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Hoi-Kwong Lo
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We study quantum key distribution with standard weak coherent states and show, rather counter-intuitively, that the detection events originated from vacua can contribute to secure key generation rate, over and above the best prior art result. Our proof is based on a communication complexity/quantum memory argument.
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The path integral over Euclidean geometries for the recently suggested density matrix of the Universe is shown to describe a microcanonical ensemble in quantum cosmology. This ensemble corresponds to a uniform (weight one) distribution in phase space
of true physical variables, but in terms of the observable spacetime geometry it is peaked about complex saddle-points of the {em Lorentzian} path integral. They are represented by the recently obtained cosmological instantons limited to a bounded range of the cosmological constant. Inflationary cosmologies generated by these instantons at late stages of expansion undergo acceleration whose low-energy scale can be attained within the concept of dynamically evolving extra dimensions. Thus, together with the bounded range of the early cosmological constant, this cosmological ensemble suggests the mechanism of constraining the landscape of string vacua and, simultaneously, a possible solution to the dark energy problem in the form of the quasi-equilibrium decay of the microcanonical state of the Universe.
It seems natural to ask why the universe exists at all. Modern physics suggests that the universe can exist all by itself as a self-contained system, without anything external to create or sustain it. But there might not be an absolute answer to why it exists. I argue that any attempt to account for the existence of something rather than nothing must ultimately bottom out in a set of brute facts; the universe simply is, without ultimate cause or explanation.
We consider constraints on primordial black holes (PBHs) in the mass range $( 10^{-18}text{-}10^{15} ),M_{odot}$ if the dark matter (DM) comprises weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) which form halos around them and generate $gamma$-rays by annihilations. We first study the formation of the halos and find that their density profile prior to WIMP annihilations evolves to a characteristic power-law form. Because of the wide range of PBH masses considered, our analysis forges an interesting link between previous approaches to this problem. We then consider the effect of the WIMP annihilations on the halo profile and the associated generation of $gamma$-rays. The observed extragalactic $gamma$-ray background implies that the PBH DM fraction is $f^{}_{rm PBH} lesssim 2 times 10^{-9},( m_{chi} / {rm TeV} )^{1.1}$ in the mass range $2 times 10^{-12},M_{odot},( m_{chi} / {rm TeV} )^{-3.2} lesssim M lesssim 5 times 10^{12},M_{odot},( m_{chi} / {rm TeV} )^{1.1}$, where $m_{chi}$ and $M$ are the WIMP and PBH masses, respectively. This limit is independent of $M$ and therefore applies for any PBH mass function. For $M lesssim 2times 10^{-12},M_{odot},( m_{chi}/ {rm TeV} )^{-3.2}$, the constraint on $f^{}_{rm PBH}$ is a decreasing function of $M$ and PBHs could still make a significant DM contribution at very low masses. We also consider constraints on WIMPs if the DM is mostly PBHs. If the merging black holes recently discovered by LIGO/Virgo are of primordial origin, this would rule out the standard WIMP DM scenario. More generally, the WIMP DM fraction cannot exceed $10^{-4}$ for $M > 10^{-9},M_{odot}$ and $m_{chi} > 10,$GeV. There is a region of parameter space, with $M lesssim 10^{-11},M_{odot}$ and $m_{chi} lesssim 100,$GeV, in which WIMPs and PBHs can both provide some but not all of the DM, so that one requires a third DM candidate.
Measurement is integral to quantum information processing and communication; it is how information encoded in the state of a system is transformed into classical signals for further use. In quantum optics, measurements are typically destructive, so that the state is not available afterwards for further steps - crucial for sequential measurement schemes. The development of practical methods for non-destructive measurements on optical fields is therefore an important topic for future practical quantum information processing systems. Here we show how to measure the presence or absence of the vacuum in a quantum optical field without destroying the state, implementing the ideal projections onto the respective subspaces. This not only enables sequential measurements, useful for quantum communication, but it can also be adapted to create novel states of light via bare raising and lowering operators.
The statistical models used to derive the results of experimental analyses are of incredible scientific value and are essential information for analysis preservation and reuse. In this paper, we make the scientific case for systematically publishing the full statistical models and discuss the technical developments that make this practical. By means of a variety of physics cases -- including parton distribution functions, Higgs boson measurements, effective field theory interpretations, direct searches for new physics, heavy flavor physics, direct dark matter detection, world averages, and beyond the Standard Model global fits -- we illustrate how detailed information on the statistical modelling can enhance the short- and long-term impact of experimental results.
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