Networks based on entangled quantum systems enable interesting applications in quantum information processing and the understanding of the resulting quantum correlations is essential for advancing the technology. We show that the theory of quantum coherence provides powerful tools for analyzing this problem. For that, we demonstrate that a recently proposed approach to network correlations based on covariance matrices can be improved and analytically evaluated for the most important cases.
Networks based on entangled quantum systems enable interesting applications in quantum information processing and the understanding of the resulting quantum correlations is essential for advancing the technology. We show that the theory of quantum coherence provides powerful tools for analyzing this problem. For that, we demonstrate that a recently proposed approach to network correlations based on covariance matrices can be improved and analytically evaluated for the most important cases.
Quantum networks offer a realistic and practical scheme for generating multiparticle entanglement and implementing multiparticle quantum communication protocols. However, the correlations that can be generated in networks with quantum sources and local operations are not yet well understood. Covariance matrices, which are powerful tools in entanglement theory, have been also applied to the network scenario. We present simple proofs for the decomposition of such matrices into the sum of positive semi-definite block matrices and, based on that, develop analytical and computable necessary criteria for preparing states in quantum networks. These criteria can be applied to networks where nodes share at most one source, such as all bipartite networks.
We develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for analyzing quantum information flow in networked quantum systems with emphasis on entanglement distribution and temporal correlation structures. Drawing from recent applications in real-time sensing and detection systems, we formulate a general mathematical model that describes how quantum correlations propagate through network topologies and evolve over time. The framework incorporates decoherence effects, network connectivity constraints, and measurement-induced state collapse to provide realistic bounds on information transmission capabilities. We derive analytical expressions for entanglement generation rates, fidelity preservation across network hops, and temporal correlation decay under various noise models. The theory establishes fundamental limits on the capacity of quantum networks to maintain coherent information transfer and identifies optimal network architectures for specific correlation preservation requirements. We extend our analysis to adaptive network configurations where topology can be dynamically adjusted based on environmental conditions or information priorities. The theoretical results provide design principles for quantum communication protocols, distributed quantum sensing arrays, and real-time quantum-enhanced detection systems, bridging fundamental quantum information theory with practical networked applications.
Abstract Quantum information theory is built upon the realisation that quantum resources like coherence and entanglement can be exploited for novel or enhanced ways of transmitting and manipulating information, such as quantum cryptography, teleportation, and quantum computing. We now know that there is potentially much more than entanglement behind the power of quantum information processing. There exist more general forms of non-classical correlations, stemming from fundamental principles such as the necessary disturbance induced by a local measurement, or the persistence of quantum coherence in all possible local bases. These signatures can be identified and are resilient in almost all quantum states, and have been linked to the enhanced performance of certain quantum protocols over classical ones in noisy conditions. Their presence represents, among other things, one of the most essential manifestations of quantumness in cooperative systems, from the subatomic to the macroscopic domain. In this work we give an overview of the current quest for a proper understanding and characterisation of the frontier between classical and quantum correlations (QCs) in composite states. We focus on various approaches to define and quantify general QCs, based on different yet interlinked physical perspectives, and comment on the operational significance of the ensuing measures for quantum technology tasks such as information encoding, distribution, discrimination and metrology. We then provide a broader outlook of a few applications in which quantumness beyond entanglement looks fit to play a key role.
Quantum information theory has considerably helped in the understanding of quantum many-body systems. The role of quantum correlations and in particular, bipartite entanglement, has become crucial to characterise, classify and simulate quantum many body systems. Furthermore, the scaling of entanglement has inspired modifications to numerical techniques for the simulation of many-body systems leading to the, now established, area of tensor networks. However, the notions and methods brought by quantum information do not end with bipartite entanglement. There are other forms of correlations embedded in the ground, excited and thermal states of quantum many-body systems that also need to be explored and might be utilised as potential resources for quantum technologies. The aim of this work is to review the most recent developments regarding correlations in quantum many-body systems focussing on multipartite entanglement, quantum nonlocality, quantum discord, mutual information but also other non classical measures of correlations based on quantum coherence. Moreover, we also discuss applications of quantum metrology in quantum many-body systems.
Entanglement dynamics plays a crucial role in the development of scalable quantum information processing architectures. Quantum networks, composed of interconnected quantum nodes, offer promising avenues for the distribution and manipulation of quantum information over long distances. In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of entanglement in quantum networks and explore strategies for achieving scalable quantum information processing. the generation, distribution, and preservation of entanglement in various network topologies and investigate the impact of noise and decoherence on entanglement dynamics. Furthermore, we discuss potential applications of entanglement in quantum communication, cryptography, and computation, highlighting the importance of understanding and controlling entanglement dynamics for realizing practical quantum technologies. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with entanglement dynamics in quantum networks, paving the way towards scalable quantum information processing architectures.
We are in the midst of a renaissance in the study and interpretation of fundamental quantum mechanics, from quantum coherence and quantum entanglement to the quantum measurement process. This stems partly from the impressive advances in experimental techniques that are making yesterday's gedanken experiment today's reality. Another reason quantum coherence and entanglement have come to the forefront is the emerging and tantalizing field of quantum information science. The ability to store information in quantum systems may someday yield devices that process quantum superpositions of inputs in parallel or improve communication through the `wiring' implicit in quantum entanglement. Indeed, quantum computing has the remote prospect of revolutionizing the way we store and process information. This has become particularly important in the face of impending limits on the miniaturization of conventional computers due to quantum effects. Of course, all real systems face limits imposed by decoherence, or the environmentally-induced destruction of quantum coherence. Here, superpositions of quantum states suddenly become probabilistic mixtures of states when they interact with the environment or when the system parameters are fluctuating. Decoherence theory is commonly interpreted as a way to quantify the elusive boundary between quantum and classical worlds and almost always precludes the existence of complex quantum superpositions, except at extremely short time scales. In practice, it is very important to study how decoherence appears in particular quantum systems and try to fight against it. In this special issue of Journal of Optics B: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics , we highlight recent results in the exciting area of quantum coherence and entanglement, including generating interesting and complex quantum states, characterizing coherence and entanglement in these systems, and triumphing over relevant decoherence processes. We hope this issue will not only act as a bookmark in the ongoing study of fundamental quantum mechanics, but will also help guide the rapid developments in quantum information science.