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We study the role of probe dimension in determining the bounds of precision and the level of incompatibility in multi-parameter quantum estimation problems. In particular, we focus on the paradigmatic case of unitary encoding generated by $\mathfrak{su}(2)$ and compare precision and incompatibility in the estimation of the same parameters across representations of different dimensions. For two- and three-parameter unitary models, we prove that if the dimension of the probe is smaller than the number of parameters, then simultaneous estimation is not possible (the quantum Fisher matrix is singular). If the dimension is equal to the number of parameters, estimation is possible but the model exhibits maximal (asymptotic) incompatibility. However, for larger dimensions, there is always a state for which the incompatibility vanishes, and the symmetric Cram\'er-Rao bound is achievable. We also critically examine the performance of the so-called asymptotic incompatibility (AI) in characterizing the difference between the Holevo-Cram\'er-Rao bound and the Symmetric Logarithmic Derivative (SLD) one, showing that the AI measure alone may fail to adequately quantify this gap. Assessing the determinant of the Quantum Fisher Information Matrix (QFIM) is crucial for a precise characterization of the model's nature. Nonetheless, the AI measure still plays a relevant role since it encapsulates the non-classicality of the model in one scalar quantity rather than in a matrix form (i.e., the Uhlmann curvature)., Comment: a number of pages, some figures

SPIDER is the prototype ion source of MITICA, the full-size neutral beam heating system conceived for the ITER tokamak. It includes eight drivers to heat and sustain the inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Owing to their near cylindrical symmetry, the coupling between the radio-frequency (RF) active currents and the source plasma is studied using a 2D electromagnetic approach with simplified expressions for the plasma electrical conductivity taken from the literature. The power absorbed by the plasma and the effect of the induced plasma currents in lowering the inductance of the driver are based on data from the dedicated S16 experimental campaign (y.~2020) of SPIDER: plasma electron densities on the order of $10^{18}$ m$^{-3}$, electron temperatures $\sim 10$ eV; neutral gas pressure $\sim 0.3$ Pa and up to $50$ kW of net power per driver. It is found that the plasma conductivity cannot be explained by the friction forces associated to local collisional processes alone. The inclusion of an effective collisionality associated to non-local processes seems also insufficient to explain the experimental information. Only when the electrical conductivity is reduced where the RF magnetic field is more intense, can the heating power and driver inductance be acceptably reproduced. We present the first 2D electromagnetic ICP calculations in SPIDER for two types of plasma, without and with the addition of a static magnetic field. The power transfer efficiency to the plasma of the first drivers of SPIDER, in view of these models, is around 50%, Comment: 33 pages, 13 figures

ITER envisages the use of two heating neutral beam injectors plus an optional one as part of the auxiliary heating and current drive system. The 16.5 MW expected neutral beam power per injector is several notches higher than worldwide existing facilities. A Neutral Beam Test Facility (NBTF) was established at Consorzio RFX, exploiting the synergy of two test beds, SPIDER and MITICA. SPIDER is dedicated to developing and characterizing large efficient negative ion sources at relevant parameters in ITER-like conditions: source and accelerator located in the same vacuum where the beam propagates, immunity to electromagnetic interferences of multiple radio-frequency (RF) antennas, avoidance of RF-induced discharges on the outside of the source. Three years of experiments on SPIDER have addressed to the necessary design modifications to enable full performances. The source is presently under a long shut-down phase to incorporate learnings from the experimental campaign. Parallelly, developments on MITICA, the full-scale prototype of the ITER NBI featuring a 1 MV accelerator and ion neutralization, are underway including manufacturing of in-vessel components, while power supplies and auxiliary plants are already under final testing and commissioning. Integration, commissioning and tests of the 1MV power supplies are essential for this first-of-kind system, unparalleled both in research and industry field. The integrated test to confirm 1MV output by combining invertor systems, DC generators and transmission lines extracted errors/accidents in some components. To realize a concrete system for ITER, solutions for the repair and the improvement of the system were developed. Hence, NBTF is emerging as a necessary facility, due to the large gap with existing injectors, effectively dedicated to identify issues and find solutions to enable successful ITER NBI operations in a time bound fashion.

We address the quantum search of a target node on a cycle graph by means of a quantum walk assisted by continuous measurement and feedback. Unlike previous spatial search approaches, where the oracle is described as a projector on the target state, we instead consider a dynamical oracle implemented through a feedback Hamiltonian. In particular, our protocol is able to drive the walker to a desired target node. The idea is based on continuously monitoring the position of the quantum walker on the graph and then to apply a unitary feedback operation based on the information obtained from measurement. The feedback changes the couplings between the nodes and it is optimized at each time via a numerical procedure. We numerically simulate the stochastic trajectories describing the evolution for graphs of dimensions up to $N=15$, and quantify the performance of the protocol via the average fidelity between the state of the walker and the target node. We discuss different constraints on the control strategy, in particular on the possible values that the feedback couplings can take. We find that for unbounded controls, the protocol is able to quickly localize the walker on the target node. We then discuss how the performance is lowered by posing an upper bound on the control couplings, but still allowing to stabilize the walker in the desired node. Finally, we show how a digital feedback protocol, where the couplings can take values only from a discrete set, seems in general as efficient as the continuous bounded one., Comment: Final version accepted for publication on Advanced Quantum Technologies. 18 pages, 12 figures

In a recent paper we have described an optical implementation of a measure-once one-way quantum finite automaton recognizing a well-known family of unary periodic languages, accepting words not in the language with a given error probability. To process input words, the automaton exploits the degree of polarization of single photons and, to reduce the acceptance error probability, a technique of confidence amplification using the photon counts is implemented. In this paper, we show that the performance of this automaton may be further improved by using strategies that suitably consider both the orthogonal output polarizations of the photon. In our analysis, we also take into account how detector dark counts may affect the performance of the automaton., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures

Active optical media leading to interaction Hamiltonians of the form $ H = \tilde{\lambda}\, (a + a^{\dagger})^{\zeta}$ represent a crucial resource for quantum optical technology. In this paper, we address the characterization of those nonlinear media using quantum probes, as opposed to semiclassical ones. In particular, we investigate how squeezed probes may improve individual and joint estimation of the nonlinear coupling $\tilde{\lambda}$ and of the nonlinearity order $\zeta$. Upon using tools from quantum estimation, we show that: i) the two parameters are compatible, i.e. the may be jointly estimated without additional quantum noise; ii) the use of squeezed probes improves precision at fixed overall energy of the probe; iii) for low energy probes, squeezed vacuum represent the most convenient choice, whereas for increasing energy an optimal squeezing fraction may be determined; iv) using optimized quantum probes, the scaling of the corresponding precision with energy improves, both for individual and joint estimation of the two parameters, compared to semiclassical coherent probes. We conclude that quantum probes represent a resource to enhance precision in the characterization of nonlinear media, and foresee potential applications with current technology.

We address the use of asymptotic incompatibility (AI) to assess the quantumness of a multiparameter quantum statistical model. AI is a recently introduced measure which quantifies the difference between the Holevo and the SLD scalar bounds, and can be evaluated using only the symmetric logarithmic derivative (SLD) operators of the model. At first, we evaluate analytically the AI of the most general quantum statistical models involving two-level (qubit) and single-mode Gaussian continuous-variable quantum systems, and prove that AI is a simple monotonous function of the state purity. Then, we numerically investigate the same problem for qudits ($d$-dimensional quantum systems, with $2 < d \leq 4$), showing that, while in general AI is not in general a function of purity, we have enough numerical evidence to conclude that the maximum amount of AI is attainable only for quantum statistical models characterized by a purity larger than $\mu_{\sf min} = 1/(d-1)$. In addition, by parametrizing qudit states as thermal (Gibbs) states, numerical results suggest that, once the spectrum of the Hamiltonian is fixed, the AI measure is in one-to-one correspondence with the fictitious temperature parameter $\beta$ characterizing the family of density operators. Finally, by studying in detail the definition and properties of the AI measure we find that: i) given a quantum statistical model, one can readily identify the maximum number of asymptotically compatibile parameters; ii) the AI of a quantum statistical model bounds from above the AI of any sub-model that can be defined by fixing one or more of the original unknown parameters (or functions thereof), leading to possibly useful bounds on the AI of models involving noisy quantum dynamics., Comment: 21 pages, 2 figures

Temperature fluctuations of a finite system follows the Landau bound $\delta T^2 = T^2/C(T)$ where $C(T)$ is the heat capacity of the system. In turn, the same bound sets a limit to the precision of temperature estimation when the system itself is used as a thermometer. In this paper, we employ graph theory and the concept of Fisher information to assess the role of topology on the thermometric performance of a given system. We find that low connectivity is a resource to build precise thermometers working at low temperatures, whereas highly connected systems are suitable for higher temperatures. Upon modelling the thermometer as a set of vertices for the quantum walk of an excitation, we compare the precision achievable by position measurement to the optimal one, which itself corresponds to energy measurement., Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, accepted version

This paper proposes two novel approaches to perform more suitable sensitivity analyses for discrete topology optimization methods. To properly support them, we introduce a more formal description of the Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) method, in which the sensitivity analysis is based on finite variations of the objective function. The proposed approaches are compared to a naive strategy; to the conventional strategy, referred to as First-Order Continuous Interpolation (FOCI) approach; and to a strategy previously developed by other researchers, referred to as High-Order Continuous Interpolation (HOCI) approach. The novel Woodbury approach provides exact sensitivity values and is a better alternative to HOCI. Although HOCI and Woodbury approaches may be computationally prohibitive, they provide useful expressions for a better understanding of the problem. The novel Conjugate Gradient Method (CGM) approach provides sensitivity values with arbitrary precision and is computationally viable for a small number of steps. The CGM approach is a better alternative to FOCI since, for appropriate initial conditions, it is always more accurate than the conventional strategy. The standard compliance minimization problem with volume constraint is considered to illustrate the methodology. Numerical examples are presented together with a broad discussion about BESO-type methods., Comment: 31 pages, 25 figures, submitted to Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization

We address the discrimination of structured baths at different temperatures by dephasing quantum probes. We derive the exact reduced dynamics and evaluate the minimum error probability achievable by three different kinds of quantum probes, namely a qubit, a qutrit and a quantum register made of two qubits. Our results indicate that dephasing quantum probes are useful in discriminating low values of temperature, and that lower probabilities of error are achieved for intermediate values of the interaction time. A qutrit probe outperforms a qubit one in the discrimination task, whereas a register made of two qubits does not offer any advantage compared to two single qubits used sequentially.

A kind of Pettis integral representation for a Banach valued It\^o process is given and its drift term is modified using a Girsanov Theorem., Comment: 12 pages

We address the properties of continuous-time quantum walks with Hamiltonians of the form $\mathcal{H}= L + \lambda L^2$, being $L$ the Laplacian matrix of the underlying graph and being the perturbation $\lambda L^2$ motivated by its potential use to introduce next-nearest-neighbor hopping. We consider cycle, complete, and star graphs because paradigmatic models with low/high connectivity and/or symmetry. First, we investigate the dynamics of an initially localized walker. Then, we devote attention to estimating the perturbation parameter $\lambda$ using only a snapshot of the walker dynamics. Our analysis shows that a walker on a cycle graph is spreading ballistically independently of the perturbation, whereas on complete and star graphs one observes perturbation-dependent revivals and strong localization phenomena. Concerning the estimation of the perturbation, we determine the walker preparations and the simple graphs that maximize the Quantum Fisher Information. We also assess the performance of position measurement, which turns out to be optimal, or nearly optimal, in several situations of interest. Besides fundamental interest, our study may find applications in designing enhanced algorithms on graphs., Comment: 21 pages, 16 figures. Version accepted for publication

We address estimation of the minimum length arising from gravitational theories. In particular, we provide bounds on precision and assess the use of quantum probes to enhance the estimation performances. At first, we review the concept of minimum length and show how it induces a perturbative term appearing in the Hamiltonian of any quantum system, which is proportional to a parameter depending on the minimum length. We then systematically study the effects of this perturbation on different state preparations for several 1-dimensional systems, and we evaluate the Quantum Fisher Information in order to find the ultimate bounds to the precision of any estimation procedure. Eventually, we investigate the role of dimensionality by analysing the use of two-dimensional square well and harmonic oscillator systems to probe the minimal length. Our results show that quantum probes are convenient resources, providing potential enhancement in precision. Additionally, our results provide a set of guidelines to design possible future experiments to detect minimal length., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures

The aim of this paper is to study relationships among "gauge integrals" (Henstock, Mc Shane, Birkhoff) and Pettis integral of multifunctions whose values are weakly compact and convex subsets of a general Banach space, not necessarily separable. For this purpose we prove the existence of variationally Henstock integrable selections for variationally Henstock integrable multifunctions. Using this and other known results concerning the existence of selections integrable in the same sense as the corresponding multifunctions, we obtain three decomposition theorems. As applications of such decompositions, we deduce characterizations of Henstock and ${\mathcal H}$ integrable multifunctions, together with an extension of a well-known theorem of Fremlin., Comment: 13 pages

A vector-valued version of the Girsanov theorem is presented, for a scalar process with respect to a Banach-valued measure. Previously, a short discussion about the Birkhoff-type integration is outlined, as for example integration by substitution, in order to fix the measure-theoretic tools needed for the main result, Theorem 6, where a martingale equivalent to the underlying vector probability has been obtained in order to represent the modified process as a martingale with the same marginals as the original one.

The aim of this paper is to investigate different types of multi-integrals of finite variation and to obtain decomposition results., Comment: 9 pages

Nowadays, Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) raise a severe threat for public health, accounting for a considerable amount of human illnesses. Recently, several surveillance plans have been put in place for limiting the spread of such diseases, typically involving on-field measurements. Such a systematic and effective plan still misses, due to the high costs and efforts required for implementing it. Ideally, any attempt in this field should consider the triangle vectors-host-pathogen, which is strictly linked to the environmental and climatic conditions. In this paper, we exploit satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 mission, as we believe they encode the environmental factors responsible for the vector's spread. Our analysis - conducted in a data-driver fashion - couples spectral images with ground-truth information on the abundance of Culicoides imicola. In this respect, we frame our task as a binary classification problem, underpinning Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as being able to learn useful representation from multi-band images. Additionally, we provide a multi-instance variant, aimed at extracting temporal patterns from a short sequence of spectral images. Experiments show promising results, providing the foundations for novel supportive tools, which could depict where surveillance and prevention measures could be prioritized., Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures. Accepted in the 15th International Conference on SIGNAL IMAGE TECHNOLOGY & INTERNET BASED SYSTEMS (SITIS-2019)

Integral properties of multifunctions determined by vector valued functions are presented. Such multifunctions quite often serve as examples and counterexamples. In particular it can be observed that the properties of being integrable in the sense of Bochner, McShane or Birkhoff can be transferred to the generated multifunction while Henstock integrability does not guarantee it., Comment: 12 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1812.00597

We study Riemann-Lebesgue integrability of a vector function relative to an arbitrary non-negative set function. We obtain some classical integral properties. Results regarding the continuity properties of the integral and relationships among Riemann-Lebesgue, Birkhoff simple and Gould integrabilities are also established., Comment: 16 pages

Integral properties of multifunctions with closed convex values are studied. In this more general framework not all the tools and the technique used for weakly compact convex valued multifunctions work. We pay particular attention to the "positive multifunctions". Among them an investigation of multifunctions determined by vector-valued functions is presented. Finally, decomposition results are obtained for scalarly and gauge-defined integrals of multifunctions and a full description of McShane integrability in terms of Henstock and Pettis integrability is given., Comment: 20 pages

Some integration techniques for real-valued functions with respect to vector measures with values in Banach spaces (and viceversa) are investigated in order to establish abstract versions of classical theorems of Probability and Stochastic Processes. In particular the Girsanov Theorem is extended and used with the treated methods., Comment: 15 pages

Core of an economy and Walras equilibria are considered for a product space $X \times [0,1]$ using the Choquet integral with respect to a fuzzy measure., Comment: 19 pages

It has been proven in previous papers that each Henstock-Kurzweil-Pettis integrable multifunction with weakly compact values can be represented as a sum of one of its selections and a Pettis integrable multifunction. We prove here that if the initial multifunction is also Bochner measurable and has absolutely continuous variational measure of its integral, then it is a sum of a strongly measurable selection and of a variationally Henstock integrable multifunction that is also Birkhoff integrable., Comment: 15 pages

$L^p$ spaces are investigated for vector lattice-valued functions, with respect to filter convergence. As applications, some classical inequalities are extended to the vector lattice context, and some properties of the Brownian Motion and the Brownian Bridge are studied, to solve some stochastic differential equations., Comment: 21 pages, 2 figures

In this paper we present some results concerning Gould integrability of vector functions with respect to a monotone measure on finitely purely atomic measure spaces. As an application a Radon-Nikodym theorem in this setting is obtained., Comment: 17 pages

In the paper Henstock, McShane, Birkhoff and variationally multivalued integrals are studied for multifunctions taking values in the hyperspace of convex and weakly compact subsets of a general Banach space X. In particular the existence of selections integrable in the same sense of the corresponding multifunctions has been considered., Comment: 21 pages