Non-Gaussian quantum states are essential resources for continuous-variable quantum information processing and for metrology. Among these, multi-photon added coherent states bridge classical and non-classical behaviors; however, their generation typically relies on small photon numbers and probabilistic heralding schemes. Here, we propose a protocol for the post-selection free generation of high fidelity multi-photon added coherent states using the photon blockade effect in a driven Kerr nonlinear resonator, where such states emerge naturally during the dynamics. We demonstrate that high-fidelity states can be prepared by optimizing the external drive power and the interaction time. Furthermore, we show that the protocol is robust under realistic experimental conditions, achieving fidelities of $\approx 99\%$ with current state-of-the-art parameters. Our results unlock a deterministic route to complex non-classical states using well-established quantum optical platforms.
Non-Gaussian quantum states are essential resources for continuous-variable quantum information processing and for metrology. Among these, multi-photon added coherent states bridge classical and non-classical behaviors; however, their generation typically relies on small photon numbers and probabilistic heralding schemes. Here, we propose a protocol for the post-selection free generation of high fidelity multi-photon added coherent states using the photon blockade effect in a driven Kerr nonlinear resonator, where such states emerge naturally during the dynamics. We demonstrate that high-fidelity states can be prepared by optimizing the external drive power and the interaction time. Furthermore, we show that the protocol is robust under realistic experimental conditions, achieving fidelities of ≈99% with current state-of-the-art parameters. Our results unlock a deterministic route to complex non-classical states using well-established quantum optical platforms.
Large-scale quantum networking systems will inevitably require methods to overcome photon loss. While the no-cloning theorem forbids perfect and deterministic amplification of unknown quantum states, probabilistic heralded amplification schemes offer a viable path forward. Yet, for over a decade, successful multi-photon state amplification has remained out of reach, despite the fundamental importance of such states in achieving quantum advantage in optical applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a high-fidelity and post-selection-free amplifier for multi-photon states. We achieve heralded amplification of states with up to two photons in a single optical mode, with over a hundredfold intensity gain, and verify the coherence-preserving operation of our scheme. Our approach is scalable to higher photon numbers and enables noiseless amplification of complex multi-photon quantum states, with applications in large-scale quantum communication systems, distributed quantum metrology, and information processing.
The heralded optical parametric amplifier (OPA) has emerged as a promising tool for quantum state engineering. However, its potential has been limited to coherent state inputs. Here, we introduce a generalized heralded OPA protocol that unlocks a vastly expanded class of quantum phenomena by accepting arbitrary non-classical inputs. With a squeezed vacuum input, the setup functions as an integrated two-photon subtractor, deterministically generating high-fidelity, larger-amplitude squeezed Schrödinger cat states -- an operation previously requiring complex, discrete setups. Furthermore, when fed a small-amplitude SC state, the protocol acts as a non-Gaussianity amplifier, distilling it into high-purity approximations of key quantum resources like specific photon-number superpositions. This work transforms the OPA from a specialized source into a versatile and practical platform for advanced quantum state engineering, enabling the generation of a wide array of non-Gaussian states from a single, integrated setup.
Abstract We introduce a protocol for generating a broad class of non-Gaussian (nG) quantum states via postselected weak measurement techniques. The scheme involves injecting an arbitrary quantum state and a single photon into the signal and idler ports, respectively, of an interference setup that incorporates a third-order nonlinear medium. A nG state is conditionally produced at the signal output, heralded by the detection of a single photon in one of the idler output channels. The protocol exploits a weak cross-Kerr interaction and effective single-photon nonlinearity enhanced by the weak-value amplification. We show that by tuning the weak value of the photon number operator in the idler mode within experimentally feasible parameters, a wide variety of nG states can be generated with high fidelity. As specific examples, we demonstrate the generation of photon-added states, displaced and squeezed number states, and a continuum of intermediate nG states using coherent and squeezed vacuum inputs, respectively. Furthermore, we show that the protocol enables the enhancement of non-Gaussianity and the enlargement of Schrödinger cat (SC) states when ideal SC states are used as the input. Our results provide an alternative route for the conditional generation of tunable nG states, with potential applications in quantum information processing. This approach may also open new avenues for quantum state engineering using postselected weak measurements.
Entangled states of photons form the foundation of quantum communication, computation, and metrology. Yet their generation remains fundamentally constrained: in the absence of intrinsic photon-photon interactions, the generation of such states is inherently probabilistic rather than deterministic. The prevalent technique of post-selection verifies the creation of an entangled state by detecting and thus destroying it. Heralding offers a solution in which measuring ancillary photons in auxiliary modes signals the state generation without the need to measure it. Here, we introduce and experimentally demonstrate a scheme to generate a three-mode two-photon NOON state, where the detection of a single photon in one heralding mode signifies the presence of the state in three target modes. We validate the generated state by estimating a fidelity of 0.823 +/- 0.018 with respect to an ideal three-mode NOON state and certifying genuine multipartite entanglement. By virtue of the high success probability and small resource overhead of our scheme, our work provides a theoretical and experimental stepping stone for entangled multi-mode state generation, which is realizable with current technology. These multi-mode entangled states represent a key direction for linear optical quantum information that is complementary to multi-qubit state encoding.
Abstract Recently, it was reported that Quantum optical catalysis is a method capable of transforming Gaussian/non-Gaussian input states into non-Gaussian states without changing the photon number of the original state in Int. J. Theor. Phys. 62, 41 (2023). They have shown enhancement in non-Gaussianity after applying photon catalysis over a pair coherent state. Here in this work, we investigate the multi photon-catalysis phenomenon in a photon-added (in one mode) and photon-subtracted (in another mode) pair coherent state. The entanglement and non-Gaussian properties of the generated state multiphoton catalytic photon-added-and-subtracted pair coherent state (MC-PASPCS) are analyzed using linear entropy, logarithmic negativity, and a quantitative measure of non-Gaussianity. Furthermore, the usefulness of the proposed state as a quantum resource is examined through continuous-variable quantum teleportation fidelity. Our results show that the combined effect of photon addition/subtraction and multiphoton catalysis significantly enhances entanglement, non-Gaussianity, and teleportation performance in suitable parameter regimes compared with the original pair coherent state. The findings demonstrate that said states provides a controllable platform for generating highly non-Gaussian entangled states with potential applications in quantum information processing.
Non-Gaussian states of light are a critical resource for fault-tolerant quantum computing and enhanced metrology, but are typically faint and often obtained via post-selection. Here, we demonstrate the deterministic generation of a bright non-Gaussian state by introducing a Kerr nonlinearity to a macroscopic state of light called bright squeezed vacuum (BSV). To characterize the resulting state, we use a single-shot f-2f interferometer to sample its Husimi function. We observe a clear transformation from a 2D Gaussian distribution to an 'S'-shaped non-Gaussian profile, which is the direct statistical evidence of the intensity-dependent nonlinear phase. The negativity of the Wigner function, which is an intrinsic property of any pure non-Gaussian state, cannot be observed because BSV is a mixed state even under minute optical loss. However, we show that BSV can be considered as a mixture of pure squeezed coherent states, for some of which Kerr-induced Wigner-function negativity is quite tolerant to loss. This work bridges the gap between quantum optics and ultrafast nonlinear optics, opening a path to quantum applications that require high photon flux.