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arXiv:1905.05632 · npj Quantum Information

Experimental test of error-tradeoff uncertainty relation using a continuous-variable entangled state

Yang Liu, Zhihao Ma, Haijun Kang, Dongmei Han, Meihong Wang, Zhongzhong Qin, Xiaolong Su, Kunchi Peng

Published Aug 8, 2019• 16 citations

Abstract

Abstract Heisenberg’s original uncertainty relation is related to measurement effect, which is different from the preparation uncertainty relation. However, it has been shown that Heisenberg’s error disturbance uncertainty relation is not valid in some cases. We experimentally test the error-tradeoff uncertainty relation by using a continuous-variable Gaussian Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR)-entangled state. Based on the quantum correlation between the two entangled optical beams, the errors on amplitude and phase quadratures of one EPR optical beam coming from joint measurement are estimated, respectively, which are used to verify the error–tradeoff relation. Especially, the error–tradeoff relation for error-free measurement of one observable is verified in our experiment. We also verify the error–tradeoff relations for nonzero errors and mixed state by introducing loss on one EPR beam. Our experimental results demonstrate that Heisenberg’s error–tradeoff relation is violated in some cases for a continuous-variable system, while the Ozawa’s and Branciard’s relations are valid.

DOI: 10.1038/s41534-019-0183-6

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Abstract Heisenberg’s original uncertainty relation is related to measurement effect, which is different from the preparation uncertainty relation. However, it has been shown that Heisenberg’s error disturbance uncertainty relation is not valid in some cases. We experimentally test the error-tradeoff uncertainty relation by using a continuous-variable Gaussian Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR)-entangled state. Based on the quantum correlation between the two entangled optical beams, the errors on amplitude and phase quadratures of one EPR optical beam coming from joint measurement are estimated, respectively, which are used to verify the error–tradeoff relation. Especially, the error–tradeoff relation for error-free measurement of one observable is verified in our experiment. We also verify the error–tradeoff relations for nonzero errors and mixed state by introducing loss on one EPR beam. Our experimental results demonstrate that Heisenberg’s error–tradeoff relation is violated in some cases for a continuous-variable system, while the Ozawa’s and Branciard’s relations are valid.

Uncertainty relation is one of the fundamental principle in quantum mechanics and plays an important role in quantum information science. We experimentally test the error-disturbance uncertainty relation (EDR) with continuous variables for Gaussian states. Two conjugate continuous-variable observables, amplitude and phase quadratures of an optical mode, are measured simultaneously by using a heterodyne measurement system. The EDR with continuous variables for a coherent state, a squeezed state and a thermal state are verified experimentally. Our experimental results demonstrate that Heisenberg's EDR with continuous variables is violated, yet Ozawa's and Branciard's EDR with continuous variables are validated.

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle in a formulation of uncertainties, intrinsic to any quantum system, is rigorously proven and demonstrated in various quantum systems. Nevertheless, Heisenberg’s original formulation of the uncertainty principle was given in terms of a reciprocal relation between the error of a position measurement and the thereby induced disturbance on a subsequent momentum measurement. However, a naive generalization of a Heisenberg-type error-disturbance relation for arbitrary observables is not valid. An alternative universally valid relation was derived by Ozawa in 2003. Though universally valid, Ozawa’s relation is not optimal. Recently, Branciard has derived a tight error-disturbance uncertainty relation (EDUR), describing the optimal trade-off between error and disturbance under certain conditions. Here, we report a neutron-optical experiment that records the error of a spin-component measurement, as well as the disturbance caused on another spin-component to test EDURs. We demonstrate that Heisenberg’s original EDUR is violated, and Ozawa’s and Branciard’s EDURs are valid in a wide range of experimental parameters, as well as the tightness of Branciard’s relation.

The uncertainty principle formulated by Heisenberg in 1927 describes a trade-off between the error of a measurement of one observable and the disturbance caused on another complementary observable such that their product should be no less than the limit set by Planck's constant. However, Ozawa in 1988 showed a model of position measurement that breaks Heisenberg's relation and in 2003 revealed an alternative relation for error and disturbance to be proven universally valid. Here, we report an experimental test of Ozawa's relation for a single-photon polarization qubit, exploiting a more general class of quantum measurements than the class of projective measurements. The test is carried out by linear optical devices and realizes an indirect measurement model that breaks Heisenberg's relation throughout the range of our experimental parameter and yet validates Ozawa's relation.

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is probably the most famous statement of quantum physics and its essential aspects are well described by a formulations in terms of standard deviations. However, a naive Heisenberg-type error-disturbance relation is not valid. An alternative universally valid relation was derived by Ozawa in 2003. Though universally valid Ozawa's relation is not optimal. Recently, Branciard has derived a tight error-disturbance uncertainty relation (EDUR), describing the optimal trade-off between error and disturbance. Here, we report a neutron-optical experiment that records the error of a spin-component measurement, as well as the disturbance caused on another spin-component to test EDURs. We demonstrate that Heisenberg's original EDUR is violated, and the Ozawa's and Branciard's EDURs are valid in a wide range of experimental parameters, applying a new measurement procedure referred to as two-state method.

Over the past few years, Heisenberg's error-disturbance uncertainty relation has experienced increased attention since several experimental publications verified the theoretical findings of Ozawa predicting the violation and thus necessary reformulation of Heisenberg's relation. However, soon after their appearance, an alternative theory was presented by Busch and co-workers, which proclaimed the validity of Heisenberg's relation and thus gave rise to heated debates. Here, we present an experimental comparison of the competing approaches by applying them to the same neutron optical measurement apparatus. Empirical results for the different definitions of error and disturbance are presented for special input states and configurations of the apparatus to illustrate the opposing approaches. The inequalities restricting errors and disturbances are particularly emphasized. Despite the strong controversy, in the case of projectively measured qubit observables, both approaches lead to equal outcomes.