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We investigate the non-perturbative effects of a deformation of the Mathieu differential equation consistent with $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry. First, we develop a connection between the non-Hermitian and Hermitian scenarios by a reparameterization in the complex plane, followed by a restriction of the $\mathcal{PT}$ deformation parameter. The latter is responsible for preserving the information about $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry when we choose to work in the Hermitian scenario. We note that this factor is present in all non-perturbative results and in the transseries representation of the deformed Mathieu partition function that we have obtained. In quantum mechanics, we found that the deformation parameter of $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry has an effect on the real instanton solution for the deformed Mathieu potential in the Hermitian scenario. As its value increases, the non-Hermiticity factor makes it smoother for the instanton to pass from one minimum to another, that is, it modifies the instanton width. The explanation for this lies in the fact that the height of the potential barrier decreases as we increase the value of the deformation parameter. We present how this effect extends to the multi-instanton level and to the bounce limit of an instanton-anti-instanton pair. As an application of the obtained results, we show that the equation of motion under a tilted version of the potential in the Hermitian scenario compares to the resistively shunted junction (RSJ) model for the Josephson junction., Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures; new layout; added references; fixed typos in (old numbering) Eqs.(10), (12), (17)-(19), (29); added definition of instanton and instanton action; included identification of parameters; fixed the labels for axes in the Figs.1 and 4; added and rewrote some paragraphs in Introduction, Sec.II, V and Appendix A; changed titles of Sec.VII and Appendix A; corrected references

We present an alternative route to investigate quantum forces in a cavity, for both a free scalar field and a free fermionic field. Considering a generalized Matsubara procedure, we compute the quantum pressure on the boundaries of a compactified space in a thermal bath. Also, considering both periodic and antiperiodic boundary conditions in the cavity, we discuss the attractive or repulsive character of the quantum forces. Our results highlight the relevance and interdisciplinarity of the generalized Matsubara procedure as a theoretical platform to manage quantum phenomena in nontrivial topologies., Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1608.01367

We propose a non-Hermitian deformation of the Mathieu equation that preserves $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry and study its spectrum and the transition from $\mathcal{PT}$-unbroken to $\mathcal{PT}$-broken phases. We show that our model not only reproduces behaviors expected by the literature but also indicates the existence of a richer structure for the spectrum. We also discuss the influence of the boundary condition and the model parameters in the exceptional line that marks the $\mathcal{PT}$ breaking.

In a recent work, it was shown by one of us (EGC) that Bell-Kochen-Specker inequality violations in phenomena satisfying the no-disturbance condition (a generalisation of the no-signalling condition) cannot in general be explained with a faithful classical causal model -- that is, a classical causal model that satisfies the assumption of no fine-tuning. The proof of that claim however was restricted to Bell scenarios involving 2 parties or Kochen-Specker-contextuality scenarios involving 2 measurements per context. Here we show that the result holds in the general case of arbitrary numbers of parties or measurements per context; it is not an artefact of the simplest scenarios. This result unifies, in full generality, Bell nonlocality and Kochen-Specker contextuality as violations of a fundamental principle of classical causality. We identify, however, an implicit assumption in the former proof, making it explicit here: that certain operational symmetries of the phenomenon are reflected in the model, rather than requiring fine-tuned choices of model parameters. This clarifies a subtle but important distinction between Bell nonlocality and Kochen-Specker contextuality., Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures

The standard formulation of thermostatistics, being based on the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution and logarithmic Shannon entropy, describes idealized uncorrelated systems with extensive energies and short-range interactions. In this letter, we use the fundamental principles of ergodicity (via Liouville's theorem), the self-similarity of correlations, and the existence of the thermodynamic limit to derive generalized forms of the equilibrium distribution for long-range-interacting systems. Significantly, our formalism provides a justification for the well-studied nonextensive thermostatistics characterized by the Tsallis distribution, which it includes as a special case. We also give the complementary maximum entropy derivation of the same distributions by constrained maximization of the Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy. The consistency between the ergodic and maximum entropy approaches clarifies the use of the latter in the study of correlations and nonextensive thermodynamics., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure, 1 table, and 3 pages of supplemental material. v4: comments are welcome

Here we understand \textit{dimensional reduction} as a procedure to obtain an effective model in $D-1$ dimensions that is related to the original model in $D$ dimensions. To explore this concept we use both a self-interacting fermionic model and self-interacting bosonic model. Furthermore, in both cases, we consider different boundary conditions in space: periodic, antiperiodic, Dirichlet and Neumann. For bosonic fields, we get the so defined dimensional reduction. Taking the simple example of a quartic interaction, we obtain that the boundary condition (periodic, Dirichlet, Neumann) influence the new coupling of the reduced model. For fermionic fields, we get the curious result that the model obtained reducing from $D$ dimensions to $D-1$ dimensions is distinguishable from taking into account a fermionic field originally in $D-1$ dimensions. Moreover, when one considers antiperiodic boundary condition in space (both for bosons or fermions) it is found that the dimensional reduction is not allowed.

We investigate the process of dimensional reduction of one spatial dimension in a thermal scalar field model defined in $D$ dimensions (inverse temperature and $D-1$ spatial dimensions). We obtain that a thermal model in $D$ dimensions with one of the spatial dimensions having a finite size $L$ is related to the finite temperature model with just $D-1$ spatial dimensions and no finite size. Our results are obtained for one-loop calculations and for any dimension $D$. For example, in $D=4$ we have a relationship between a thin film with thickness $L$ at finite temperature and a surface at finite temperature. We show that, although a strict dimensional reduction is not allowed, it is possible to define a valid prescription for this procedure.

Hidden charm mesons continue playing an essential role as relevant probes to understand the evolution of partonic matter. It is expected that the charmonia that survived the quark-gluon plasma phase suffer collisions with other particles composing the hadronic matter. In this work, we intend to contribute on this subject by presenting an updated study about the interactions of $J/\psi$ with surrounding hadronic medium. The meson-meson interactions are described with a $SU(4)$ effective Lagrangian, and within the framework of unitarized coupled channel amplitudes projected onto s-wave. The symmetry is explicitly broken to $SU(3)$ by suppression of the interactions driven by charmed mesons. We calculate the cross sections for $J/\psi $ scattering by light pseudoscalar mesons ($\pi, K, \eta$) and vector mesons ($\rho, K^\ast, \omega$), as well as their inverse processes. Keeping the validity of this present approach in the low CM energy range, the most relevant channels are evaluated and a comparison of the findings with existing literature is performed., Comment: 21 pages, 11 figures

Boundary conditions effects are explored for size-dependent models in thermal equilibrium. Scalar and fermionic models are used for $D=1+3$ (films), $D=1+2$ (hollow cylinder) and $D=1+1$ (ring). For all models a minimal length is found, below which no thermally-induced phase transition occurs. Using quasiperiodic boundary condition controlled by a contour parameter $\theta$ ($\theta=0$ is a periodic boundary condition and $\theta=1$ is an antiperiodic condition) it results that the minimal length depends directly on the value of $\theta$. It is also argued that this parameter can be associated to an Aharonov-Bohm phase.

The fully symmetric Gaussian tripartite entangled pure states will not exhibit two-mode Einstein Podolsky-Rosen (EPR)-steering. This means that any two participants cannot share quantum secrets using the security of one-sided device independent quantum key distribution (1SDI-QKD) without involving the third. They are restricted at most to standard quantum key distribution (S-QKD), which is less secure. Here we show that least some asymmetric tripartite systems can exhibit bipartite EPR-steering, so that two of the participants can use 1SDI-QKD without involving the other. This is possible because the promiscuity relations of continuous-variable tripartite entanglement are different from those of discrete-variable systems. We analyse these properties for two different systems, showing that the asymmetric system has an extra degree of flexibility not found in the symmetric one., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, theoretical work. Published version PRA 94, 012331 (2016)

Demonstrating nonclassical effects over longer and longer distances is essential for both quantum technology and fundamental science. The main challenge is loss of photons during propagation, because considering only those cases where photons are detected opens a "detection loophole" in security whenever parties or devices are untrusted. Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering is equivalent to an entanglement-verification task in which one party (device) is untrusted. We derive arbitrarily loss-tolerant tests, enabling us to perform a detection-loophole-free demonstration of EPR-steering with parties separated by a coiled 1 km optical fiber, with a total loss of 8.9 dB (87%)., Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review X. This is the accepted version

Wiseman and co-workers (Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 140402, 2007) proposed a distinction between the nonlocality classes of Bell's nonlocality, steering and entanglement based on whether or not an overseer trusts each party in a bipartite scenario where they are asked to demonstrate entanglement. Here we extend that concept to the multipartite case and derive inequalities that progressively test for those classes of nonlocality, with different thresholds for each level. This framework includes the three classes of nonlocality above in special cases and introduces a family of others., Comment: V2: corrected image display; V3: substantial changes including new proofs, arguments, and results

Tests of local hidden variable theories using measurements with continuous variable (CV) outcomes are developed, and a comparison of different methods is presented. As examples, we focus on multipartite entangled GHZ and cluster states. We suggest a physical process that produces the states proposed here, and investigate experiments both with and without binning of the continuous variable. In the former case, the Mermin-Klyshko inequalities can be used directly. For unbinned outcomes, the moment-based CFRD inequalities are extended to functional inequalities by considering arbitrary functions of the measurements at each site. By optimising these functions, we obtain more robust violations of local hidden variable theories than with either binning or moments. Recent inequalities based on the algebra of quaternions and octonions are compared with these methods. Since the prime advantage of CV experiments is to provide a route to highly efficient detection via homodyne measurements, we analyse the effect of noise and detection losses in both binned and unbinned cases. The CV moment inequalities with an optimal function have greater robustness to both loss and noise. This could permit a loophole-free test of Bell inequalities., Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures

We show that arbitrary functions of continuous variables, e.g. position and momentum, can be used to generate tests that distinguish quantum theory from local hidden variable theories. By optimising these functions, we obtain more robust violations of local causality than obtained previously. We analytically calculate the optimal function and include the effect of nonideal detectors and noise, revealing that optimized functional inequalities are resistant to standard forms of decoherence. These inequalities could allow a loophole-free Bell test with efficient homodyne detection.

We formally link the concept of steering (a concept created by Schrodinger but only recently formalised by Wiseman, Jones and Doherty [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 140402 (2007)] and the criteria for demonstrations of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox introduced by Reid [Phys. Rev. A, 40, 913 (1989)]. We develop a general theory of experimental EPR-steering criteria, derive a number of criteria applicable to discrete as well as continuous-variables observables, and study their efficacy in detecting that form of nonlocality in some classes of quantum states. We show that previous versions of EPR-type criteria can be rederived within this formalism, thus unifying these efforts from a modern quantum-information perspective and clarifying their conceptual and formal origin. The theory follows in close analogy with criteria for other forms of quantum nonlocality (Bell-nonlocality, entanglement), and because it is a hybrid of those two, it may lead to insights into the relationship between the different forms of nonlocality and the criteria that are able to detect them., Comment: Changed title, updated references, minor corrections, added journal-ref and DOI

We propose three criteria for identifying continuous variable entanglement between two many-particle systems with no restrictions on the quantum state of the local oscillators used in the measurements. Mistakenly asserting a coherent state for the local oscillator can lead to incorrectly identifying the presence of entanglement. We demonstrate this in simulations with 100 particles, and also find that large number fluctuations do not prevent the observation of entanglement. Our results are important for quantum information experiments with realistic Bose-Einstein condensates or in optics with arbitrary photon states., Comment: 7 Pages, 4 Figures

We consider macroscopic, mesoscopic and "S-scopic" quantum superpositions of eigenstates of an observable, and develop some signatures for their existence. We define the extent, or size $S$ of a superposition, with respect to an observable \hat{x}, as being the range of outcomes of \hat{x} predicted by that superposition. Such superpositions are referred to as generalized $S$-scopic superpositions to distinguish them from the extreme superpositions that superpose only the two states that have a difference $S$ in their prediction for the observable. We also consider generalized $S$-scopic superpositions of coherent states. We explore the constraints that are placed on the statistics if we suppose a system to be described by mixtures of superpositions that are restricted in size. In this way we arrive at experimental criteria that are sufficient to deduce the existence of a generalized $S$-scopic superposition. The signatures developed are useful where one is able to demonstrate a degree of squeezing. We also discuss how the signatures enable a new type of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen gedanken experiment., Comment: 15 pages, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. A

This Colloquium examines the field of the EPR Gedankenexperiment, from the original paper of Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen, through to modern theoretical proposals of how to realize both the continuous-variable and discrete versions of the EPR paradox. We analyze the relationship with entanglement and Bell's theorem, and summarize the progress to date towards experimental confirmation of the EPR paradox, with a detailed treatment of the continuous-variable paradox in laser-based experiments. Practical techniques covered include continuous-wave parametric amplifier and optical fibre quantum soliton experiments. We discuss current proposals for extending EPR experiments to massive-particle systems, including spin-squeezing, atomic position entangle- ment, and quadrature entanglement in ultra-cold atoms. Finally, we examine applications of this technology to quantum key distribution, quantum teleportation and entanglement-swapping., Comment: Colloquium in press in Reviews of Modern Physics, accepted Dec 2008

We obtain criteria for entanglement and the EPR paradox for spin-entangled particles and analyse the effects of decoherence caused by absorption and state purity errors. For a two qubit photonic state, entanglement can occur for all transmission efficiencies. In this case, the state preparation purity must be above a threshold value. However, Bohm's spin EPR paradox can be achieved only above a critical level of loss. We calculate a required efficiency of 58%, which appears achievable with current quantum optical technologies. For a macroscopic number of particles prepared in a correlated state, spin entanglement and the EPR paradox can be demonstrated using our criteria for efficiencies {\eta} > 1/3 and {\eta} > 2/3 respectively. This indicates a surprising insensitivity to loss decoherence, in a macroscopic system of ultra-cold atoms or photons., Comment: 4 pages 3 figures

We present a unified approach, based on the use of quantum uncertainty relations, for arriving at criteria for the demonstration of the EPR paradox and macroscopic superpositions. We suggest to view each criterion as a means to demonstrate an EPR-type paradox, where there is an inconsistency between the assumptions of a form of realism, either macroscopic realism (MR) or local realism (LR), and the completeness of quantum mechanics., Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, to appear Journ Mod Optics work presented at PQE 2007 conference

We derive a new class of correlation Bell-type inequalities. The inequalities are valid for any number of outcomes of two observables per each of n parties, including continuous and unbounded observables. We show that there are no first-moment correlation Bell inequalities for that scenario, but such inequalities can be found if one considers at least second moments. The derivation stems from a simple variance inequality by setting local commutators to zero. We show that above a constant detector efficiency threshold, the continuous variable Bell violation can survive even in the macroscopic limit of large n. This method can be used to derive other well-known Bell inequalities, shedding new light on the importance of non-commutativity for violations of local realism., Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure. v2: New results on detector efficiencies and macroscopic limit, new co-author, changed title and abstract, changed figure, added journal reference and DOI

We develop criteria sufficient to enable detection of macroscopic coherence where there are not just two macroscopically distinct outcomes for a pointer measurement, but rather a spread of outcomes over a macroscopic range. The criteria provide a means to distinguish a macroscopic quantum description from a microscopic one based on mixtures of microscopic superpositions of pointer-measurement eigenstates. The criteria are applied to Gaussian-squeezed and spin-entangled states., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, some changes made