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Quantum non-Gaussian Depth of Single-Photon States
Ivo Straka1, Ana Predojević2, Tobias Huber2
1Department of Optics, Palacký University, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Physical Review Letters
|December 11, 2014
Summary
We introduce a new measure, non-Gaussian depth, to quantify the resilience of single-photon states against optical loss. This quantum non-Gaussianity measure proves robust, remaining unchanged even with significant signal attenuation.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Quantum information science
Background:
- Single-photon states are crucial for quantum technologies.
- Characterizing non-Gaussian properties of quantum states is essential.
- Existing measures of non-Gaussianity can be fragile to photon loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce and experimentally validate the concept of non-Gaussian depth for single-photon states.
- Quantify the robustness of quantum non-Gaussianity against optical losses.
- Compare the resilience of different nonclassical single-photon sources.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical formulation of non-Gaussian depth.
- Experimental generation and characterization of single-photon states.
- Controlled optical attenuation to test state robustness.
- Witnessing quantum non-Gaussianity and nonclassicality.
Main Results:
- The non-Gaussian depth of single-photon states with positive Wigner functions was experimentally explored.
- Quantum non-Gaussianity demonstrated a robustness of 18 dB against optical loss.
- Nonclassicality of the states remained unaffected by attenuation.
- Non-Gaussian depth proved more resilient than Wigner function negativity.
Conclusions:
- Non-Gaussian depth is a robust and experimentally accessible measure of quantum non-Gaussianity.
- This quantity effectively distinguishes between different nonclassical single-photon sources.
- The findings offer a practical tool for assessing the quality of quantum states in lossy environments.
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