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Physical Review A

Gaussian-optimized preparation of non-Gaussian pure states

David Menzies, Radim Filip

Published Jan 13, 2009• 43 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Non-Gaussian states are highly sought-after resources in continuous-variable quantum optical information processing protocols. We outline a method for the optimized preparation of any pure non-Gaussian state to a given desired accuracy. Our proposal arises from two connected concepts. First, we define the operational cost of a desired state as the largest Fock state required for its approximate preparation. Second, we suggest that this non-Gaussian operational cost can be reduced by judicial application of optimized Gaussian operations. In particular, we identify a minimal core non-Gaussian state for any target pure state, which is related to the core state by Gaussian operations alone. We demonstrate this method for Schr\"odinger cat states.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.79.012313

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Non-Gaussian states are highly sought-after resources in continuous-variable quantum optical information processing protocols. We outline a method for the optimized preparation of any pure non-Gaussian state to a given desired accuracy. Our proposal arises from two connected concepts. First, we define the operational cost of a desired state as the largest Fock state required for its approximate preparation. Second, we suggest that this non-Gaussian operational cost can be reduced by judicial application of optimized Gaussian operations. In particular, we identify a minimal core non-Gaussian state for any target pure state, which is related to the core state by Gaussian operations alone. We demonstrate this method for Schr"odinger cat states.
In continuous-variable systems, non-Gaussian resources are essential for achieving universal quantum computation that lies beyond classical simulation. Among the candidate states, the cubic phase state stands out as the simplest form of single-mode non-Gaussian resource, yet its experimental preparation still remains a great challenge. Although a variety of approximate schemes have been proposed to simulate the cubic phase state, they often fall short when deployed in concrete quantum tasks. In this work, we present a Gaussian optimization protocol that systematically refines the non-Gaussian resources, which significantly improves the performance of both magic-state-based and measurement-based quantum computation. Leveraging task-specific Gaussian operations on approximate cubic phase states, our protocol offers an experimentally feasible approach to enhance gate fidelity in magic-state-based quantum computation and reduce the variance of nonlinear quadrature measurement in measurement-based quantum computation. Building on this framework, we further propose a task-oriented non-Gaussian state preparation scheme based on superpositions in the Fock basis followed by squeezing and displacement. This strategy enables direct tailoring of resource states to specific task goals. Owing to its flexibility and generality, our framework provides a powerful and broadly applicable tool for enhancing performance across a wide range of continuous-variable quantum information protocols.
In this thesis, we are concerned with continuous-variable quantum optical state \nengineering protocols. Such protocols are designed to repair or enhance the nonclassical features of a given state. In particular, we build a weak measurement model \nof Gaussian entanglement concentration of the two mode squeezed vacuum state. \nThis model allows the simultaneous description of all possible ancilla system variations. In addition, it provides an explanation of the Gaussian-preserving property of these protocols while providing a success criterion which links all of the degrees of freedom on the ancilla. Following this, we demonstrate the wider application \nof weak measurements to quantum optical state engineering by showing that they allow probabilistic noiseless amplifi cation of photon number. We then establish a connection between weak measurements and entanglement concentration as a fundamental \nresult of weak measurements on entangled probes. After this, we explore the trade-off between Gaussian and non-Gaussian operations in the preparation of non-Gaussian pure states. In particular, we suggest that an operational cost for an arbitrary non-Gaussian pure state is the largest Fock state required for its approximate preparation. We consider the extent to which this non-Gaussian operational cost can be reduced by applying unitary Gaussian operations. This method relies on the identification of a minimal core state for any target non-Gaussian pure state.
This thesis presents an investigation into the generation and characterisation of non-Gaussian states in continuous variable quantum optics. Beginning by placing the study of continuous variables within the context of quantum information processing more generally, we then motivate the need for non-Gaussianity within quantum computing protocols. The focus then narrows to the consideration of two particular sets of non-Gaussian states: orthogonal superposition states and the cubic resource state. The superposition of two orthogonal states has been shown to enhance certain continuous variable quantum information processing protocols that rely on entanglement, and within this section two distinct methods for generating such states are considered. While one of these methods provides a specific example, the other introduces a general orthogonaliser that relies solely on knowledge of the expectation value for the chosen orthogonalising operator in order to produce the superposition. The second case for non-Gaussian state generation employs current results demonstrating the production of a weak approximation of the cubic resource state in order to illustrate the use of such single-mode states to generate multimode states with similar features. These states are implemented as ancillas for a deterministic non-Gaussian gate operation on a system of choice. We show that generating multimode states through this distribution scheme allows an enhancement of the output state to better approximate the nonlinear features. Finally, we consider methods of characterising non-Gaussian states. In particular, we introduce a witness for pure states existing outside of the Gaussian convex hull. Such states exclude Gaussian pure states as well as non-Gaussian states generated from mixtures of squeezed and coherent states, and therefore consist of non-Gaussian states generated from non-Gaussian operations. We present a detection-independent bound for such states based on the generalised quasiprobability distribution.
Entanglement is a key resource for many quantum applications. Understanding fundamental properties of entangled states is an important step towards their practical exploitation. We characterize entanglement in the context of Gaussian and non-Gaussian processes and identify entangled states that cannot be produced by any Gaussian evolution acting on separable states. This distinction exposes intrinsic limitations of Gaussian operations and highlights the role of non-Gaussian operations as an important resource. We apply this framework to develop a certification method that connects entanglement theory with quantum non-Gaussianity - an advanced quantum feature that is essential for several quantum applications. Our approach tailors the certification to experimentally relevant states that can be produced in current quantum optics experiments. We demonstrate this certification for recognizing the genuine non-Gaussian entanglement of various entangled Fock states and hybrid entangled states.
The generation of high Fock states of light pulses and their superpositions with provable quantum non-Gaussian features is still very challenging, although the power of conditional methods to herald the approximate state from the available Gaussian states is growing. The atom-light interaction in the high- cavity has been considered a viable alternative to the heralded Fock states of the light pulses from nonlinear optics limited to three-photon Fock states for the last decade. Here, by optimizing the realistic protocol combining it with available optical delay elements, we conclusively predict filtering of Fock states up to ten photons with a high success rate of 20 % using a hierarchy of quantum non-Gaussian criteria. Moreover, the filtering protocol enables the preparation of superposition of Fock states, and we analyze this emerging case up to two photons with provable quantum non-Gaussian coherence and high success rate of 50 % . To demonstrate their quality for applications, we evaluate the robustness of such features, the bunching capability in a linear network, and the sensing capability to estimate the magnitude of unknown force, noise, and phase. These assessments outline the essential conditions and application criteria for realistic optical cavity QED interaction on light pulses to outperform photon detection methods.