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

arXiv:quant-ph/0410058 · Physical Review Letters

Non-Gaussian Cloning of Quantum Coherent States is Optimal

Nicolas J. Cerf, O. Krüger, Patrick Navez, Reinhard F. Werner, Michael M. Wolf

Published Aug 10, 2005• 153 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We consider the optimal cloning of quantum coherent states with single-clone and joint fidelity as figures of merit. While the latter is maximized by a Gaussian cloner, the former is not: the optimal single-clone fidelity for a symmetric 1-to-2 cloner is 0.6826, compared to 2/3 in a Gaussian setting. This cloner can be realized with an optical parametric amplifier and certain non-Gaussian bimodal states. Finally, we show that the single-clone fidelity of the optimal 1-to-infinity cloner is 1/2. It is achieved by a Gaussian scheme and cannot be surpassed even with supplemental bound entangled states.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.95.070501

Related papers

Gaussian cloning of coherent states with known phases

Moorad Alexanian

The fidelity for cloning coherent states is improved over that provided by optimal Gaussian and non-Gaussian cloners for the subset of coherent states that are prepared with known phases. Gaussian quantum cloning duplicates all coherent states with an optimal fidelity of $2∕3$. Non-Gaussian cloners give optimal single-clone fidelity for a symmetric 1-to-2 cloner of 0.6826. Coherent states that have known phases can be cloned with a fidelity of $4∕5$. The latter is realized by a combination of two beam splitters and a four-wave mixer operated in the nonlinear regime, all of which are realized by interaction Hamiltonians that are quadratic in the photon operators. Therefore, the known Gaussian devices for cloning coherent states are extended when cloning coherent states with known phases by considering a nonbalanced beam splitter at the input side of the amplifier.

Physical Review A•Apr 18, 2006•8 citations

Optimal multicopy asymmetric Gaussian cloning of coherent states

Jaromı́r Fiurášek, Nicolas J. Cerf

We investigate the asymmetric Gaussian cloning of coherent states which produces $M$ copies from $N$ input replicas in such a way that the fidelity of each copy may be different. We show that the optimal asymmetric Gaussian cloning can be performed with a single phase-insensitive amplifier and an array of beam splitters. We obtain a simple analytical expression characterizing the set of optimal asymmetric Gaussian cloning machines and prove the optimality of these cloners using the formalism of Gaussian completely positive maps and semidefinite programming techniques. We also present an alternative implementation of the asymmetric cloning machine where the phase-insensitive amplifier is replaced with a beam splitter, heterodyne detector, and feedforward.

arXiv:quant-ph/0610205•Physical Review A•May 29, 2007•13 citations

Optimal universal and state-dependent quantum cloning

Dagmar Bruß, David Peter Divincenzo, ARTUR K. EKERT +3 more

We establish the best possible approximation to a perfect quantum cloning machine that produces two clones out of a single input. We analyze both universal and state-dependent cloners. The maximal fidelity of cloning is shown to be 5/6 for universal cloners. It can be achieved either by a special unitary evolution or by a teleportation scheme. We construct the optimal state-dependent cloners operating on any prescribed two nonorthogonal states and discuss their fidelities and the use of auxiliary physical resources in the process of cloning. The optimal universal cloners permit us to derive an upper bound on the quantum capacity of the depolarizing quantum channel.

arXiv:quant-ph/9705038•Physical Review A•Apr 1, 1998•554 citations

Optical Implementation of Continuous-Variable Quantum Cloning Machines

Jaromı́r Fiurášek

We propose an optical implementation of the Gaussian continuous-variable quantum cloning machines. We construct a symmetric N-->M cloner which optimally clones coherent states, and we also provide an explicit design of a class of asymmetric 1-->2 cloning machines. All proposed cloning devices can be built from just a single nondegenerate optical parametric amplifier and several beam splitters.

arXiv:quant-ph/0012048•Physical Review Letters•May 21, 2001•104 citations

Quantum cloning with continuous variables

Nicolas J. Cerf

Cloning machines, that is, transformations that achieve the best approximate copying of a quantum state compatible with the no-cloning theorem, have been a fundamental research topic over the last five years. This study is of particular significance given the close connection between quantum cloning and quantum cryptography: using an optimal cloner generally makes it possible to obtain a tight bound on the best individual eavesdropping strategy in a quantum cryptosystem. In this Chapter, the issue of cloning a continuous-variable quantum system will be analyzed, and a Gaussian cloning transformation will be introduced. This cloner, which copies equally well any two canonically conjugate continuous variables, duplicates all coherent states with a same fidelity (F=2/3). The optical implementation of this cloner and its extension to N-to-M cloners will also be discussed. Finally, the use of this cloner for the security assessment of a quantum key distribution scheme relying on continuous (Gaussian) key carriers will be sketched.

arXiv:quant-ph/0210061•Oct 9, 2002•0 citations

Optimal cloning for finite distributions of coherent states

P. T. Cochrane, Timothy C. Ralph, A. Dolińska

We derive optimal cloning limits for finite Gaussian distributions of coherent states and describe techniques for achieving them. We discuss the relation of these limits to state estimation and the no-cloning limit in teleportation. A qualitatively different cloning limit is derived for a single-quadrature Gaussian quantum cloner.

arXiv:quant-ph/0311114•Physical Review A•Apr 20, 2004•29 citations
We consider the optimal cloning of quantum coherent states with single-clone and joint fidelity as figures of merit. While the latter is maximized by a Gaussian cloner, the former is not: the optimal single-clone fidelity for a symmetric 1-to-2 cloner is 0.6826, compared to 2/3 in a Gaussian setting. This cloner can be realized with an optical parametric amplifier and certain non-Gaussian bimodal states. Finally, we show that the single-clone fidelity of the optimal 1-to-infinity cloner is 1/2. It is achieved by a Gaussian scheme and cannot be surpassed even with supplemental bound entangled states.
The fidelity for cloning coherent states is improved over that provided by optimal Gaussian and non-Gaussian cloners for the subset of coherent states that are prepared with known phases. Gaussian quantum cloning duplicates all coherent states with an optimal fidelity of 2∕32∕32∕3. Non-Gaussian cloners give optimal single-clone fidelity for a symmetric 1-to-2 cloner of 0.6826. Coherent states that have known phases can be cloned with a fidelity of 4∕54∕54∕5. The latter is realized by a combination of two beam splitters and a four-wave mixer operated in the nonlinear regime, all of which are realized by interaction Hamiltonians that are quadratic in the photon operators. Therefore, the known Gaussian devices for cloning coherent states are extended when cloning coherent states with known phases by considering a nonbalanced beam splitter at the input side of the amplifier.
We investigate the asymmetric Gaussian cloning of coherent states which produces MMM copies from NNN input replicas in such a way that the fidelity of each copy may be different. We show that the optimal asymmetric Gaussian cloning can be performed with a single phase-insensitive amplifier and an array of beam splitters. We obtain a simple analytical expression characterizing the set of optimal asymmetric Gaussian cloning machines and prove the optimality of these cloners using the formalism of Gaussian completely positive maps and semidefinite programming techniques. We also present an alternative implementation of the asymmetric cloning machine where the phase-insensitive amplifier is replaced with a beam splitter, heterodyne detector, and feedforward.
We establish the best possible approximation to a perfect quantum cloning machine that produces two clones out of a single input. We analyze both universal and state-dependent cloners. The maximal fidelity of cloning is shown to be 5/6 for universal cloners. It can be achieved either by a special unitary evolution or by a teleportation scheme. We construct the optimal state-dependent cloners operating on any prescribed two nonorthogonal states and discuss their fidelities and the use of auxiliary physical resources in the process of cloning. The optimal universal cloners permit us to derive an upper bound on the quantum capacity of the depolarizing quantum channel.
Cloning machines, that is, transformations that achieve the best approximate copying of a quantum state compatible with the no-cloning theorem, have been a fundamental research topic over the last five years. This study is of particular significance given the close connection between quantum cloning and quantum cryptography: using an optimal cloner generally makes it possible to obtain a tight bound on the best individual eavesdropping strategy in a quantum cryptosystem. In this Chapter, the issue of cloning a continuous-variable quantum system will be analyzed, and a Gaussian cloning transformation will be introduced. This cloner, which copies equally well any two canonically conjugate continuous variables, duplicates all coherent states with a same fidelity (F=2/3). The optical implementation of this cloner and its extension to N-to-M cloners will also be discussed. Finally, the use of this cloner for the security assessment of a quantum key distribution scheme relying on continuous (Gaussian) key carriers will be sketched.