arXiv:1712.05425 · Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical
Nonclassical mixed states that generate zero entanglement with a beam splitter
Aaron Z. Goldberg, Daniel F. V. James
Abstract
Abstract Beam splitters are routinely used for generating entanglement. Their entangling properties have been studied extensively, with nonclassicality of the input states a prerequisite for entanglement at the output. Here we quantify the amount of entanglement generated by weakly-reflecting beam splitters, and look for nonclassical states that are not entangled by general beam splitters. We extend the known class of results to mixed and non-Gaussian states, finding that inputting highly nonclassical combinations of unpolarized states that are squeezed and displaced onto a beam splitter can still yield separable output states. This is important in light of the challenge of characterizing mixed state entanglement. We further identify a parallel between SU(2) unpolarized states and the two-mode vacuum. Our result is crucial for understanding the generation of modal entanglement by beam splitters.