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We investigate the Leggett-Garg inequalities (LGIs) for a boson system whose observables are given by deforming the Pegg-Barnett phase operators. We consider two observables and show that the quantum Fourier transform is useful in the realization of the required measurements. Deriving explicit forms for the LGIs using the coherent state $|\alpha\rangle$ as the initial state, we explore the regimes where they are violated when the time difference between observations of the phase operators is varied. We show that the system remains nonclassical in the large amplitude limit without dissipation, however with dissipation, our violation diminishes rapidly., Comment: 20 pages, 10 eps figures, latex2e; v2: minor clarifications, 10 references added, figures improved

Multipartite entanglement is a critical resource in quantum information processing that exhibits much richer phenomenon and stronger correlations than in bipartite systems. This advantage is also reflected in its multi-user applications. Although many demonstrations have used photonic polarization qubits, polarization-mode dispersion confines the transmission of photonic polarization qubits through an optical fiber. Consequently, time-bin qubits have a particularly important role to play in quantum communication systems. Here, we generate a three-photon time-bin Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state using a 2 x 2 optical switch as a time-dependent beam splitter to entangle time-bin Bell states from a spontaneous parametric down-conversion source and a weak coherent pulse. To characterize the three-photon time-bin GHZ state, we performed measurement estimation, showed a violation of the Mermin inequality, and used quantum state tomography to fully reconstruct a density matrix, which shows a state fidelity exceeding 70%. We expect that our three-photon time-bin GHZ state can be used for long-distance multi-user quantum communication., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, 1 table

The realistic implementation of quantum architectures relies on the development of scalable, resource-efficient platforms that are compatible with CMOS technologies as well as fiber networks. This work demonstrates novel schemes utilized for time-/frequency-bin entanglement generation and processing by leveraging existing telecommunications and integrated photonics infrastructures.

Quantum walks are the quantum mechanical analogue of classical random walks and an extremely powerful tool in quantum simulations, quantum search algorithms, and even for universal quantum computing. In our work, we have designed and fabricated an 8x8 two-dimensional square superconducting qubit array composed of 62 functional qubits. We used this device to demonstrate high fidelity single and two particle quantum walks. Furthermore, with the high programmability of the quantum processor, we implemented a Mach-Zehnder interferometer where the quantum walker coherently traverses in two paths before interfering and exiting. By tuning the disorders on the evolution paths, we observed interference fringes with single and double walkers. Our work is an essential milestone in the field, brings future larger scale quantum applications closer to realization on these noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors., 13 pages, 4 figures, and supplementary materials with 21 pages, 13 figures and 1 table

We exploit standard silicon-based chips and fiber telecommunications components to generate and process complex entangled photon states in the discrete time and frequency domains (two-level time-entangled photons, d-level frequency-entangled photon pairs, and three-level cluster states).

The Unruh effect can not only arise out of the entanglement between modes of left and right Rindler wedges, but also between modes of future and past light cones. We explore the geometric phase resulting from this timelike entanglement between the future and past, showing that it can be captured in a simple $\Lambda$-system. This provides an alternative paradigm to the Unruh-deWitt detector. The Unruh effect has not been experimentally verified because the accelerations needed to excite a response from Unruh-deWitt detectors are prohibitively large. We demonstrate that a stationary but time-dependent $\Lambda$-system detects the timelike Unruh effect with current technology., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

Multi-level (qudit) entangled photon states are a key resource for both fundamental physics and advanced applied science, as they can significantly boost the capabilities of novel technologies such as quantum communications, cryptography, sensing, metrology, and computing. The benefits of using photons for advanced applications draw on their unique properties: photons can propagate over long distances while preserving state coherence, and they possess multiple degrees of freedom (such as time and frequency) that allow scalable access to higher dimensional state encoding, all while maintaining low platform footprint and complexity. In the context of out-of-lab use, photon generation and processing through integrated devices and off-the-shelf components are in high demand. Similarly, multi-level entanglement detection must be experimentally practical, i.e., ideally requiring feasible single-qudit projections and high noise tolerance. Here, we focus on multi-level optical Bell and cluster states as a critical resource for quantum technologies, as well as on universal witness operators for their feasible detection and entanglement characterization. Time- and frequency-entangled states are the main platform considered in this context. We review a promising approach for the scalable, cost-effective generation and processing of these states by using integrated quantum frequency combs and fiber-based devices, respectively. We finally report an experimentally practical entanglement identification and characterization technique based on witness operators that is valid for any complex photon state and provides a good compromise between experimental feasibility and noise robustness. The results reported here can pave the way toward boosting the implementation of quantum technologies in integrated and widely accessible photonic platforms.

We exploit the time and frequency modes generated on integrated quantum platforms for the practical generation and coherent processing of complex photon states (two-level time-entangled photons, d-level frequency-entangled photon pairs, and d-level cluster states), by using only standard silicon-based chips and fiber telecommunications components.

Recent advances in quantum engineering have given us the ability to design hybrid systems with novel properties normally not present in the regime they operate in. The coupling of spin ensembles and magnons to microwave resonators has for instance lead to a much richer understanding of collective effects in these systems and their potential quantum applications. We can also hybridize electron and nuclear spin ensembles together in the solid-state regime to investigate collective effects normally only observed in the atomic, molecular and optical world. Here we explore in the solid state regime the dynamics of a double domain nuclear spin ensemble coupled to the Nambu-Goldstone boson in GaAs semiconductors and show it exhibits both collective and individual relaxation (thermalization) on very different time scales. Further the collective relaxation of the nuclear spin ensemble is what one would expect from superradiant decay. This opens up the possibility for the exploration of novel collective behaviour in solid state systems where the natural energies associated with those spins are much less than the thermal energy., Comment: 11 pages including supplementary material

The transfer of energy through a network of nodes is fundamental to both how nature and current technology operates. Traditionally we think of the nodes in a network being coupled to channels that connect them and then energy is passed from node to channel to node until it reaches its targeted site. Here we introduce an alternate approach to this where our channels are replaced by collective environments (or actually reservoirs) which interact with pairs of nodes. We show how energy initially located at a specific node can arrive at a target node - even though that environment may be at zero temperate. Further we show that such a migration occurs on much faster time scales than the damping rate associated with a single spin coupled to the reservoir. Our approach shows the power of being able to tailor both the system & environment and the symmetries associated with them to provide new directions for future quantum technologies., 10 pages, 5 figures

A quantum phase of matter can be understood from the symmetry of the system's Hamiltonian. The system symmetry along the time axis has been proposed to show a new phase of matter referred as discrete-time crystals (DTCs). A DTC is a quantum phase of matter in non-equilibrium systems, and it is also intimately related to the symmetry of the initial state. DTCs that are stable in isolated systems are not necessarily resilient to the influence from the external reservoir. In this paper, we discuss the dynamics of the DTCs under the influence of an environment. Specifically, we consider a non-trivial situation in which the initial state is prepared to partly preserve the symmetry of the Liouvillian. Our analysis shows that the entire system evolves towards a DTC phase and is stabilised by the effect of dephasing. Our results provide a new understanding of quantum phases emerging from the competition between the coherent and incoherent dynamics in dissipative non-equilibrium quantum systems., 9 pages, 6 Figures. Comments are welcom

Random numbers which are unpredictable and definitely unknown by anyone before they are generated are now used in a large number of real-world applications ranging from authentication, gaming, many online activities to simulations and optimizations. The development of a trusted randomness source is thus a necessity. In this work we present a simple design of a certifiable quantum random number generation and its. In particular we show how real-time low-latency randomness can be generated from measurements on time-bin photonic states every 0.12s. We generate a block of 2^13 random bits certifiable against the most powerful quantum adversary with its error bounded by 2^-64. Further our device is suitable for continuous operation giving it a potential application as a quantum randomness beacon.

The development of technologies for quantum information (QI) science demands the realization. and precise control of complex (multipartite and high dimensional) entangled systems on practical and scalable platforms. Quantum frequency combs (QFCs) represent a powerful tool towards this goal. They enable the generation of complex photon states within a single spatial mode as well as their manipulation using standard fiber-based telecommunication components. Here, we review recent progress in the development of QFCs, with a focus on results that highlight their importance for the realization of complex quantum states. In particular, we outline recent work on the use of integrated QFCs for the generation of high-dimensional multipartite optical cluster states - lying at the basis of measurement-based quantum computation. These results confirm that the QFC approach can provide a stable, practical, low-cost, and established platform for the development of quantum technologies, paving the way towards the advancement of QI science for out-of-the-lab applications, ranging from practical quantum computing to more secure communications.

A key challenge for quantum science and technology is to realize large-scale, precisely controllable, practical systems for non-classical secured communications, metrology and, ultimately, meaningful quantum simulation and computation. Optical frequency combs represent a powerful approach towards this goal, as they provide a very high number of temporal and frequency modes that can result in large-scale quantum systems. The generation and control of quantum optical frequency combs will enable a unique, practical and scalable framework for quantum signal and information processing. Here, we review recent progress on the realization of energy–time entangled optical frequency combs and discuss how photonic integration and the use of fibre-optic telecommunications components can enable quantum state control with new functionalities, yielding unprecedented capability. This Review describes quantum frequency combs that operate via photon entanglement, beginning with mode-locked quantum frequency combs followed by energy–time entanglement methods. The use of photonic integration and fibre-optic telecommunications components in enabling the quantum state control are also discussed.

Hybrid quantum systems aim at combining the advantages of different physical systems and to produce novel quantum devices. In particular, the hybrid combination of superconducting circuits and spins in solid-state crystals is a versatile platform to explore many quantum electrodynamics problems. Recently, the remote coupling of nitrogen-vacancy center spins in diamond via a superconducting bus was demonstrated. However, a rigorous experimental test of the quantum nature of this hybrid system and in particular entanglement is still missing. We review the theoretical ideas to generate and detect entanglement, and present our own scheme to achieve this., 6 figures, 3 figures, published in Applied Physics Letters

Multiplexing is an extremely well-established technique in the telecommunication industry [1] allowing multiple independent massages generated by multiple users to share a common transmission line. It works by the multiplexer dividing the capacity of the communication channel into a number of ‘logical’ channels which allow each of the users signal to be transmitted before a demultiplexer extracts them. There are various forms of it including space-division, frequency-division, time-division, code-division multiplexing to mention a few. Recently new form of ‘telecommunication’ has arisen. The principle of quantum mechanics and their associated quantum technologies [2] allow new forms of communication governed by superposition/entanglement and it is an open question as to where multiplexing will fit into it. Further those quantum principles may allow new forms of multiplexing unavailable to the classical world.

Noise is the greatest obstacle in quantum metrology that limits it achievable precision and sensitivity. There are many techniques to mitigate the effect of noise, but this can never be done completely. One commonly proposed technique is to repeatedly apply quantum error correction. Unfortunately, the required repetition frequency needed to recover the Heisenberg limit is unachievable with the existing quantum technologies. In this article we explore the discrete application of quantum error correction with current technological limitations in mind. We establish that quantum error correction can be beneficial and highlight the factors which need to be improved so one can reliably reach the Heisenberg limit level precision., Comment: 22 pages, 4 Figures, Appendix

Symmetries are well known to have had a profound role in our understanding of nature and are a critical design concept for the realization of advanced technologies. In fact, many symmetry-broken states associated with different phases of matter appear in a variety of quantum technology applications. Such symmetries are normally broken in spatial dimension, however they can also be broken temporally leading to the concept of discrete time symmetries and their associated crystals. Discrete time crystals (DTCs) are a novel state of matter emerging in periodically-driven quantum systems. Typically, they have been investigated assuming individual control operations with uniform rotation errors across the entire system. In this work we explore a new paradigm arising from non-uniform rotation errors, where two dramatically different phases of matter coexist in well defined regions of space. We consider a quantum spin network possessing long-range interactions where different driving operations act on different regions of that network. What results from its inherent symmetries is a system where one region is a DTC, while the second is ferromagnetic. We envision our work to open a new avenue of research on Chimera-like phases of matter where two different phases coexist in space., 5 pages, 4 Figures and supplemental material. Accepted for Publication in Physical Review Letters. Comments are welcome

It is now widely accepted that a future quantum internet will be developed supporting a wide variety of applications. The efficiency (and even viability) of such a internet will be highly dependent on how we move information around it. We discuss various routing options and show these impose quite different constraints on the fundamental building blocks of those networks. Introducing the concepts of quantum multiplexing and quantum network aggregation we show how communication maybe possible between two users on that network even when there are insufficient resources to allow such information to be transmitted over individual routes.

Randomness expansion where one generates a longer sequence of random numbers from a short one is viable in quantum mechanics but not allowed classically. Device-independent quantum randomness expansion provides a randomness resource of the highest security level. Here, we report the first experimental realization of device-independent quantum randomness expansion secure against quantum side information established through quantum probability estimation. We generate $5.47\times10^8$ quantum-proof random bits while consuming $4.39\times10^8$ bits of entropy, expanding our store of randomness by $1.08\times10^8$ bits at a latency of about $13.1$ h, with a total soundness error $4.6\times10^{-10}$. Device-independent quantum randomness expansion not only enriches our understanding of randomness but also sets a solid base to bring quantum-certifiable random bits into realistic applications., Comment: 24 pages, 8 figures, 5 tables