Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Continuous-variable polarization entanglement

Natalia Korolkova, J. Heersink, Christine Silberhorn, Gerd Leuchs, Timothy C. Ralph, R. Loudon

Published Jan 1, 2003• 1 citation
OpenAlex

Abstract

Quantum information with continuous variables conventionally exploits quantum variables with canonic: commutation relations, like position and momentum, or quadrature field components. In contrast, this contribution is devoted to quantum continuous polarization variables. The relevant observabIes are quantum Stokes operators which obey the SU(2) algebra with a commutator which is not a c-number but an operator. In this paper, we review the concept of polarization squeezing and the new concept of continuous-variable polarization entanglement using quantum Stokes parameters. We discuss the prospects and specific features of such nonclassical polarization states for quantum communication.

Related papers

Polarization squeezing and continuous-variable polarization entanglement

Natalia Korolkova, Gerd Leuchs, R. Loudon +2 more

A concept of polarization entanglement for continuous variables is introduced. For this purpose the Stokes-parameter operators and the associated Poincar\'e sphere, which describe the quantum-optical polarization properties of light, are defined and their basic properties are reviewed. The general features of the Stokes operators are illustrated by evaluation of their means and variances for a range of simple polarization states. Some of the examples show polarization squeezing, in which the variances of one or more Stokes parameters are smaller than the coherent-state value. The main object of the paper is the application of these concepts to bright squeezed light. It is shown that a light beam formed by interference of two orthogonally polarized quadrature-squeezed beams exhibits squeezing in some of the Stokes parameters. Passage of such a primary polarization-squeezed beam through suitable optical components generates a pair of polarization-entangled light beams with the nature of a two-mode squeezed state. Implementation of these schemes using the double-fiber Sagnac interferometer provides an efficient method for the generation of bright nonclassical polarization states. The important advantage of these nonclassical polarization states for quantum communication is the possibility of experimentally determining all of the relevant conjugate variables of both squeezed and entangled fields using only linear optical elements followed by direct detection.

arXiv:quant-ph/0108098•Physical Review A•Apr 17, 2002•279 citations

Nonseparability and squeezing of continuous polarization variables: the complete story

Natalia Korolkova, R. Loudon

The impact of the operator-valued commutator on nonclassical properties of continuous polarization variables is discussed. The definition of polarization squeezing is clarified to exclude those squeezed states which do not contain any new physics beyond quadrature squeezing. We present a consistent derivation of the general nonseparability criterion for the continuous variables with the operator-valued commutator, and apply it to the polarization variables.

•Mar 21, 2003•1 citation

Nonseparability and squeezing of continuous polarization variables

Natalia Korolkova, R. Loudon

The impact of the operator-valued commutator on the nonclassical properties of continuous polarization variables is discussed. The definition of polarization squeezing is clarified to exclude those squeezed states which do not contain any new physics beyond quadrature squeezing. We present a consistent derivation of the general nonseparability criterion for the continuous variables with the operator-valued commutator and apply it to the polarization variables.

arXiv:quant-ph/0303135•Physical Review A•Mar 28, 2005•24 citations

Quantum communication with continuous variables

Pieter Kok, Brendon W. Lovett

Qubits are not the only information carriers that can be used for quantum information processing. In this chapter, we will focus on quantum communication with ‘continuous quantum variables’, or continuous variables for short. In the context of quantum information processing we will also call continuous variables ‘qunats’. We have seen in Chapter 2 that a natural representation of a continuous variable is given by the position of a particle. The conjugate continuous variable is then the momentum of the particle. Unfortunately, the eigenstates of the position and momentum operators are not physical, and we have to construct suitable approximations to these states that can be created in the laboratory. Any practical information processing device must then take into account the deviation of the actual states from the ideal position and momentum eigenstates. Rather than the position and momentum of a particle, we will consider here the two position and momentum quadratures of an electromagnetic field mode. These operators obey the same commutation relations as the canonical position and momentum operators, but they are not the physical position and momentum of field excitations. Approximate eigenstates of the quadrature operators can be constructed in the form of squeezed coherent states. We define a quantum mechanical phase space for quadrature operators, similar to a classical phase space for position and momentum. Probability distributions in the classical phase space then become quasi-probability distributions over the quadrature phase space.We will develop one of these distributions, namely the Wigner function, and identify certain phase-space transformations of the Wigner function with linearoptical and squeezing operations.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 22, 2010•32 citations

Continuous Variable Polarization Entanglement via the Kerr Nonlinearity in an Optical Fiber

Ruifang Dong, J. Heersink, Jun–ichi Yoshikawa +2 more

Continuous variable polarization states have attracted much attention due to their apparent applicability to quantum information networks. Polarization entanglement was presented by transformation of the well-known quadrature entanglement onto the polarization basis. The inseparability criteria as well as the EPR paradox criteria for Stokes operators were also demonstrated. In this paper the generation of such highly quantum correlated states using the interference of two fiber-based polarization squeezing sources is presented. This squeezing can be efficiently created based on the nonlinear effect experienced by ultra-short pulses in fused silica fibers. Two linearly orthogonal polarized modes with identical amplitudes propagate through a polarization maintaining fiber, they experience the same nonlinearity and the phase of the interference between them is controlled to achieve circularly polarized light at the output.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•Jun 1, 2007•0 citations

CONTINUOUS VARIABLE QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION USING POLARIZED COHERENT STATES

A. Vidiella-Barranco, L. F. M. BORELLI

We discuss a continuous variables method of quantum key distribution employing strongly polarized coherent states of light. The key encoding is performed using the variables known as Stokes parameters, rather than the field quadratures. Their quantum counterpart, the Stokes operators Ŝi ( i =1,2,3), constitute a set of non-commuting operators, being the precision of simultaneous measurements of a pair of them limited by an uncertainty-like relation. Alice transmits a conveniently modulated two-mode coherent state, and Bob randomly measures one of the Stokes parameters of the incoming beam. After performing reconciliation and privacy amplification procedures, it is possible to distill a secret common key. We also consider a non-ideal situation, in which coherent states with thermal noise, instead of pure coherent states, are used for encoding.

arXiv:quant-ph/0403076•International Journal of Modern Physics B•May 20, 2006•16 citations
Quantum information with continuous variables conventionally exploits quantum variables with canonic: commutation relations, like position and momentum, or quadrature field components. In contrast, this contribution is devoted to quantum continuous polarization variables. The relevant observabIes are quantum Stokes operators which obey the SU(2) algebra with a commutator which is not a c-number but an operator. In this paper, we review the concept of polarization squeezing and the new concept of continuous-variable polarization entanglement using quantum Stokes parameters. We discuss the prospects and specific features of such nonclassical polarization states for quantum communication.
A concept of polarization entanglement for continuous variables is introduced. For this purpose the Stokes-parameter operators and the associated Poincar\'e sphere, which describe the quantum-optical polarization properties of light, are defined and their basic properties are reviewed. The general features of the Stokes operators are illustrated by evaluation of their means and variances for a range of simple polarization states. Some of the examples show polarization squeezing, in which the variances of one or more Stokes parameters are smaller than the coherent-state value. The main object of the paper is the application of these concepts to bright squeezed light. It is shown that a light beam formed by interference of two orthogonally polarized quadrature-squeezed beams exhibits squeezing in some of the Stokes parameters. Passage of such a primary polarization-squeezed beam through suitable optical components generates a pair of polarization-entangled light beams with the nature of a two-mode squeezed state. Implementation of these schemes using the double-fiber Sagnac interferometer provides an efficient method for the generation of bright nonclassical polarization states. The important advantage of these nonclassical polarization states for quantum communication is the possibility of experimentally determining all of the relevant conjugate variables of both squeezed and entangled fields using only linear optical elements followed by direct detection.
Qubits are not the only information carriers that can be used for quantum information processing. In this chapter, we will focus on quantum communication with ‘continuous quantum variables’, or continuous variables for short. In the context of quantum information processing we will also call continuous variables ‘qunats’. We have seen in Chapter 2 that a natural representation of a continuous variable is given by the position of a particle. The conjugate continuous variable is then the momentum of the particle. Unfortunately, the eigenstates of the position and momentum operators are not physical, and we have to construct suitable approximations to these states that can be created in the laboratory. Any practical information processing device must then take into account the deviation of the actual states from the ideal position and momentum eigenstates. Rather than the position and momentum of a particle, we will consider here the two position and momentum quadratures of an electromagnetic field mode. These operators obey the same commutation relations as the canonical position and momentum operators, but they are not the physical position and momentum of field excitations. Approximate eigenstates of the quadrature operators can be constructed in the form of squeezed coherent states. We define a quantum mechanical phase space for quadrature operators, similar to a classical phase space for position and momentum. Probability distributions in the classical phase space then become quasi-probability distributions over the quadrature phase space.We will develop one of these distributions, namely the Wigner function, and identify certain phase-space transformations of the Wigner function with linearoptical and squeezing operations.
Continuous variable polarization states have attracted much attention due to their apparent applicability to quantum information networks. Polarization entanglement was presented by transformation of the well-known quadrature entanglement onto the polarization basis. The inseparability criteria as well as the EPR paradox criteria for Stokes operators were also demonstrated. In this paper the generation of such highly quantum correlated states using the interference of two fiber-based polarization squeezing sources is presented. This squeezing can be efficiently created based on the nonlinear effect experienced by ultra-short pulses in fused silica fibers. Two linearly orthogonal polarized modes with identical amplitudes propagate through a polarization maintaining fiber, they experience the same nonlinearity and the phase of the interference between them is controlled to achieve circularly polarized light at the output.
We discuss a continuous variables method of quantum key distribution employing strongly polarized coherent states of light. The key encoding is performed using the variables known as Stokes parameters, rather than the field quadratures. Their quantum counterpart, the Stokes operators Ŝi ( i =1,2,3), constitute a set of non-commuting operators, being the precision of simultaneous measurements of a pair of them limited by an uncertainty-like relation. Alice transmits a conveniently modulated two-mode coherent state, and Bob randomly measures one of the Stokes parameters of the incoming beam. After performing reconciliation and privacy amplification procedures, it is possible to distill a secret common key. We also consider a non-ideal situation, in which coherent states with thermal noise, instead of pure coherent states, are used for encoding.