Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technology that allows sharing secret cryptographic keys between two distant users (Alice and Bob), whose intrinsic security is guaranteed by fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. QKD is a mature technology even if one of the main remaining challenges is the integration of different solutions in already deployed telecommunication fiber networks, in particular in long-haul segments. An approach able to cover long distances is the Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) protocol; TF-QKD exploits interference of optical pulses in a central untrusted node (Charlie), allowing to double the communication distance with respect to the conventional prepare-and-measure solutions. Here we present a solution to one of the main issues of Twin-Field QKD, the phase stabilization within the optical path, demonstrating a strong advantage in performances of real word TF- QKD and testing our solution in a segment of the Italian Quantum Backbone. Furthermore, we analyze in detail the expected gain in terms of key rate exploiting our stabilization technique in the main TF-QKD-based protocols, even when they are declared insensitive to the phase noise.
Fundamental phenomena like Quantum Zeno effect (QZE) and Anti-Zeno Effect (AZE) have been recognized as relevant tools for quantum control. Along this line, here we present two experiments in which we demonstrate the capability to extract information on noise events by exploiting QZE and AZE. In the first experiment, we realize noise diagnostics by frequent measurement, showing how a single photon undergoing a noise process (e.g., random polarization fluctuations) can diagnose non-Markovian temporal correlations within such a noise. In the second one, instead, we show how, by protecting via QZE a photonic qubit in a noisy quantum channel, it is possible to estimate the statistical distribution of the microscopic noise (decoherence) events by using the qubit itself as a probe. These techniques can become indispensable under extremely faint illumination, when traditional interferometric methods are usually ineffective.
Bell tests serve as a fundamental tool in both quantum technologies and quantum foundations investigation. The traditional Bell test framework involves the use of projective measurements, which, because of the wavefunction collapse and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, do not allow for the full estimation of the Bell parameter from each entangled pair. In this work, we propose a novel weak-measurement-based scheme enabling the complete estimation of the entire Bell parameter from each entangled pair. Moreover, this approach prevents the collapse of the quantum state wavefunction, thereby preserving the entanglement within it. Our results, showing a 6 standard deviations violation of the Bell inequality tested, are obtained while leaving the entanglement within the photon pair almost unaltered after the weak measurement scheme (as demonstrated by our quantum tomographic reconstructions), allowing to exploit it for further foundational or practical purposes.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the sharing of secret cryptographic keys between two distant users, whose intrinsic security is guaranteed by the laws of nature. Nowadays, the most promising technique for the integration of QKD in already deployed long-haul telecommunication fiber networks is the Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) protocol, but it requires that the communication channel is stable in terms of phase oscillations and it is free from background light, that reduces the transmission key-rate. Recently, we presented a solution to the phase stabilization problem, derived from atomic clocks comparison technology, demonstrating advantages in performances of real word TF-QKD. Here we quantify and characterize the background photons, analyzing in details their effects on the transmission and the practicalities to reduce their contribution to a negligible level.
This manuscript discusses the most relevant aspects of the practical implementation of a long-range Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link with trusted nodes, achieving the highest possible secret key rate generation within the security and system-level constraints. To this purpose, it describes the implementation of an end-to-end QKD system, including implementation aspects from the physical transmission of photon states through a standard telecommunications grade optical fiber, to consideration of quantum metrology and information reconciliation protocols based on forward error correction codes. In addition, since there are circumstances when a fiber optical link may not be available, it examines the problems involved with the implementation of a Free Space Optics (FSO) QKD link. The manuscript also discusses the problem of information reconciliation in Continuous Variable (CV) QKD scenarios on FSO links, showing that in long distance links, since the sign of the received Gaussian samples contains the largest fraction of information, Unequal Error Protection (UEP) reverse reconciliation schemes can be designed. The presented results have been achieved within the NATO SPS project “Analysis, design and implementation of an end-to-end 400 km QKD link”.
Despite being very influential on both foundations and applications of quantum mechanics, weak values are still somewhat controversial. Although there are some indications that weak values are physical properties of a single quantum system, the common way weak values are presented is statistical: it is commonly believed that for measuring weak values one has to perform many weak measurements over a large ensemble of pre- and postselected particles. Other debates surround the anomalous nature of weak value and even their quantumness. To address these issues, we present some preliminary data showing that anomalous weak values can be measured using just a single detection, i.e. with no statistics. In our experiment, a single click of a detector indicates the weak value as a single photon property, which moreover lies well beyond the range of eigenvelues of the measured operator. Importantly, the uncertainty with which the weak values is measured is smaller than the difference between the weak value and the closet eigenvalue. This is the first experimental realization of robust weak measurements.
Weak value measurements have been a real breakthrough in the quantum measurement framework. In particular, quantum measurements may take advantage by anomalous weak values, i.e. values out of the eigenvalues spectrum of the measured observable, both for implementing new measurement techniques and studying Quantum Mechanics foundations. In this report we show three experiments with single photons presenting anomalous weak values: the first one tests the incompatibility between quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden variables theories, the second one is the first realization of a sequential weak value evaluation of two incompatible observables on the same photon, and the last one shows how sequential weak values can be used to test Leggett-Garg inequalities extended to multiple-measurements scenarios.
Quantum Key Distribution, a fundamental component of quantum secure communication that exploits quantum states and resources for communication protocols, can future-proof the security of digital communications, when if advanced quantum computing systems and mathematical advances render current algorithmic cryptography insecure. A QKD system relies on the integration of quantum physical devices, as quantum sources, quantum channels and quantum detectors, in order to generate a true random (unconditionally secure) cryptographic key between two remote parties connected through a quantum channel. The gap between QKD implemented with ideal and real devices can be exploited to attack real systems, unless appropriate countermeasures are implemented. Characterization of real devices and countermeasure is necessary to guarantee security. Free-space QKD systems can provide secure communication to remote parties of the globe, while QKD systems based on entanglement are intrinsically less vulnerable to attack. Metrology to characterize the optical components of these systems is required. Actually, the “Optical metrology for quantum-enhanced secure telecommunication” Project (MIQC2) is steering the metrological effort for Quantum Cryptography in the European region in order to accelerate the development and commercial uptake of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies. Aim of the project is the development of traceable measurement techniques, apparatus, and protocols that will underpin the characterisation and validation of the performance and quantum-safe security of such systems, essential steps towards standardization and certification of practical implementations of quantum-based technologies.
In quantum mechanics, the eigenvalues and their corresponding probabilities specify the expectation value of a physical observable, which is known to be a statistical property related to large ensembles of particles. In contrast to this paradigm, we demonstrate a unique method allowing to extract the expectation value of a single particle, namely, the polarisation of a single protected photon, with a single experiment. This is the first realisation of quantum protective measurements.
We present some Quantum Tomography related results recently obtained in the Quantum Optics labs of the National Institute of Metrological Research (INRIM). Initially we describe the first experimental implementation of a new protocol for the reconstruction of a photon-number-resolving (PNR) detector’s POVM (Positive Operator-Valued Measure): such a protocol, exploiting the strong quantum correlations of an ancillary state, results more robust and efficient than its classical counterparts. The second part of the paper focuses on the quantum characterization of a transition-edge sensor (TES) based PNR detector, i.e. the experimental tomography of the POVM of a TES, with a method based on a quorum of coherent probes: we show the reconstruction of the POVM elements up to 11 detected photons and 100 incoming photons, demonstrating the linearity of such a device. Finally, we present a method for the experimental reconstruction of the modal structure of multimode optical fields exploiting a single measurement of higher-order photon number autocorrelation functions. We show our reconstructions of up to three different modes per optical state, demonstrating the excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions and the robustness of our method itself.
Quantum Key Distribution together with its intrinsic security represent the more promising technology to meet the challenging requests of novel generation communication protocols. Beyond its relevant commercial interests, QKD is currently and deeply investigated in research fields as quantum information and quantum mechanics foundations, in order to push over the limits of the actual resources needed to ensure the security of quantum communication. Aim of the paper is to contribute to this open debate presenting our last experimental implementations concerning two novel quantum cryptographic schemes which do not require some of the most widely accepted conditions for realizing QKD. The first is Goldenberg-Vaidman1,2 protocol, in which even if only orthogonal states (that in principle can be cloned without altering the quantum state) are used, any eavesdropping attempt is detectable. The second is N093 protocol which, being based on the quantum counterfactual effect, does not even require any actual photon transmission in the quantum channel between the parties for the communication. The good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results represent a proof of principle of the experimental feasibility of the novel protocols.
We present an experimental implementation of spectral properties engineering on biphoton light, emitted via ultrafast type II spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC), based on the shaping of the pump pulse spectrum and propagation of the emitted correlated photons through dispersive media. Spectral properties of
a biphoton state are fully characterized by the two-photon spectral amplitude (TPSA). Exploiting the group velocity dispersion (GVD) induced by the passage of optical fields through dispersive media, an energy to time two dimensional Fourier transform of the TPSA is operated: this returns a technique to reconstruct TPSA by means of a temporal measurement among the delay between the laser pulse emission (trigger) and the detection times of the two correlated photons. Exploiting this kind of measurement it is possible to deeply resolve the interference pattern in the shape of TPSA. In this research we report on the conditions under which subtle structure on TPSA spectra can be deliberately engineered via modulation of the pump beam spectrum.
Since, in general, non-orthogonal states cannot be cloned, any eavesdropping attempt in a Quantum Communication
scheme using non-orthogonal states as carriers of information introduces some errors in the transmission,
leading to the possibility of detecting the spy. Usually, orthogonal states are not used in Quantum Cryptography
schemes since they can be faithfully cloned without altering the transmitted data. Nevertheless, L. Goldberg
and L. Vaidman [Phys. Rev. Lett. 75 (7), pp. 12391243, 1995] proposed a protocol in which, even if the data
exchange is realized using two orthogonal states, any attempt to eavesdrop is detectable by the legal users. In
this scheme the orthogonal states are superpositions of two localized wave packets which travel along separate
channels, i.e. two different paths inside a balanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Here we present an experiment
realizing this scheme.
In this paper we review our recent works on the generation of different Bell states within the lineshape of
parametric down-conversion (SPDC) and their possible applications. Indeed, for polarization-entangled two-photon
states produced via SPDC, the frequency-angular lineshape allowed by phase matching is considered. It
is shown that there are always different Bell states generated for different mismatch values within the natural
bandwidth. Consideration is made for two different methods of polarization entanglement preparation, based on
type-II SPDC and on SPDC in two type-I crystals producing orthogonally polarized photon pairs. Different Bell
states can be filtered out by either frequency selection or angular selection, or both. Our theoretical calculations
are confirmed by a series of experiments, performed for the two above-mentioned ways of producing polarization-entangled
photon pairs and with two kinds of measurements: frequency-selective and angular-selective. Finally, we mention possible application to quantum communication with fibers.
In this paper we will present some experimental researches about Quantum Communication performed in "Carlo Novero" Quantum Optics laboratory at INRiM (former IEN). After a general review of our studies, we will describe our recent researches on propagation of polarization entangled photons in optical fibres focused on the investigation of the effect of two-photon interference in the second-order Glauber's correlation function and on the characterization of this quantum channel as a Complete Positive (CP) map. We will then describe an innovative method, based on detectors operating in Geiger mode (on/off), for reconstructing the photon statistics of quantum optical states, presenting experimental data collected to test the extension of this method to multi-partite states.
In this proceeding we present the most recent studies performed at IEN "Galileo Ferraris" on quantum information by using quantum optical states. After a general summary of the most recent studies, among them we will present in some details the results of two recent experiments. The first was addressed to tomographic reconstruction of a quantum state by using an innovative theoretical scheme based on a variable quantum efficiency of the detector. This scheme has been applied to Fock (PDC heralded photons), coherent (attenuated laser beam) and thermal states, for which experimental results will be presented. The second was pointed to experimentally investigate the effects of fibre propagation of PDC light produced in a type II crystal and, in particular, to the restoration of entanglement due to wave packet dispersion. Also in this case we will present and discuss our most recent data. Finally, we will shortly acknowledge of realisation of a heralded photon source with strong spectral selection.
We report the results of a new realization of Ghose, Home and Agarwal experiment to test wave-particle duality where some limitations of the former experiment, realized by Mizobuchi and Othake, are overcome. Our results, in agreement with quantum mechanics predictions, indicates that complementarity between wave and particle behavior must be interpreted in a weaker sense as a gradual disappearing of interference when "which-path" indications are obtained and not as a mutual exclusive aspects as in the original Bohr's statement.
Our last experimental results on the realization of a measurement-conditional unitary operation at single photon level are presented. This gate operates by rotating by 90° the polarization of a photon produced by means of Type-II Parametric Down Conversion conditional to a polarization measurement on the correlated photon. We then propose a new scheme for measuring the quantum efficiency of a single photon detection apparatus by using this set-up. We present experimental results obtained with this scheme compared with traditional biphoton calibration. Our results show the interesting potentiality of the suggested scheme.
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