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Using an optical frequency comb to directly convert a frequency reference to a useable time output will enable tight synchronization of tomorrow's optical-clock networks. Previous frequency-comb systems experienced cycle slips too often to provide true optical timescales. This study combines innovative fiber-comb designs, digital phase locking, and precise phase-determination methods to demonstrate optical clockwork with no phase slips for over a $m\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}h$. Fault-free timekeeping at the femtosecond level over months is a vital step in supplanting the current microwave time standard with an optical standard, and could improve $e.g.$ gravitational geodesy and GPS technology.

We employ dispersion-engineered sum-frequency generation to perform temporal-mode selective measurements on quantum light, provably manipulating the structure of multimode downconverted light and demonstrating spectral-phase sensitive seven-dimensional time-frequency quantum state tomography.

The nature of a quantum network, in particular in the continuous variable regime, is governed not only by the light quantum state but also by the measurement process. It can then be chosen after the light source has been generated. Multimode entanglement is not anymore an intrinsic property of the source but a complex interplay between source, measurement and eventually post processing. This new avenue paves the way for adaptive and scalable quantum information processing. However, to reach this ambitious goal, multimode degaussification has to be implemented. Single-photon subtraction and addition have proved to be such key operations, but are usually performed with linear optics elements on single-mode resources. We present a device able to perform mode dependant non Gaussian operation on a spectrally multimode squeezed vacuum states. Sum frequency generation between the state and a bright control beam whose spectrum has been engineered through ultrafast pulse-shaping is performed. The detection of a single converted photon heralds the success of the operation. The resulting multimode quantum state is analysed with standard homodyne detection whose local oscillator spectrum is independently engineered. The device can be characterized through quantum process tomography using weak multimode coherent states as inputs. Its single-mode character can be quantified and its inherent subtraction modes can be measured. The ability to simultaneously control the state engineering and its detection ensures both flexibility and scalability in the production of highly entangled non-Gaussian quantum states.

An experimental scheme is introduced to measure multiple parameters that are encoded in the phase quadrature of a light beam. Using a modal description and a spectrally-resolved homodyne detection, it is shown that all of the information is collected simultaneously, such that a single measurement allows extracting the value of multiple parameters \emph{post-facto}. With a femtosecond laser source, we apply this scheme to a measurement of the delay between two pulses with a shot-noise limited sensitivity as well as extracting the dispersion value of a dispersive medium.

Accessing a high dimensional Hilbert space spanned by temporal modes (TMs) of single-photons is an intriguing idea for quantum information protocols, though it is experimentally challenging. The quantum pulse gate (QPG), a group-velocity matched sum-frequency process, can perform arbitrary TM resolved measurement. We present a thorough characterisation of measurement operators of a QPG and we show that this device is capable of performing full state tomography with 99% fidelity. Moreover, we use this device for TM tomography of pure and mixed heralded single-photon states in 7-dimensional Hilbert space.

The fluctuations of the global parameters of an ultrafast frequency comb are analyzed using a novel measurement scheme and a modal representation. The propagation of excess noise added to the pump is also investigated.

We study noise propagation dynamics in a femtosecond oscillator by injecting external noise on the pump intensity. We utilize a spectrally resolved homodyne detection technique that enables simultaneous measurement of amplitude and phase quadrature noises of different spectral bands of the oscillator. We perform a modal analysis of the oscillator noise in which each mode corresponds to a particular temporal/spectral shape of the pulsed light. We compare this modal approach with the conventional noise detection methods and find the superiority of our method, in particular unveiling a complete physical picture of noise distribution in the femtosecond oscillator.

In this work we introduce a general scheme for measurement based quantum computation in continuous variables. Our approach does not necessarily rely on the use of ancillary cluster states to achieve its aim, but rather on the detection of a resource state in a suitable mode basis followed by digital post-processing, and involves an optimization of the adjustable experimental parameters. After introducing the general method, we present some examples of application to simple specific computations., Published version, Reference: Phys. Rev. A 94, 062332 (2016). arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1407.5318

We characterize by multiple homodyne measurements the principal modes responsible for the noise of various optical frequency combs. The combs generated by parametric down-conversion produce in particular a highly entangled multimode quantum light.

High-dimensional quantum information processing promises capabilities beyond the current state of the art, but addressing individual information-carrying modes presents a significant experimental challenge. Here we demonstrate effective high-dimensional operations in the time-frequency domain of nonclassical light. We generate heralded photons with tailored temporal-mode structures through the pulse shaping of a broadband parametric down-conversion pump. We then implement a quantum pulse gate, enabled by dispersion-engineered sum-frequency generation, to project onto programmable temporal modes, reconstructing the quantum state in seven dimensions. We also manipulate the time-frequency structure by selectively removing temporal modes, explicitly demonstrating the effectiveness of engineered nonlinear processes for the mode-selective manipulation of quantum states.

Multimode squeezed states are used to enhance the measurement of optical frequency fluctuations beyond the standard quantum limit. A multichannel detector is employed, which enables simultaneous extraction of orthogonal parameters characterizing the light field

We describe a mode-selective single-photon subtraction device based on sum-frequency generation and ultrafast pulse shaping for multimode quantum state engineering. Its essential feature is the tunability of the single-photon subtraction mode.

This work introduces optimization strategies to continuous variable measurement based quantum computation (MBQC) at different levels. We provide a recipe for mitigating the effects of finite squeezing, which affect the production of cluster states and the result of a traditional MBQC. These strategies are readily implementable by several experimental groups. Furthermore, a more general scheme for MBQC is introduced that does not necessarily rely on the use of ancillary cluster states to achieve its aim, but rather on the detection of a resource state in a suitable mode basis followed by digital post-processing. A recipe is provided to optimize the adjustable parameters that are employed within this framework., Comment: This is a more compact version of our work, some of the material present in version 1 has been submitted separately

Knowledge of the Hessian matrix at the landscape optimum of a controlled physical observable offers valuable information about the system robustness to control noise. The Hessian can also assist in physical landscape characterization, which is of particular interest in quantum system control experiments. The recently developed landscape theoretical analysis motivated the compilation of an automated method to learn the Hessian matrix about the global optimum without derivative measurements from noisy data. The current study introduces the forced optimal covariance adaptive learning (FOCAL) technique for this purpose. FOCAL relies on the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) that exploits covariance information amongst the control variables by means of principal component analysis. The FOCAL technique is designed to operate with experimental optimization, generally involving continuous high-dimensional search landscapes (≳30) with large Hessian condition numbers (≳10^{4}). This paper introduces the theoretical foundations of the inverse relationship between the covariance learned by the evolution strategy and the actual Hessian matrix of the landscape. FOCAL is presented and demonstrated to retrieve the Hessian matrix with high fidelity on both model landscapes and quantum control experiments, which are observed to possess nonseparable, nonquadratic search landscapes. The recovered Hessian forms were corroborated by physical knowledge of the systems. The implications of FOCAL extend beyond the investigated studies to potentially cover other physically motivated multivariate landscapes.

The control of quantum systems with shaped laser pulses presents a paradox since the relative ease with which solutions are discovered appears incompatible with the enormous variety of pulse shapes accessible with a standard pulse shaper. Quantum landscape theory indicates that the relevant search dimensionality is not dictated by the number of pulse shaper elements, but rather is related to the number of states participating in the controlled dynamics. The actual dimensionality is encoded within the sensitivity of the observed yield to all of the pulse shaper elements. To investigate this proposition, the Hessian matrix is measured for controlled transitions amongst states of atomic rubidium, and its eigendecomposition reveals a dimensionality consistent with that predicted by landscape theory. Additionally, this methodology furnishes a low-dimensional picture that captures the essence of the light-matter interaction and the ensuing system dynamics.

The spectral correlations of amplitude and phase noise in an optical frequency comb are characterized. Correlations appear at timescales ≳: µs and allow a generalization of comb noise from the repetition rate- and CEO-phase representation.

Cavity-based noise detection schemes are combined with ultrafast pulse shaping as a means to diagnose the spectral correlations of both the amplitude and phase noise of an ultrafast frequency comb. The comb is divided into ten spectral regions, and the distribution of noise as well as the correlations between all pairs of spectral regions are measured against the quantum limit. These correlations are then represented in the form of classical noise matrices, which furnish a complete description of the underlying comb dynamics. Their eigendecomposition reveals a set of theoretically predicted, decoupled noise modes that govern the dynamics of the comb. Finally, the matrices contain the information necessary to deduce macroscopic noise properties of the comb.

We demonstrate the single-step fabrication of a quantum network from the parametric downconversion of femtosecond frequency combs. Ultrafast pulse shaping is employed to both characterize the comb’s spectral entanglement and generate on-demand cluster state.

Combining a multi-color homodyne detection scheme with techniques from quantum optics, we show the feasibility of shot-noise limited measurements of a medium’s parameters, while also being able to compensate for their fluctuations.

We have generated by parametric down-conversion and fully characterized an ultrafast highly multimode frequency comb with strong genuine multipartite quantum entanglement between its different frequency components. Such a quantum state of light has promising applications in wavelength multiplexed quantum information processing and computing.

Photonic cluster states are fabricated within the internal structure of a multimode frequency comb. Projective measurements combined with ultrafast pulse shaping allow the creation of arbitrary cluster states with no change in the optical footprint.

Highly entangled quantum networks – cluster states – lie at the heart of recent approaches to quantum computing \cite{Nielsen2006,Lloyd2012}. Yet, the current approach for constructing optical quantum networks does so one node at a time \cite{Furusawa2008,Furusawa2009,Peng2012}, which lacks scalability. Here we demonstrate the \emph{single-step} fabrication of a multimode quantum network from the parametric downconversion of femtosecond frequency combs. Ultrafast pulse shaping \cite{weiner2000} is employed to characterize the comb's spectral entanglement \cite{vanLoock2003}. Each of the 511 possible bipartitions among ten spectral regions is shown to be entangled; furthermore, an eigenmode decomposition reveals that eight independent quantum channels \cite{Braunstein2005} (qumodes) are subsumed within the comb. This multicolor entanglement imports the classical concept of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) to the quantum domain by playing upon frequency entanglement as a means to elevate quantum channel capacity. The quantum frequency comb is easily addressable, robust with respect to decoherence, and scalable, which renders it a unique tool for quantum information.

Cluster states, in which entanglement is distributed amongst numerous parties, have attracted interest due to their role as a resource for measurement-based quantum computing. The traditional means for fabricating these highly-entangled states has been to sequentially combine the squeezed outputs from individual optical parametric oscillators (OPO) with a network of phase-shifters and beamsplitters. While successful, this approach demands an optical footprint commensurate with the dimensionality of the produced state. Within the continuous-variable regime, a promising alternative is to begin with a source that is intrinsically multimode. Toward that end, the frequency comb underlying femtosecond optical pulses contains upwards of ~ 105 individual frequencies, which makes it an attractive starting point for the production of multipartite entanglement. This work demonstrates the ability of OPOs synchronously pumped by a femtosecond pulse train to create scalable, adaptable multipartite photonic states in a single beam while exploiting femtosecond pulse shaping to perform a complete state analysis.

We have generated by parametric down-conversion and fully characterized an ultrafast highly multimode frequency comb with genuine quantum entanglement between its different frequency components that has promising applications in wavelength multiplexed quantum information processing

Label-free selective discrimination of spectrally similar biomolecules, such as peptides and proteins using Optimal Control strategies is a challenge in a variety of practical applications such as label-free fluorescence imaging and protein identification. The principle of Optimal Control is based on the fact that a suitably shaped laser field can differently drive the dynamics of almost identical quantum systems [1, 2].

Experimental multi-objective Quantum Control is an emerging topic within the broad physics and chemistry applications domain of controlling quantum phenomena. This realm offers cutting edge ultrafast laser laboratory applications, which pose multiple objectives, noise, and possibly constraints on the high-dimensional search. In this study we introduce the topic of multi-observable quantum control (MOQC), and consider specific systems to be Pareto optimized subject to uncertainty, either experimentally or by means of simulated systems. The latter include a family of mathematical test-functions with a practical link to MOQC experiments, which are introduced here for the first time. We investigate the behavior of the multi-objective version of the covariance aatrix adaptation evolution strategy (MO-CMA-ES) and assess its performance on computer simulations as well as on laboratory closed-loop experiments. Overall, we propose a comprehensive study on experimental evolutionary Pareto optimization in high-dimensional continuous domains, draw some practical conclusions concerning the impact of fitness disturbance on algorithmic behavior, and raise several theoretical issues in the broad evolutionary multi-objective context.

The possibility of controlled direct laser-nuclear excitations is considered from a quantum control perspective. The controllability of laser-driven electric dipole and magnetic dipole transitions among pure nuclear states is analyzed. Within a set of realistic and general conditions, atomic nuclei are demonstrated to possess full state controllability. Additionally, an analysis of the nuclear state excitation probability as a function of the laser control field is conducted. This control landscape is shown to possess a generic topology, which has important physical consequences for achieving optimal nuclear state excitation with laser fields. Last, an assessment is given of the technological challenges that need to be considered when implementing direct nuclear control in the laboratory.

This work uses shaped femtosecond laser pulses to control the two-photon absorption (TPA) of coumarin 153 in a dispersive toluene medium. The dispersive medium reshapes the pulse along the optical path, and management of this effect is used to achieve spatial localization of TPA. Other control objectives were successfully implemented, including dual localization and high resolution local optimization of TPA. The solutions to these objectives were explored by means of evolutionary single- and multi-objective algorithms within a laboratory feedback loop.

The applicability of adaptive femtosecond pulse shaping is studied for achieving selectivity in the photoionization of low-density polyatomic targets. In particular, optimal dynamic discrimination (ODD) techniques exploit intermediate molecular electronic resonances that allow a significant increase in the photoionization efficiency of nitromethane with shaped near-infrared femtosecond pulses. The intensity bias typical of high-photon number, nonresonant ionization is accounted for by reference to a strictly intensity-dependent process. Closed-loop adaptive learning is then able to discover a pulse form that increases the ionization efficiency of nitromethane by ∼150%. The optimally induced molecular dynamics result from entry into a region of parameter space inaccessible with intensity-only control. Finally, the discovered pulse shape is demonstrated to interact with the molecular system in a coherent fashion as assessed from the asymmetry between the response to the optimal field and its time-reversed counterpart.

Fundamental molecular selectivity limits are probed by exploiting laser-controlled quantum interferences for the creation of distinct spectral signatures in two flavin molecules, erstwhile nearly indistinguishable via steady-state methods. Optimal dynamic discrimination (ODD) uses optimally shaped laser fields to transiently amplify minute molecular variations that would otherwise go unnoticed with linear absorption and fluorescence techniques. ODD is experimentally demonstrated by combining an optimally shaped UV pump pulse with a time-delayed, fluorescence-depleting IR pulse for discrimination amongst riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide in aqueous solution, which are structurally and spectroscopically very similar. Closed-loop, adaptive pulse shaping discovers a set of UV pulses that induce disparate responses from the two flavins and allows for concomitant flavin discrimination of ∼16σ. Additionally, attainment of ODD permits quantitative, analytical detection of the individual constituents in a flavin mixture. The successful implementation of ODD on quantum systems of such high complexity bodes well for the future development of the field and the use of ODD techniques in a variety of demanding practical applications.

The activity of the GAP-Biophotonics research group at the University of Geneva in the field of coherent control for discriminating similar biomolecules, such as flavins, proteins and DNA bases, is presented and future developments are discussed.

Although the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) is commonly believed to evolve a covariance matrix reflective of the underlying search landscape, its deployment on high-dimensional (n>30) landscapes fails to discover a matrix associated with the well-defined Hessian at the global optimum. After illustrating and explaining this deportment, we introduce a novel technique, entitled Forced Optimal Covariance Adaptive Learning (FOCAL), with the explicit goal of Hessian determination at the global basin of attraction. FOCAL is demonstrated to retrieve the Hessian matrix with high fidelity on both model landscapes and experimental Quantum Control systems, which are observed to possess a non-separable, non-quadratic search landscape. The recovered Hessian forms are corroborated by physical knowledge of the systems and are indeed shown to be local.

We present a general mechanism for successful discrimination of spectroscopically indistinguishable biochromophores by shaped light. For this purpose we use nonadiabatic dynamics in excited electronic states in the frame of the field-induced surface hopping method driven by the experimentally shaped laser fields. Our findings show that optimal laser fields drive low-frequency vibrational modes localized in the side chains of two biochromophores, thus selecting the parts of their potential energy surfaces characterized by different transition dipole moments leading to different ionization probabilities. The presented mechanism leads to selective fluorescence depletion which serves as a discrimination signal. Our findings offer a promising perspective for using optimally shaped laser pulses in bioanalytical applications by increasing the selectivity beyond the current capability.

Optimization of quantum systems by closed-loop adaptive pulse shaping offers a rich domain for the development and application of specialized evolutionary algorithms. Derandomized evolution strategies (DESs) are presented here as a robust class of optimizers for experimental quantum control. The combination of stochastic and quasi-local search embodied by these algorithms is especially amenable to the inherent topology of quantum control landscapes. Implementation of DES in the laboratory results in efficiency gains of up to $\ensuremath{\sim}9$ times that of the standard genetic algorithm, and thus is a promising tool for optimization of unstable or fragile systems. The statistical learning upon which these algorithms are predicated also provide the means for obtaining a control problem's Hessian matrix with no additional experimental overhead. The forced optimal covariance adaptive learning (FOCAL) method is introduced to enable retrieval of the Hessian matrix, which can reveal information about the landscape's local structure and dynamic mechanism. Exploitation of such algorithms in quantum control experiments should enhance their efficiency and provide additional fundamental insights.

Unconstrained searches over quantum control landscapes are theoretically predicted to generally exhibit trap-free monotonic behavior. This paper makes an explicit experimental demonstration of this intrinsic monotonicity for two controlled quantum systems: frequency unfiltered and filtered second-harmonic generation (SHG). For unfiltered SHG, the landscape is randomly sampled and interpolation of the data is found to be devoid of landscape traps up to the level of data noise. In the case of narrow-band-filtered SHG, trajectories are taken on the landscape to reveal a lack of traps. Although the filtered SHG landscape is trap free, it exhibits a rich local structure. A perturbation analysis around the top of these landscapes provides a basis to understand their topology. Despite the inherent trap-free nature of the landscapes, practical constraints placed on the controls can lead to the appearance of artificial structure arising from the resultant forced sampling of the landscape. This circumstance and the likely lack of knowledge about the detailed local landscape structure in most quantum control applications suggests that the a priori identification of globally successful (un)constrained curvilinear control variables may be a challenging task.

Experimental multi-objective Quantum Control is an emerging topic within the broad physics and chemistry application domain of controlling quantum phenomena. This realm offers cutting edge ultrafast laser laboratory applications, which pose multiple objectives, noise, and possibly constraints on the high-dimensional search. In this study we introduce the topic of Multi-Objective Quantum Control (MOQC), and consider specific systems to be Pareto optimized subject to uncertainty (noise), either experimentally or by means of simulated systems. Unlike the vast majority of other reported systems, the current modeling of noise considers additive Gaussian noise on the input (decision) parameters, which propagates in an unknown manner to the observable (fitness) values. We employ the multi-objective version of the CMA-ES (MO-CMA), which, to the best of our knowledge, is applied here for the first time to a real-world experimental problem, and assess its performance on the investigated systems. In particular, we study its empirical behavior on the MOQC noisy systems, as well as on the Multi-Sphere model landscape, in light of previous theoretical studies on single-objective single-parent Evolution Strategies, and draw some practical conclusions concerning the projection of fitness disturbance on the perceived Pareto front and the need for parental fitness reevaluation in elitist strategies. We show that elitism diminishes the value of the archived Pareto set, even when the perceived Pareto front is well approximated to the true front.

Fundamental selectivity limits of quantum control are pushed by introducing laser driven optimal dynamic discrimination to create distinguishing excitations on two nearly identical flavin molecules. Even with modest spectral resources, significant specificity is achieved with optimal pulse shapes, which amplify small molecular differences to create distinct, identifying signals. Rather than being a hindrance, system complexity appears to aid the control process and augments control field capability, which bodes well for implementation of quantum control in a variety of demanding applications.

The exploration of a quantum control landscape, which is the physical observable as a function of the control variables, is fundamental for understanding the ability to perform observable optimization in the laboratory. For high control variable dimensions, trajectory-based methods provide a means for performing such systematic explorations by exploiting the measured gradient of the observable with respect to the control variables. This paper presents a practical, robust, easily implemented statistical method for obtaining the gradient on a general quantum control landscape in the presence of noise. In order to demonstrate the method's utility, the experimentally measured gradient is utilized as input in steepest-ascent trajectories on the landscapes of three model quantum control problems: spectrally filtered and integrated second harmonic generation as well as excitation of atomic rubidium. The gradient algorithm achieves efficiency gains of up to approximately three times that of the standard genetic algorithm and, as such, is a promising tool for meeting quantum control optimization goals as well as landscape analyses. The landscape trajectories directed by the gradient should aid in the continued investigation and understanding of controlled quantum phenomena.

The detection of explosives is a notoriously difficult problem, especially at stand-off distances, due to their (generally) low vapor pressure, environmental and matrix interferences, and packaging. We are exploring optimal dynamic detection to exploit the best capabilities of recent advances in laser technology and recent discoveries in optimal shaping of laser pulses for control of molecular processes to significantly enhance the standoff detection of explosives. The core of the ODD-Ex technique is the introduction of optimally shaped laser pulses to simultaneously enhance sensitivity of explosives signatures while reducing the influence of noise and the signals from background interferents in the field (increase selectivity). These goals are being addressed by operating in an optimal nonlinear fashion, typically with a single shaped laser pulse inherently containing within it coherently locked control and probe sub-pulses. With sufficient bandwidth, the technique is capable of intrinsically providing orthogonal broad spectral information for data fusion, all from a single optimal pulse.

There are many potential applications for MEMS micromirror devices for femtosecond pulse shaping applications. Their broadband reflectivity gives them an advantage in comparison to devices such as liquid crystal- and acousto-optical modulators because of the possibility to directly shape UV pulses in the range 250 - 400 nm, and thus address UV-absorbing molecules. The identification and discrimination of biomolecules which exhibit almost the same spectra has sparked some interest in the last years as it allows real-time, environmental and optical monitoring. Here, we present the last developments using the Fraunhofer IPMS MEMS phase former capable of accomplishing such goals.

In controlled quantum dynamics, a level set is defined as the collection of control fields that produce a specific value for a particular observable. This paper explores the relationship between individual solutions to a control problem, and presents the first experimentally observed quantum control level sets, which are found to be continuous submanifolds. Level sets are observed for two photon transitions where the control is the spectral phase function, which is expressed as a fourth-order polynomial. For the systems studied here, the level sets are shown to be closed surfaces in the spectral phase control space. A perturbation analysis provides insight into the observed topology of the level set, which is shown to be preserved by the low-order polynomial phase representation. Each of the multiple control fields forming a level set preserves the observable value by its own distinct manipulation of constructive and destructive quantum interferences. Thus, the richness of quantum control fields meeting a particular observable value is accompanied by an equally diverse family of control mechanisms.

Stable laser operation, which is essential for quantum control experiments as well as many other phase dependent processes, is investigated with respect to the influence of amplitude and spectral phase noise. Simulations are first performed and an easy to implement experimental method is presented to monitor the amplitude and phase stability of an ultrafast laser system. As an illustration of this stability assessment technique, the data monitoring is used to guide the identification and elimination of fluctuations in the laser amplification process. Through a number of practical alterations of the amplifier configuration, the stability of the laser system was greatly and consistently improved. Fluctuations on different time scales were eliminated, with special emphasis given to maintaining a stable spectral phase.

The use of optical frequency combs (FC) for high precision measurements is limited by fluctuations of the comb structure [1]. The FC fluctuations can be modelled as uncoupled noise modes associated with a few global parameters namely power, central wavelength, carrier-envelope offset (CEO) phase, repetition rate, dispersion [2, 3]. However, the correlations between phase and amplitude noises, which play an important role to determine the comb stability, have never been described in terms of these noise modes. In this study, we present a new scheme to measure both phase and amplitude noises simultaneously, and provide a modal description of their correlations to unveil the underlying physical mechanisms.

Multimode entanglement is an essential resource for quantum information processing and quantum metrology. However, multimode entangled states are generally constructed by targeting a specific graph configuration. This yields to a fixed experimental setup that therefore exhibits reduced versatility and scalability. Here we demonstrate an optical on-demand, reconfigurable multimode entangled state, using an intrinsically multimode quantum resource and a homodyne detection apparatus. Without altering either the initial squeezing source or experimental architecture, we realize the construction of thirteen cluster states of various sizes and connectivities as well as the implementation of a secret sharing protocol. In particular, this system enables the interrogation of quantum correlations and fluctuations for any multimode Gaussian state. This initiates an avenue for implementing on-demand quantum information processing by only adapting the measurement process and not the experimental layout., Multimode entanglement is an important resource for quantum information processing, but setups are often able to generate specific configurations only. Here the authors present an on-demand reconfigurable multimode entangled state source, realizing thirteen cluster states of various sizes and connectivities.

A real time, spectrally resolved detection system is developed to characterize the time/frequency modes of an optical frequency comb. Covariance matrix approached is used both for laser dynamics study and quantum metrology experiments.