No Arabic abstract
We introduce a method that can orthogonalize any pure continuous variable quantum state, i.e. generate a state $|psi_perp>$ from $|psi>$ where $<psi|psi_perp> = 0$, which does not require significant a priori knowledge of the input state. We illustrate how to achieve orthogonalization using the Jaynes-Cummings or beam-splitter interaction, which permits realization in a number of systems. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to orthogonalize the motional state of a mechanical oscillator in a cavity optomechanics context by developing a set of coherent phonon level operations. As the mechanical oscillator is a stationary system such operations can be performed at multiple times, providing considerable versatility for quantum state engineering applications. Utilizing this, we additionally introduce a method how to transform any known pure state into any desired target state.
In the field of cavity optomechanics, proposals for quantum nondemolition (QND) measurements of phonon number provide a promising avenue by which one can study the quantum nature of nanoscale mechanical resonators. Here, we investigate these QND measurements for an optomechanical system whereby quadratic coupling arises due to shared symmetries between a single optical resonance and a mechanical mode. We establish a relaxed limit on the amount of linear coupling that can exist in this type of system while still allowing for a QND measurement of Fock states. This new condition enables optomechanical QND measurements, which can be used to probe the decoherence of mesoscopic mechanical Fock states, providing an experimental testbed for quantum collapse theories.
Utilizing the tools of quantum optics to prepare and manipulate quantum states of motion of a mechanical resonator is currently one of the most promising routes to explore non-classicality at a macroscopic scale. An important quantum optomechanical tool yet to be experimentally demonstrated is the ability to perform complete quantum state reconstruction. Here, after providing a brief introduction to quantum states in phase space, we review and contrast the current proposals for state reconstruction of mechanical motional states and discuss experimental progress. Furthermore, we show that mechanical quadrature tomography using back-action-evading interactions gives an $s$-parameterized Wigner function where the numerical parameter $s$ is directly related to the optomechanical measurement strength. We also discuss the effects of classical noise in the optical probe for both state reconstruction and state preparation by measurement.
Quantum teleportation, the faithful transfer of an unknown input state onto a remote quantum system, is a key component in long distance quantum communication protocols and distributed quantum computing. At the same time, high frequency nano-optomechanical systems hold great promise as nodes in a future quantum network, operating on-chip at low-loss optical telecom wavelengths with long mechanical lifetimes. Recent demonstrations include entanglement between two resonators, a quantum memory and microwave to optics transduction. Despite these successes, quantum teleportation of an optical input state onto a long-lived optomechanical memory is an outstanding challenge. Here we demonstrate quantum teleportation of a polarization-encoded optical input state onto the joint state of a pair of nanomechanical resonators. Our protocol also allows for the first time to store and retrieve an arbitrary qubit state onto a dual-rail encoded optomechanical quantum memory. This work demonstrates the full functionality of a single quantum repeater node, and presents a key milestone towards applications of optomechanical systems as quantum network nodes.
In recent years, solid-state spin systems have emerged as promising candidates for quantum information processing (QIP). Prominent examples are the Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center in diamond, phosphorous dopants in silicon (Si:P), rare-earth ions in solids and V$_{text{Si}}$-centers in Silicon-carbide (SiC). The Si:P system has demonstrated, that by eliminating the electron spin of the dopant, its nuclear spins can yield exceedingly long spin coherence times. For NV centers, however, a proper charge state for storage of nuclear spin qubit coherence has not been identified yet. Here, we identify and characterize the positively charged NV center as an electron-spin-less and optically inactive state by utilizing the nuclear spin qubit as a probe. We control the electronic charge and spin utilizing nanometer scale gate electrodes. We achieve a lengthening of the nuclear spin coherence times by a factor of 20. Surprisingly, the new charge state allows switching the optical response of single nodes facilitating full individual addressability.
Classical optomechanical systems feature self-sustained oscillations, where multiple periodic orbits at different amplitudes coexist. We study how this multistability is realized in the quantum regime, where new dynamical patterns appear because quantum trajectories can move between different classical orbits. We explain the resulting quantum dynamics from the phase space point of view, and provide a quantitative description in terms of autocorrelation functions. In this way we can identify clear dynamical signatures of the crossover from classical to quantum mechanics in experimentally accessible quantities. Finally, we discuss a possible interpretation of our results in the sense that quantum mechanics protects optomechanical systems against the chaotic dynamics realized in the classical limit.