On Quantum Information Processing with Light: from Single Photons to Continuous Variables

Electro-Optics and Microelectronics Seminar

Abstract

n this talk, I will present my journey moving from working with single photons to
continuous variables. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of range measurements can be
improved by quantum detection and quantum light sources (quantum ranging). In the first
part, I will present the theory of quantum ranging in the framework of Gaussian states. I
will show that an optimal detection strategy, which minimizes the detection errors, can be
applied for an arbitrary return state from the target. Then I will discuss the use of quantum
light in the same scenario. Optimal detection is important in high-loss mediums, such as
underwater, where low signal returns and it is desired to maximize the information of it. In
the second part, I will present experimental results of improved sensitivity of a
temperature sensor and quantum simulations with single photons and will present my
plans to do similar experiments with Gaussian states. Complex quantum simulations have
the potential to advance the research of basic science. I will show simulations of a basic
transition of quantum gravity theory and discuss scaling it up to complex transitions.