RESUMEN
We present a source of entangled photons that violates a Bell inequality free of the "fair-sampling" assumption, by over 7 standard deviations. This violation is the first reported experiment with photons to close the detection loophole, and we demonstrate enough "efficiency" overhead to eventually perform a fully loophole-free test of local realism. The entanglement quality is verified by maximally violating additional Bell tests, testing the upper limit of quantum correlations. Finally, we use the source to generate "device-independent" private quantum random numbers at rates over 4 orders of magnitude beyond previous experiments.
RESUMEN
Here we present experimental realizations of two new entanglement detection methods: a three-measurement Bell inequality inequivalent to the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality and a nonlinear Bell-type inequality based on the negativity measure. In addition, we provide an experimental and theoretical comparison between these new methods and several techniques already in use: the traditional Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality, the entanglement witness, and complete state tomography.
RESUMEN
We thoroughly explore the phenomenon of a decoherence-free subspace (DFS) for two-qubit systems. Specifically, we both collectively and noncollectively decohere entangled polarization-encoded two-qubit states using thick birefringent crystals. These results characterize the basis-dependent effect of decoherence on the four Bell states, the robustness of the DFS state against perturbations in the assumption of collective decoherence, and the existence of a DFS for each type of stable noncollective decoherence. Finally, we investigate the effects of collective and noncollective dissipation.
RESUMEN
Complete and precise characterization of a quantum dynamical process can be achieved via the method of quantum process tomography. Using a source of correlated photons, we have implemented several methods, each investigating a wide range of processes, e.g., unitary, decohering, and polarizing. One of these methods, ancilla-assisted process tomography (AAPT), makes use of an additional "ancilla system," and we have theoretically determined the conditions when AAPT is possible. Surprisingly, entanglement is not required. We present data obtained using both separable and entangled input states. The use of entanglement yields superior results, however.
RESUMEN
Using spontaneous parametric down-conversion, we produce polarization-entangled states of two photons and characterize them using two-photon tomography to measure the density matrix. A controllable decoherence is imposed on the states by passing the photons through thick, adjustable birefringent elements. When the system is subject to collective decoherence, one particular entangled state is seen to be decoherence-free, as predicted by theory. Such decoherence-free systems may have an important role for the future of quantum computation and information processing.