, considering a single nitrogen vacancy (NV) centre as quantum sensor, we investigate the prospects and requirements for detection of MFEs on the spin dynamics of radical-pairs at the scale of single and small ensemble of molecules. We employ elaborate and realistic models of radical-pairs, considering its coupling to the local spin environment and the sensor. For two model systems, we derive signals of MFE detectable even in the weak coupling regime between radical-pair and NV quantum sensor, and observe that the dynamics of certain populations, as well as coherence elements, of the density matrix of the radical pair are directly detectable. Our investigations will provide important guidelines for potential detection of spin chemistry of bio-molecules at the single molecule scale, required to witness the hypothesised importance of quantum coherence in biological processes., Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures

Spin-based applications of the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamonds require efficient spin readout. One approach is the spin-to-charge conversion (SCC), relying on mapping the spin states onto the neutral (NV$^0$) and negative (NV$^-$) charge states followed by a subsequent charge readout. With high charge-state stability, SCC enables extended measurement times, increasing precision and minimizing noise in the readout compared to the commonly used fluorescence detection. Nano-scale sensing applications, however, require shallow NV centers within a few $\si{\nano \meter}$ distance from the surface where surface related effects might degrade the NV charge state. In this article, we investigate the charge state initialization and stability of single NV centers implanted $\approx \SI{5}{\nano \meter}$ below the surface of a flat diamond plate. We demonstrate the SCC protocol on four shallow NV centers suitable for nano-scale sensing, obtaining a reduced readout noise of 5--6 times the spin-projection noise limit. We investigate the general applicability of SCC for shallow NV centers and observe a correlation between NV charge-state stability and readout noise. Coating the diamond with glycerol improves both charge initialization and stability. Our results reveal the influence of the surface-related charge environment on the NV charge properties and motivate further investigations to functionalize the diamond surface with glycerol or other materials for charge-state stabilization and efficient spin-state readout of shallow NV centers suitable for nano-scale sensing., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures

We report the first continuous-variable quantum key distribution experiment that enables the generation of secure key over a 60 km fiber channel with locally generated local oscillator. This is achieved by controlling the excess noise using machine learning for phase noise compensation while operating the system at a low modulation variance, Comment: This paper have been submitted to European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC 20222)

The precise determination of a displacement of a mechanical oscillator or a microwave field in a predetermined direction in phase space can be carried out with trapped ions or superconducting circuits, respectively, by coupling the oscillator with ancilla qubits. Through that coupling, the displacement information is transferred to the qubits which are then subsequently read out. However, unambiguous estimation of displacement in an unknown direction in the phase space has not been attempted in such oscillator-qubit systems. Here, we propose a hybrid oscillator-qubit interferometric setup for the unambiguous estimation of phase space displacements in an arbitrary direction, based on feasible Rabi interactions beyond the rotating-wave approximation. Using such a hybrid Rabi interferometer for quantum sensing, we show that the performance is superior to the ones attained by single-mode estimation schemes and a conventional interferometer based on Jaynes-Cummings interactions. Moreover, we find that the sensitivity of the Rabi interferometer is independent of the thermal occupation of the oscillator mode, and thus cooling it to the ground state before sensing is not required. We also perform a thorough investigation of the effect of qubit dephasing and oscillator thermalization. We find the interferometer to be fairly robust, outperforming different benchmark estimation schemes even for large dephasing and thermalization.

Continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is a promising emerging technology for the distribution of secure keys for symmetric encryption. It can be readily implemented using commercial off-the-shelf optical telecommunications components. A key requirement of the CV-QKD receiver is the ability to measure the quantum states at the correct time instance and rate using the correct orthogonal observables, referred to as synchronization. We propose a digital synchronization procedure for a modern CV-QKD system with locally generated local oscillator for coherent reception. Our proposed method is modulation format independent allowing it to be used in a variety of CV-QKD systems. We experimentally investigate its performance with a Gaussian modulated CV-QKD system operating over a 10-20 km span of standard single mode fibre. Since the procedure does not require hardware modifications it paves the way for cost-effective QKD solutions that can adapt rapidly to changing environmental conditions., Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures

The Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) code is a promising bosonic quantum error-correcting code, encoding logical qubits into a bosonic mode in such a way that many physically relevant noise types can be corrected effectively. A particularly relevant noise channel is the pure loss channel, which the GKP code is known to protect against. In particular, it is commonly pointed out that losses can be corrected by the GKP code by transforming the losses into random Gaussian displacements through a quantum-limited amplification channel. However, implementing such amplification in practice is not ideal and could easily introduce an additional overhead of noise from associated experimental imperfections. Here, we analyse the performance of teleportation-based GKP error correction against loss in the absence of an amplification channel. We show that amplification is not required to perform GKP error correction, and that performing amplification actually worsens the performance for practically relevant parameter regimes., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures

We present a scheme for quantum randomness certification based on quantum steering. The protocol is one-sided device independent, providing high security, but requires only states and measurements that are simple to realise on quantum optics platforms - entangled squeezed vacuum states and homodyne detection. This ease of implementation is demonstrated by certifying randomness in existing experimental data and implies that giga-hertz random bit rates should be attainable with current technology. Furthermore, the steering-based setting represents the closest to full device independence that can be achieved using purely Gaussian states and measurements., Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures

A quantum key distribution (QKD) system must fulfill the requirement of universal composability to ensure that any cryptographic application (using the QKD system) is also secure. Furthermore, the theoretical proof responsible for security analysis and key generation should cater to the number $N$ of the distributed quantum states being finite in practice. Continuous-variable (CV) QKD based on coherent states, despite being a suitable candidate for integration in the telecom infrastructure, has so far been unable to demonstrate composability as existing proofs require a rather large $N$ for successful key generation. Here we report the first Gaussian-modulated coherent state CVQKD system that is able to overcome these challenges and can generate composable keys secure against collective attacks with $N \lesssim 3.5\times10^8$ coherent states. With this advance, possible due to novel improvements to the security proof and a fast, yet low-noise and highly stable system operation, CVQKD implementations take a significant step towards their discrete-variable counterparts in practicality, performance, and security., Comment: 8 pages (including 3 figures and references) + 12 pages supplement

Quantum information encoded into superposition of coherent states is an illustrative representative of practical applications of macroscopic quantum coherence possessing. However, these states are very sensitive to energy loss, losing their non-classical aspects of coherence very rapidly. An available deterministic strategy to slow down this decoherence process is to apply a Gaussian squeezing transformation prior to the loss as a protective step. Here, we propose a deterministic hybrid protection scheme utilizing strong but feasible interactions with two-level ancillas immune to spontaneous emission. We verify robustness of the scheme against dephasing of qubit ancilla. Our scheme is applicable to complex superpositions of coherent states in many oscillators, and remarkably, the robustness to loss is enhanced with the amplitude of the coherent states. This scheme can be realized in experiments with atoms, solid-state systems and superconducting circuits.

Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) states are a central resource for fault-tolerant optical continuous-variable quantum computing and communication. However, their realization in the optical domain remains to be demonstrated. Here we propose a method for preparing GKP states using a cavity QED system as the only non-Gaussian element. This system can be realized in several platforms such as trapped atoms, quantum dots or diamond color centers. We simulate the protocol with finite-cooperativity systems to evaluate the achievable quality of the produced GKP states in realistic noisy systems. We further combine the protocol with the previously proposed breeding protocol by Vasconcelos et al. to relax the demands on the quality of the QED system. We find that GKP states with more than 10 dB squeezing could be achieved in near-future experiments. Additionally, the approach can be made fully deterministic, thus providing a more scalable and hardware-efficient approach compared to probabilistic approaches based on photon counting., Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures

Flaws in the process of modulation, or encoding of key bits in the quadratures of the electromagnetic light field, can make continuous-variable quantum key distribution systems susceptible to leakage of secret information. Here, we report such a modulation leakage vulnerability in a system that uses an optical in-phase and quadrature modulator to implement a single sideband encoding scheme. The leakage arises from the limited suppression of a quantum-information-carrying sideband during modulation. Based on the results from a proof-of-concept experiment, we theoretically analyse the impact of this vulnerability. Our results indicate that the leakage reduces the range over which a positive secret key can be obtained, and can even lead to a security breach if not properly taken into account. We also study the effectiveness of additional trusted noise as a countermeasure to this vulnerability., Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures

Continuous variable measurement-based quantum computation on cluster states has in recent years shown great potential for scalable, universal, and fault-tolerant quantum computation when combined with the Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) code and quantum error correction. However, no complete fault-tolerant architecture exists that includes everything from cluster state generation with finite squeezing to gate implementations with realistic noise and error correction. In this work, we propose a simple architecture for the preparation of a cluster state in three dimensions in which gates by gate teleportation can be efficiently implemented. To accommodate scalability, we propose architectures that allow for both spatial and temporal multiplexing, with the temporal encoded version requiring as little as two squeezed light sources. Due to its three-dimensional structure, the architecture supports topological qubit error correction, while GKP error correction is efficiently realized within the architecture by teleportation. To validate fault-tolerance, the architecture is simulated using surface-GKP codes, including noise from GKP-states as well as gate noise caused by finite squeezing in the cluster state. We find a fault-tolerant squeezing threshold of 12.7 dB with room for further improvement.

Quantum computing can be realized with numerous different hardware platforms and computational protocols. A highly promising approach to foster scalability is to apply a photonic platform combined with a measurement-induced quantum information processing protocol where gate operations are realized through optical measurements on a multipartite entangled quantum state -- a so-called cluster state. Heretofore, a few quantum gates on non-universal or non-scalable cluster states have been, but a full set of gates for universal scalable quantum computing has not been realized. We propose and demonstrate the deterministic implementation of a multi-mode set of measurement-induced quantum gates in a large two-dimensional (2D) optical cluster state using phase-controlled continuous variable quadrature measurements. Each gate is simply programmed into the phases of the high-efficiency quadrature measurements which execute the transformations by teleportation through the cluster state. Using these programmable gates, we demonstrate a small quantum circuit consisting of 10 single-mode gates and 2 two-mode gates on a three-mode input state. On this platform, fault-tolerant universal quantum computing is possible if the cluster state entanglement is improved and a supply of Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill qubits is available. Moreover, it operates at the telecom wavelength and is therefore network connectable without quantum transducers.

Squeezed states of harmonic oscillators are a central resource for continuous-variable quantum sensing, computation and communication. Here we propose a method for the generation of very good approximations to highly squeezed vacuum states with low excess anti-squeezing using only a few oscillator-qubit coupling gates through a Rabi-type interaction Hamiltonian. This interaction can be implemented with several different methods, which has previously been demonstrated in superconducting circuit and trapped-ion platforms. The protocol is compatible with other protocols manipulating quantum harmonic oscillators, thus facilitating scalable continuous-variable fault-tolerant quantum computation., Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures

With the Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) encoding, Clifford gates and error correction can be carried out using simple Gaussian operations. Still, non-Clifford gates, required for universality, require non-Gaussian elements. In their original proposal, GKP suggested a particularly simple method of using a single application of the cubic phase gate to perform the logical non-Clifford T-gate. Here we show that this cubic phase gate approach performs extraordinarily poorly, even for arbitrarily large amounts of squeezing in the GKP state. Thus, contrary to common belief, the cubic phase gate is not suitable for achieving universal fault-tolerant quantum computation with GKP states., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, corrected typos

Quantum enhanced receivers are endowed with resources to achieve higher sensitivities than conventional technologies. For application in optical communications, they provide improved discriminatory capabilities for multiple non-orthogonal quantum states. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a new decoding scheme for quadrature phase-shift encoded signals. Our receiver surpasses the standard quantum limit and outperforms all previously known non-adaptive detectors at low input powers. Unlike existing approaches, the receiver only exploits linear optical elements and on-off photo-detection. This circumvents the requirement for challenging feed-forward operations that limit communication transmission rates and can be readily implemented with current technology., Comment: 11 pages with 10 figures with appendices. Extended analysis. Accepted version

Generalized quantum measurements identifying non-orthogonal states without ambiguity often play an indispensable role in various quantum applications. For such unambiguous state discrimination scenario, we have a finite probability of obtaining inconclusive results and minimizing the probability of inconclusive results is of particular importance. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate an adaptive generalized measurement that can unambiguously discriminate the quaternary phase-shift-keying coherent states with a near-optimal performance. Our scheme is composed of displacement operations, single photon detections and adaptive control of the displacements dependent on a history of photon detection outcomes. Our experimental results show a clear improvement of both a probability of conclusive results and a ratio of erroneous decision caused by unavoidable experimental imperfections over conventional static generalized measurements.

We determine the optimal method of discriminating and comparing quantum states from a certain class of multimode Gaussian states and their mixtures when arbitrary global Gaussian operations and general Gaussian measurements are allowed. We consider the so-called constant-$\hat{p}$ displaced states which include mixtures of multimode coherent states arbitrarily displaced along a common axis. We first show that no global or local Gaussian transformations or generalized Gaussian measurements can lead to a better discrimination method than simple homodyne measurements applied to each mode separately and classical postprocessing of the results. This result is applied to binary state comparison problems. We show that homodyne measurements, separately performed on each mode, are the best Gaussian measurement for binary state comparison. We further compare the performance of the optimal Gaussian strategy for binary coherent states comparison with these of non-Gaussian strategies using photon detections., Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures

Due to its unique scalability potential, continuous variable quantum optics is a promising platform for large scale quantum computing. In particular, very large cluster states with a two-dimensional topology that are suitable for universal quantum computing and quantum simulation can be readily generated in a deterministic manner, and routes towards fault-tolerance via bosonic quantum error-correction are known. In this article we propose a complete measurement-based quantum computing architecture for the implementation of a universal set of gates on the recently generated two-dimensional cluster states [1,2]. We analyze the performance of the various quantum gates that are executed in these cluster states as well as in other two-dimensional cluster states (the bilayer-square lattice and quad-rail lattice cluster states [3,4]) by estimating and minimizing the associated stochastic noise addition as well as the resulting gate error probability. We compare the four different states and find that, although they all allow for universal computation, the quad-rail lattice cluster state performs better than the other three states which all exhibit similar performance.

The tracking and compensation of phase noise is critical to reducing excess noise for continuous variable quantum key distribution schemes. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of unscented Kalman filter for phase noise compensation., Comment: 2 pages, CLEO 2019

Optical emitters of quantum radiation in the solid state are important building blocks for emerging technologies making use of the laws of quantum mechanics. The efficiency of photon extraction from the host material is low for many solid-state systems due to their relatively high index of refraction. In this article we experimentally study the emission spectrum of an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy defects implanted around 8nm below the planar diamond surface and in the vicinity of a planar silver mirror. Scanning the distance between diamond and the mirror, we observe an enhancement of the spectral emission power by up to a factor of 3. We construct a model based on classical dipoles and elucidate the observations as being caused by interference in the far field of the emitters., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

The coupling between single photon emitters and integrated photonic circuits is an emerging topic relevant for quantum information science and other nanophotonic applications. We investigate the coupling between a hybrid system of colloidal quantum dots and propagating gap modes of a silicon nitride waveguide system. We furthermore explore the density of optical states of the system by using a scanning probe technique and find that the quantum dots couple significantly to the photonic circuit. Our results indicate that a scalable slot-waveguide might serve as a promising platform in future developments of integrated quantum circuitry., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

We consider a quantum relay which is used by two parties to perform several continuous-variable protocols of quantum communication, from entanglement distribution (swapping and distillation), to quantum teleportation, and quantum key distribution. The theory of these protocols is suitably extended to a non-Markovian model of decoherence characterized by correlated Gaussian noise in the bosonic environment. In the worst case scenario where bipartite entanglement is completely lost at the relay, we show that the various protocols can be reactivated by the assistance of classical (separable) correlations in the environment. In fact, above a critical amount, these correlations are able to guarantee the distribution of a weaker form of entanglement (quadripartite), which can be localized by the relay into a stronger form (bipartite) that is exploitable by the parties. Our findings are confirmed by a proof-of-principle experiment where we show, for the first time, that memory effects in the environment can drastically enhance the performance of a quantum relay, well beyond the single-repeater bound for quantum and private communications., Comment: Main text plus Supplemental Material. 30 pages. 23 figures. Expands arXiv:1505.07457 and includes new results

The secret key rate of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) system is limited by excess noise. A key issue typical to all modern CV-QKD systems implemented with a reference or pilot signal and an independent local oscillator is controlling the excess noise generated from the frequency and phase noise accrued by the transmitter and receiver. Therefore accurate phase estimation and compensation, so-called carrier recovery, is a critical subsystem of CV-QKD. Here, we explore the implementation of a machine learning framework based on Bayesian inference, namely an unscented Kalman filter (UKF), for estimation of phase noise and compare it to a standard reference method. Experimental results obtained over a 20 km fibre-optic link indicate that the UKF can ensure very low excess noise even at low pilot powers. The measurements exhibited low variance and high stability in excess noise over a wide range of pilot signal to noise ratios. This may enable CV-QKD systems with low implementation complexity which can seamlessly work on diverse transmission lines., Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures

Discrimination of coherent states beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL) is an important tasknot only for quantum information processing but also for optical coherent communication. In orderto optimize long distance optical fiber networks, it is of practical importance to develop a quantumreceiver beating the SQL and approaching the quantum bound at telecom wavelength. In this paper,we experimentally demonstrate a receiver beating the conventional SQL at telecom wavelength. Ourreceiver is composed of a displacement operation, a single photon counter and a real time adaptivefeedback operation. By using a high performance single photon detector operating at the telecomwavelength, we achieve a discrimination error beyond the SQL. The demonstration in the telecomband provides the first step important towards quantum and classical communication beyond theSQL using a coherent state alphabet, and we envision that the technology can be used for long-distance quantum key distribution, effective quantum state preparation and quantum estimation.

During the last 20 years, the advance of communication technologies has generated multiple exciting applications. However, classical cryptography, commonly adopted to secure current communication systems, can be jeopardized by the advent of quantum computers. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a promising technology aiming to solve such a security problem. Unfortunately, current implementations of QKD systems show relatively low key rates, demand low channel noise and use ad hoc devices. In this work, we picture how to overcome the rate limitation by using a 37-core fibre to generate 2.86 Mbit/s per core that can be space multiplexed into the highest secret key rate of 105.7 Mbit/s to date. We also demonstrate, with off-the-shelf equipment, the robustness of the system by co-propagating a classical signal at 370 Gbit/s, paving the way for a shared quantum and classical communication network.

Quantum measurement is essential to both the foundations and practical applications of quantum information science. Among many possible models of quantum measurement, feedback measurements that dynamically update their physical structure are highly interesting due to their flexibility which enables a wide range of measurements that might otherwise be hard to implement. Here we investigate by detector tomography a measurement consisting of a displacement operation combined with photon detection followed by a real time feedback operation. We design the measurement in order to discriminate the superposition of vacuum and single photon states -- the single-rail qubit -- and find that it can discriminate the superposition states with a certainty of 96\%. Such a feedback-controlled photon counter will facilitate the realization of quantum information protocols with single-rail qubits as well as the non-locality test of certain entangled states.

The magneto-optic Voigt effect is observed in a synthetic diamond membrane with a substitutional nitrogen defect concentration in the order of 200 ppm and a nitrogen-vacancy defect sub-ensemble generated through neutron irradiation and annealing. The measured polarisation rotation in the reflected light is observed to be quadratically proportional to the applied magnetic field and to the incident reflection angle. Additionally, it is observed to be modifiable by illuminating the diamond with a 532 nm laser. Spectral analysis of the reflected light under 532 nm illumination shows a slow narrowing of the spectral distribution, indicating a small increase in the overall magnetisation, as opposed to magnetisation degradation caused by heating. Further analysis of the optical power dependence suggest this may be related to a shift in the spin ensembles charge state equilibrium and, by extension, the resulting ensemble magnetisation., Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures

Continuous spectral hole burning and spin-level population oscillations are studied in an inhomogeneously broadened diamond-based spin ensemble composed of substitutional nitrogen and nitrogen-vacancy centres created through neutron irradiation and annealing. The burnt spectral features highlight a detuning-dependent homogeneous hole linewidth that is up to three orders of magnitude narrower than the total inhomogeneous ensemble linewidth. Continuous population oscillations are observed to quickly decay beyond a pump and probe detuning of 5 Hz, and are numerically modelled using a five-level system of coupled rate equations. Fourier analysis of these oscillations highlight discrete $^{13}$C hyperfine interactions, with energies within the inhomogeneous ensemble linewidth, as well as suspected nuclear $3/2$-spin coupled signatures likely related to the $^7$Li byproduct of neutron irradiation., Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures

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.

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.

Squeezed vacuum states enable optical measurements below the quantum limit and hence are a valuable resource for applications in quantum metrology and also quantum communication. However, most available sources require high pump powers in the milliwatt range and large setups, which hinders real world applications. Furthermore, degenerate operation of such systems presents a challenge. Here, we use a compact crystalline whispering gallery mode resonator made of lithium niobate as a degenerate parametric oscillator. We demonstrate about 1.4 dB noise reduction below the shot noise level for only 300 $\mu\text{W}$ of pump power in degenerate single mode operation. Furthermore, we report a record pump threshold as low as 1.35 $\mu\text{W}$. Our results show that the whispering gallery based approach presents a promising platform for a compact and efficient source for nonclassical light., Comment: $\copyright$ 2019 Optical Society of America. Users may use, reuse, and build upon the article, or use the article for text or data mining, so long as such uses are for non-commercial purposes and appropriate attribution is maintained. All other rights are reserved

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) promise perfectly unpredictable random numbers. However, the security certification of the random numbers in form of a stochastic model often introduces assumptions that are either hardly justified or indeed unnecessary. Two important examples are the restriction of an adversary to the classical regime as well as negligible correlations between consecutive measurement outcomes. Additionally, non-rigorous system characterization opens a security loophole. In this work we experimentally realize a QRNG that does not rely on the aforementioned assumptions and whose stochastic model is established by a rigorous -- metrological -- approach. Based on quadrature measurements of vacuum fluctuations, we demonstrate a real-time random number generation rate of 8 \,GBit/s. Our security certification approach offers a number of practical benefits and will therefore find widespread applications in quantum random number generators. In particular, our generated random numbers are well suited for today's conventional and quantum cryptographic solutions.

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.

An attractive implementation for quantum cryptography is the continuous variable variation, as it relies on standard telecommunication components. Modulating the quantum signal using a Gaussian format is attractive since it has been proven to be secure. This work investigates the effect of the roll-off of a root raised cosine pulse shaping and matched filter on the excess noise performance of a Gaussian modulated quantum key distribution system in a simulated back to back configuration. Contrary to intuition, it is found that the roll-off parameter does not significantly impact the performance of the system., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

We propose a method for quantum enhanced phase estimation based on continuous variable (CV) quantum teleportation. The phase shift probed by a coherent state can be enhanced by repeatedly teleporting the state back to interact with the phase shift again using a supply of two-mode squeezed vacuum states. In this way, both super resolution and super sensitivity can be obtained due to the coherent addition of the phase shift. The protocol enables Heisenberg limited sensitivity and super- resolution given sufficiently strong squeezing. The proposed method could be implemented with current or near-term technology of CV teleportation., Comment: 5 pagers, 3 figures