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We report the experimental demonstration of two quantum networking protocols, namely quantum 1->3 telecloning and open-destination teleportation, implemented using a four-qubit register whose state is encoded in a high-quality two-photon hyperentangled Dicke state. The state resource is characterized using criteria based on multipartite entanglement witnesses. We explore the characteristic entanglement-sharing structure of a Dicke state by implementing high-fidelity projections of the four-qubit resource onto lower-dimensional states. Our work demonstrates for the first time the usefulness of Dicke states for quantum information processing., 4 pages + Supplementary Information, 6 figures; revised version: Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett

We explore experimentally the space of two-qubit quantum correlated mixed states, including frontier ones as defined by the use of quantum discord and von Neumann entropy. Our experimental setup is flexible enough to allow for the high-quality generation of a vast variety of states. We address quantitatively the relation between quantum discord and a recently suggested alternative measure of quantum correlations., 5 pages, 2 figures

Integrated photonic circuits have a strong potential to perform quantum information processing. Indeed, the ability to manipulate quantum states of light by integrated devices may open new perspectives both for fundamental tests of quantum mechanics and for novel technological applications. However, the technology for handling polarization encoded qubits, the most commonly adopted approach, is still missing in quantum optical circuits. Here we demonstrate the first integrated photonic Controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate for polarization encoded qubits. This result has been enabled by the integration, based on femtosecond laser waveguide writing, of partially polarizing beam splitters on a glass chip. We characterize the logical truth table of the quantum gate demonstrating its high fidelity to the expected one. In addition, we show the ability of this gate to transform separable states into entangled ones and vice versa. Finally, the full accessibility of our device is exploited to carry out a complete characterization of the CNOT gate through a quantum process tomography., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures

In recent years, a number of theoretical and experimental demonstrations regarding the use of photonic entangled states based on many qubits, spanning a large size Hilbert space has been provided. The entanglement of two particles in more than one degree of freedom, namely hyperentanglement , is a useful technique which allows to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by quantum mechanics. Compared to multiphoton entangled states, hyperentangled states offer important advantages as far as purity and generation/detection rate are concerned. The present work is intended to survey the most relevant examples of hyperentangled multiqubit photon states aimed at the verification of fundamental tests of quantum mechanics and the realization of important quantum information protocols.

The study of the connections between entanglement and non-classicality has seen an increasing interest in the last few years. Several forms of entanglement witnesses have been proposed to reveal and quantify the entanglement of a particular state or a particular class of states. Non-classicality indicators have been proposed so as to quantify quantum correlations in two-qubit states. It has been demonstrated that there are interesting situations in which non-entangled states (i.e. separable) can behave in a non-classical way [1]. Investigating on the interplay between quantum correlations and global state mixedness is an interesting topic. Such study is dressed with even deeper fundamental significance when extended to non-classical/not-entangled states. However, the more pragmatic aspects of such endeavors should be stressed as well, given that non-entangled states can be useful for quantum computing. In a recent paper [2] a new non-classicality indicator, named AMID, has been proposed as an “ameliorated” version of measurement induced disturbance (or MID), which was originally proposed by Luo in [1]. AMID is an improvement as it embodies a faithful estimator of non-classicality that, at contrast with MID, vanishes exactly for fully classical states. For 2-qubit mixed states, a relation exists between AMID and Quantum Discord [3] and such non-classicality indicators share the same set of extremal states in the Entropic plane [2]. The two extremal bounds (blue and black lines in Fig.1) correspond to two different families of 2-qubit mixed states. States equation belong to the lower bound, while the upper bound is spanned by equation [for suitable values of the parameters equation.

It is generally assumed that sources sending randomly two particles to one or two different observers, named here random destination sources (RDS), cannot by used for genuine quantum nonlocality tests because of the postselection loophole. We demonstrate that Bell experiments not affected by the postselection loophole may be performed with: (i) RDS and local postselection using perfect detectors, (ii) RDS, local postselection, and fair sampling assumption with any detection efficiency, and (iii) RDS and a threshold detection efficiency required to avoid the detection loophole. These results allow the adoption of RDS setups, which are more simple and efficient, for long-distance free-space Bell tests, and extends the range of physical systems which can be used for loophole-free Bell tests., Comment: rexTex4, 4 pages, revised version

We present the experimental realization of the optimal estimation protocol for a Pauli noisy channel. The method is based on the generation of 2-qubit Bell states and the introduction of quantum noise in a controlled way on one of the state subsystems. The efficiency of the optimal estimation, achieved by a Bell measurement, is shown to outperform quantum process tomography.

A custom‐made membrane mirror is used was used for compensation of the thermal phase instabilities of a two‐photon path entangled state. Stabilization of the coincidence rate to within 1.5 standard deviation of the Poissonian noise is demonstrated over 2000 seconds.

We show two experimental realizations of Hardy ladder test of quantum nonlocality using energy-time correlated photons, following the scheme proposed by A. Cabello \emph{et al.} [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{102}, 040401 (2009)]. Unlike, previous energy-time Bell experiments, these tests require precise tailored nonmaximally entangled states. One of them is equivalent to the two-setting two-outcome Bell test requiring a minimum detection efficiency. The reported experiments are still affected by the locality and detection loopholes, but are free of the post-selection loophole of previous energy-time and time-bin Bell tests., 5 pages, revtex4, 6 figures

In the last years the attention of the scientific community on the generation of entangled states has constantly increased both for their importance in the foundation of quantum mechanics and for their application in the quantum computation and communication field. To these aims high quality of generated states is required. A standard procedure to produce entangled photons pairs is spontaneous down conversion process in nonlinear crystals. In this paper we report preparation of quantum entangled states using CW laser at 266 nm pumping the standard Kwiat's source. We have been able to generate the full set of Bell's states with very high purity, fidelity and Concurrence which have been estimated using standard tomography procedure. To proof the high degree of achieved entanglement, we performed a non-locality test obtaining a high violation of the CHSH inequality.

The emerging strategy to overcome the limitations of bulk quantum optics consists of taking advantage of the robustness and compactness achievable by the integrated waveguide technology. Here we report the realization of a directional coupler, fabricated by femtosecond laser waveguide writing, acting as an integrated beam splitter able to support polarization encoded qubits. This maskless and single step technique allows to realize circular transverse waveguide profiles able to support the propagation of Gaussian modes with any polarization state. Using this device, we demonstrate the quantum interference with polarization entangled states.

We report on the quantification of entanglement by means of entanglement measures on a four- and a six-qubit cluster state realized by using photons entangled both in polarization and linear momentum. This paper also addresses the question of the scaling of entanglement bounds from incomplete tomographic information on the density matrix under realistic experimental conditions., publishedVersion

We present an experimental method to produce 4-qubit phased Dicke states, based on a source of 2-photon hyperentangled states. By introducing quantum noise in the multipartite system in a controlled way, we have tested the robustness of these states. To this purpose the entanglement of the resulting multipartite entangled mixed states has been verified by using a new kind of structural witness., 6 pages, 3 figure, supplementary information included

The emerging strategy to overcome the limitations of bulk quantum optics consists of taking advantage of the robustness and compactness achievable by the integrated waveguide technology. Here we report the realization of a directional coupler, fabricated by femtosecond laser waveguide writing, acting as an integrated beam splitter able to support polarization encoded qubits. This maskless and single step technique allows to realize circular transverse waveguide profiles able to support the propagation of Gaussian modes with any polarization state. Using this device, we demonstrate the quantum interference with polarization entangled states and singlet state projection., Revtex, 5+2 pages (with supplementary information), 4+1 figures

The ability of fully reconstructing quantum maps is a fundamental task of quantum information, in particular when coupling with the environment and experimental imperfections of devices are taken into account. In this context we carry out a quantum process tomography (QPT) approach for a set of non trace-preserving maps. We introduce an operator $\OO$ to characterize the state dependent probability of success for the process under investigation. We also evaluate the result of approximating the process with a trace-preserving one., Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, revtex

Franson-like setups are inadequate for multiparty Bell experiments with energy-time entanglement because postselected events can depend on the local settings, and local models can exploit this feature to reproduce the quantum predictions, even in the case of ideal devices. We extend a previously introduced interferometric scheme [A. Cabello, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 040401 (2009)] to solve this problem in the n-qubit and n-qunit cases. In addition, the proposed setups allow us to prepare and test n-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger and $(\sum_{i=1}^n |i ... i>)/\sqrt{n}$ energy-time entangled states., 7 pages, 7 figures

We describe the first experimental realization of the Deutsch-Jozsa quantum algorithm to evaluate the properties of a 2-bit boolean function in the framework of one-way quantum computation. For this purpose a novel two-photon six-qubit cluster state was engineered. Its peculiar topological structure is the basis of the original measurement pattern allowing the algorithm realization. The good agreement of the experimental results with the theoretical predictions, obtained at $\sim$1kHz success rate, demonstrate the correct implementation of the algorithm., 5 pages, 2 figures, RevTex

Six-qubit cluster states built on the simultaneous entanglement of two photons in three independent degrees of freedom, i.e. polarization and a double longitudinal momentum, have been recently demonstrated. We present here the peculiar entanglement properties of the linear cluster state $\LCtilde$ related to the three degrees of freedom. This state has been adopted to realize various kinds of Controlled NOT (CNOT) gates, obtaining in all the cases high values of the gate fidelity. Our results demonstrate that a number of qubits $\leq$10 in cluster states of two photons entangled in multiple degrees of freedom is achievable. Furthermore, these states represent a promising approach towards scalable quantum computation in a medium term time scale. The future perspectives of a hybrid approach to one-way quantum computing based on multi-degree of freedom and multi-photon cluster states are also discussed in the conclusions of this paper., 11 pages, 10 figures, 4 Tables, RevTex4

We have investigated the temporal dynamics of the output polarization of a dye microlaser operating in a transient regime, i.e., under femtosecond excitation. In these conditions the dipole angular diffusion has an important role in the formation of the microlaser pulse, as is shown in a theoretical model. By performing the experiment for different values of the microcavity length and varying the polarization angle, we measured threshold and buildup time of the microlaser and compared the results obtained with two dye solutions of different viscosity. The agreement between theory and experimental results is adequate.

The concept of transverse coherence length in an active microscopic cavity is investigated with regard to the threshold of the microlaser action. This physical parameter is related to the linear spatial extent, or the effective radius, of the transverse lasing mode operating in a plane Fabry–Perot microcavity. This problem is analyzed by means of a full semiclassical theory, by which the microlaser threshold is expressed as a function of the relevant parameters of the thresholdless microlaser and of the extension of the active pumped zone. Experimental results are in satisfactory agreement with the theoretical predictions.

A 6-qubit hyperentangled state has been realized by entangling two photons in three degrees of freedom. These correspond to the polarization, the longitudinal momentum and the indistinguishable emission produced by a 2-crystal system operating with Type I phase matching in the spontaneous parametric down conversion regime. The state has been characterized by a chained interferometric apparatus and its complete entangled nature has been tested by a novel witness criterium specifically introduced for hyperentangled states. The experiment represents the first realization of a genuine hyperentangled state with the maximum entanglement between the two particles allowed in the given Hilbert space., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, Revtex4

We create a six-qubit linear cluster state by transforming a two-photon hyperentangled state in which three qubits are encoded in each particle, one in the polarization and two in the linear momentum degrees of freedom. For this state, we demonstrate genuine six-qubit entanglement, persistency of entanglement against the loss of qubits, and higher violation than in previous experiments on Bell inequalities of the Mermin type., Comment: 4 pages, revtex, published version

By using an optical device based on the integration of a GRaded-INdex (GRIN) rod lens and a single-mode optical fiber we efficiently collected photon pairs generated by spontaneous parametric down-conversion. We show that this system preserves the polarization entanglement of the 2-photon states. Hence this device, characterized by a remarkable easiness of alignment and allowing for high coupling efficiency of single-mode radiation, can be used with photons entangled in various degrees of freedom, such as polarization and spatial momentum, and to interconnect different sides of complex optical circuits., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, version 2

We discuss two possible ways to increase the dimension of a 4-qubit hyperentangled state of two photons generated through the spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) process. The two techniques are respectively based on the continuum of k-modes generated by a type I phase matched crystal and on the adoption of the time-energy entanglement as a further degree of freedom of the photons. The realization of an entangled state of two photons encoded in six (or even more) qubits, which can be transformed in a cluster state by suitable C-Phase gates, may represent a significant step towards the realization of efficient quantum computation based on the one-way model.

We report on an experimental violation of the Bell-Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (Bell-CHSH) inequality using energy-time entangled photons. The experiment is not free of the locality and detection loopholes, but is the first violation of the Bell-CHSH inequality using energy-time entangled photons which is free of the postselection loophole described by Aerts et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 2872 (1999)]., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, v2 minor corrections

We present the project of an optical scheme that allows to engineer a 2-photon 6-qubit linear cluster state. By this scheme we are able to create a hyperentangled state based on polarization, linear momentum and arrival time entanglement. Since the three degrees of freedom of the photons are fully independent, the hyperentangled state allows the maximum entanglement of the particles. By suitable local unitary operations the hyperentangled state can be easily transformed into a linear cluster state, with important applications in photonic quantum computation and quantum nonlocality tests.

Franson's Bell experiment with energy-time entanglement [Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 2205 (1989)] does not rule out all local hidden variable models. This defect can be exploited to compromise the security of Bell inequality-based quantum cryptography. We introduce a novel Bell experiment using genuine energy-time entanglement, based on a novel interferometer, which rules out all local hidden variable models. The scheme is feasible with actual technology., REVTeX4, 4 pages, 2 figures

Cluster states of two photons and four qubits, built on the double entanglement of two photons in the degrees of freedom of polarization and linear momentum, have been used in the realization of a complete set of basic operations of one-way quantum computation. Basic computation algorithms, namely, the Grover's search and the Deutsch's algorithm, have been realized by using these states. Hyperentangled states of increasing size are of paramount importance for the realization of even more complex algorithms and can be extended to a lager number of degrees of freedom of the photons. Some recent results obtained with entangled states of two photons and six qubits are presented.

We present a multipass femtosecond amplifier pumped by a Nd-YAG laser where the gain medium is given by a variable length dye cell. This system allows amplification factors up to 5 · 106 and output pulse energies of 150 μJ, while restricting the contribution of amplified spontaneous emission to 0.5% of the total output energy, without using any saturable absorber stage. A detailed study of the output pulsewidth as a function of the duration of the input chirped pulse is also presented.

A colliding pulse mode-locked ring dye laser, pumped by an all-line small frame Ar+ laser has been used to generate stable pulses as short as 49 fs with pulse duration and stability similar to those obtained with the usual configuration where a single line of the pump is used. The effects of cavity alignment on the absorber saturation are presented and explained in terms of an analysis of stability of the ring cavity.

We describe in detail the application of four qubit cluster states, built on the simultaneous entanglement of two photons in the degrees of freedom of polarization and linear momentum, for the realization of a complete set of basic one-way quantum computation operations. These consist of arbitrary single qubit rotations, either probabilistic or deterministic, and simple two qubit gates, such as a c-not gate for equatorial qubits and a universal c-phase (CZ) gate acting on arbitrary target qubits. Other basic computation operations, such as the Grover's search and the Deutsch's algorithms, have been realized by using these states. In all the cases we obtained a high value of the operation fidelities. These results demonstrate that cluster states of two photons entangled in many degrees of freedom are good candidates for the realization of more complex quantum computation operations based on a larger number of qubits., Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures, 6 tables

We present a novel optical device based on an integrated system of micro-lenses and single mode optical fibers. It allows to collect and direct into many modes two photons generated by spontaneous parametric down conversion. By this device multiqubit entangled states and/or multilevel qu-$d$it states of two photons, encoded in the longitudinal momentum degree of freedom, are created. The multi-path photon entanglement realized by this device is expected to find important applications in modern quantum information technology., 4 pages, 3 figures, revtex, revised version

A new criterium to detect the entanglement present in a {\it hyperentangled state}, based on the evaluation of an entanglement witness, is presented. We show how some witnesses recently introduced for graph states, measured by only two local settings, can be used in this case. We also define a new witness $W_3$ that improves the resistance to noise by increasing the number of local measurements., 6 pages, 2 figures, RevTex. v2: new title, minor changes in the explanation of the witness for hyperentangled states, more comments in the conclusions section

We report on the implementation of a new interferometric scheme that allows the generation of photon pairs entangled in the time-energy degree of freedom. This scheme does not require any kind of temporal post-selection on the generated pairs and can be used even with lasers with short coherence time., RevTex, 6 pages, 8 figures

By using 2-photon 4-qubit cluster states we demonstrate deterministic one-way quantum computation in a single qubit rotation algorithm. In this operation feed-forward measurements are automatically implemented by properly choosing the measurement basis of the qubits, while Pauli error corrections are realized by using two fast driven Pockels cells. We realized also a C-NOT gate for equatorial qubits and a C-PHASE gate for a generic target qubit. Our results demonstrate that 2-photon cluster states can be used for rapid and efficient deterministic one-way quantum computing.

High fidelity, high count rate four qubit linear cluster states have been realized by using two photons that are entangled both in polarization and linear momentum. Their properties have been investigated by evaluating the entanglement witness and carrying out a "stronger two observer all versus nothing" test of quantum nonlocality. The experimental results concerning the realization of single qubit rotations demonstrates the feasibility of one-way quantum computation by using these states.

We report on the experimental realization of a four-qubit linear cluster state via two photons entangled both in polarization and linear momentum. This state was investigated by performing tomographic measurements and by evaluating an entanglement witness. By use of this state we carried out a novel nonlocality proof, the so-called "stronger two observer all-versus-nothing" test of quantum nonlocality.

A complete and deterministic Bell state measurement was realized by a simple linear optics experimental scheme which adopts 2-photon polarization-momentum hyperentanglement. The scheme, which is based on the discrimination among the single photon Bell states of the hyperentangled state, requires the adoption of standard single photon detectors. The four polarization Bell states have been measured with average fidelity $F=0.889\pm0.010$ by using the linear momentum degree of freedom as the ancilla. The feasibility of the scheme has been characterized as a function of the purity of momentum entanglement., 4 pages, v2, comments added

We present a parametric source which allows the engineering of polarization-momentum hyperentangled two photon states based on linear optics and a single type-I nonlinear crystal. The nonlocal character of these states has been verified by various tests, including the “All Versus Nothing” test of local realism [A. Cabello, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 010403 (2001)], which represents a generalization of the GHZ to the case of two entangled particles and two observers. We have also created a complete and deterministic Bell-state measurement by a novel experimental scheme which adopts polarization-momentum hyper-entanglement and requires linear optics and single photon detectors.

Based on a recent proposal [Phys. Rev. A 71, 062337 (2005)], we have experimentally realized two photon polarization qutrits by using non-maximally entangled states and linear optical transformations. By this technique high fidelity mutually unbiased qutrits are generated at a high brilliance level., Comment: RevTex, 8 pages, 6 figures

We present two experimental tests of nonlocality, namely the Bell's inequalities and the "All Versus Nothing" (AVN) proof, performed with a two photon hyper-entangled state, entangled in polarization and momentum. These states, which double the extension of the available qubits, are engineered by a simple experimental method which uses linear optics and a single Type I nonlinear crystal. The AVN test of local realism represents a generalization of the GHZ to the case of two entangled particles and two observers.

Quantum states of two photons simultaneously entangled in polarization and linear momentum, namely hyper-entangled or cluster states, allow to operate in a larger Hilbert space, since we can associate four qubits to two photons. We describe how these states are generated, characterized and manipulated by linear optics technique. Some recent results verifying that the ratio between the quantum and classical prediction grows with the size of the Hilbert space are also presented in this work. Finally, we show the efficient realization of a C-NOT gate by using two photon cluster states operating in the one-way model of quantum computation.

Two photon states entangled in polarization and momentum, hyper-entangled, have been generated by using linear optics and a single Type I nonlinear crystal. These states have been completely characterized and their nonlocal behaviour have been verified by independent Bell's inequalities tests performed in the two degrees of freedom of entanglement and by an "all versus nothing" test of local realism. The manipulation of these states may represent a useful control in quantum state engineering and Bell state measurements and, more in general, in Quantum Information applications.

Photon pairs, highly entangled in polarization have been generated under femtosecond laser pulse excitation by a type I crystal source, operating in a single arm interferometric scheme. The relevant effects of temporal walk-off existing in these conditions between the ordinary and extraordinary photons were experimentally investigated. By introducing a suitable temporal compensation between the two orthogonal polarization components highly entangled pulsed states were obtained.

We have experimentally tested the non-local properties of the two-photon states generated by a high brilliance source of entanglement which virtually allows the direct measurement of the full set of photon pairs created by the basic QED process implied by the parametric quantum scattering. Standard Bell measurements and Bell's inequality violation test have been realized over the entire cone of emission of the degenerate pairs. By the same source we have verified Hardy's ladder theory up to the 20th step and the contradiction between the standard quantum theory and the local realism has been tested for 41% of entangled pairs.

Maximally entangled states, Werner state and maximally entangled mixed states (MEMS) have been created and fully characterized by a novel high brilliance universal source of entangled photon pairs with striking spatial characteristics. Mixed states of any structure, spanning a 2 x 2 Hilbert space may be created by this source. The non local properties of the generated entanglement have been tested by standard Bell measurements. Tunable Werner states and Maximally Entangled Mixed States (MEMS) have been created by an original patchwork technique and investigated by quantum tomography. The entropic and nonlocal properties of these states have been also undertaken.

We present a novel technique for generating two-photon polarization mixed states of any structure, which is based on the peculiar spatial characteristics of a high brilliance source of entangled pairs. Werner states and maximally entangled mixed states, two well-known families of mixed states important for quantum information, have been created and fully characterized by this technique. We have also investigated and tested the nonlocal properties of these states.

A parametric source of polarization-entangled photon pairs with striking spatial characteristics is reported. The distribution of the output electromagnetic $\mathbf{k}$ modes excited by spontaneous parametric down-conversion and coupled to the output detectors can be very broad. Using these states realized over a full entanglement ring output distribution, the nonlocal properties of the generated entanglement have been tested by standard Bell measurements and by Ou-Mandel interferometry. A ``mode-patchwork'' technique based on the quantum superposition principle is adopted to synthesize in a straightforward and reliable way any kind of mixed state, of large conceptual and technological interest in modern quantum information. Tunable Werner states and maximally entangled mixed states have indeed been created by this technique and investigated by quantum tomography. A study of the entropic and nonlocal properties of these states has been undertaken experimentally and theoretically, by a unifying variational approach.

Two quantum interferometry processes with possible significant applications in quantum information technology are presented. A two frequency Mach‐Zehnder interferometer realizes the nonlinear frequency conversion of a single photon qubit. The information‐preserving character of the nonlinear process allows to transfer the coherence of the input to the output state. Furthermore, we describe a novel high brilliance universal source of entangled photon pairs with peculiar spatial characteristics, which allows to generate two particle entangled states, either pure or mixed of any structure. By this source we have synthesized and fully characterized by quantum tomography Werner states and maximally entangled mixed states (MEMS). The non local properties of these states have been tested by Bell measurements.