We analyze how the performance of a quantum-repeater network depends on the protocol employed to distribute entanglement, and we find that the choice of repeater-to-repeater link protocol has a profound impact on communication rate as a function of h
ardware parameters. We develop numerical simulations of quantum networks using different protocols, where the repeater hardware is modeled in terms of key performance parameters, such as photon generation rate and collection efficiency. These parameters are motivated by recent experimental demonstrations in quantum dots, trapped ions, and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. We find that a quantum-dot repeater with the newest protocol (MidpointSource) delivers the highest communication rate when there is low probability of establishing entanglement per transmission, and in some cases the rate is orders of magnitude higher than other schemes. Our simulation tools can be used to evaluate communication protocols as part of designing a large-scale quantum network.
We consider dynamical decoupling schemes in which the qubit is continuously manipulated by a control field at all times. Building on the theory of the Uhrig Dynamical Decoupling sequence (UDD) and its connections to Chebyshev polynomials, we derive a
method of always-on control by expressing the UDD control field as a Fourier series. We then truncate this series and numerically optimize the series coefficients for decoupling, constructing the CAFE (Chebyshev and Fourier Expansion) sequence. This approach generates a bounded, continuous control field. We simulate the decoupling effectiveness of our sequence vs. a continuous version of UDD for a qubit coupled to fully-quantum and semi-classical dephasing baths and find comparable performance. We derive filter functions for continuous-control decoupling sequences, and we assess how robust such sequences are to noise on control fields. The methods we employ provide a variety of tools to analyze continuous-control dynamical decoupling sequences.
We analyze the effects of hyperfine interactions on coherent control experiments in triple quantum dots. By exploiting Hamiltonian symmetries and the SU(3) structure of the triple-dot system under pseudo-exchange and longitudinal hyperfine couplings,
we provide analytic formulae for the hyperfine decay of triple-dot Rabi and dephasing experiments.
We report on the optical investigation of single electron spins bound to fluorine donor impurities in ZnSe. Measurements of photon antibunching establish the presence of single, isolated optical emitters, and magneto-optical studies are consistent wi
th the presence of an exciton bound to the spin-impurity complex. The isolation of this single donor-bound exciton complex and its potential homogeneity offer promising prospects for a scalable semiconductor qubit with an optical interface.
Quantum mechanics---the theory describing the fundamental workings of nature---is famously counterintuitive: it predicts that a particle can be in two places at the same time, and that two remote particles can be inextricably and instantaneously link
ed. These predictions have been the topic of intense metaphysical debate ever since the theorys inception early last century. However, supreme predictive power combined with direct experimental observation of some of these unusual phenomena leave little doubt as to its fundamental correctness. In fact, without quantum mechanics we could not explain the workings of a laser, nor indeed how a fridge magnet operates. Over the last several decades quantum information science has emerged to seek answers to the question: can we gain some advantage by storing, transmitting and processing information encoded in systems that exhibit these unique quantum properties? Today it is understood that the answer is yes. Many research groups around the world are working towards one of the most ambitious goals humankind has ever embarked upon: a quantum computer that promises to exponentially improve computational power for particular tasks. A number of physical systems, spanning much of modern physics, are being developed for this task---ranging from single particles of light to superconducting circuits---and it is not yet clear which, if any, will ultimately prove successful. Here we describe the latest developments for each of the leading approaches and explain what the major challenges are for the future.
Excitons bound to flourine atoms in ZnSe have the potential for several quantum optical applications. Examples include optically accessible quantum memories for quantum information processing and lasing without inversion. These applications require t
he bound-exciton transitions to be coupled to cavities with high cooperativity factors, which results in the experimental observation of low-threshold lasing. We report such lasing from fluorine-doped ZnSe quantum wells in 3 and 6 micron microdisk cavities. Photoluminescence and selective photoluminescence spectroscopy confirm that the lasing is due to bound-exciton transitions.
