Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
09:10
Fabrication and Testing of Microfluidic Optomechanical Oscillators
Published on: May 29, 2014
12.6K
Engineering Continuous-Variable Entanglement in Mechanical Oscillators with Optimal Control
Maverick J Millican1,2,3, Vassili G Matsos1,2, Christophe H Valahu1,2,3
1University of Sydney, School of Physics, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
Physical Review Letters
|December 19, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a quantum control method to deterministically create entangled harmonic oscillator states in trapped ions. This technique successfully generated continuous-variable entanglement, verified by violating Bell
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Deterministic preparation of entangled states is crucial for quantum information processing.
- Trapped ions offer a robust platform for studying quantum phenomena.
- Continuous-variable (CV) entanglement in harmonic oscillators is a key resource for quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an optimal quantum control strategy for deterministic preparation of entangled harmonic oscillator states.
- To verify continuous-variable entanglement using established criteria.
- To showcase the method's flexibility by preparing non-Gaussian entangled states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dynamical phase modulation of laser-driven Jaynes-Cummings and anti-Jaynes-Cummings interactions.
- Prepared two-mode squeezed vacuum states in the motional degrees of freedom of trapped ions.
- Characterized quantum states using phase-space tomography.
Main Results:
- Successfully prepared entangled harmonic oscillator states in trapped ions.
- Verified continuous-variable entanglement with an Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entanglement parameter of 0.0132(7), surpassing the threshold of 0.25.
- Performed a continuous-variable Bell test, violating the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality with a measurement of 2.26(3), exceeding the threshold of 2.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated quantum control strategy enables deterministic preparation of entangled harmonic oscillator states.
- The method provides a robust platform for generating and verifying continuous-variable entanglement in trapped ions.
- The technique's flexibility allows for the creation of non-Gaussian entangled states, expanding quantum state engineering possibilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:24One-Degree-of-Freedom System
767
In mechanical engineering, one-degree-of-freedom systems form the basis of a wide range of electrical and mechanical components. Using these models, engineers can predict the behavior of various parts in a larger system, which gives them insight into how different forces interact with each other.
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a...
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a...
767
01:04Oscillations about an Equilibrium Position
6.6K
Stability is an important concept in oscillation. If an equilibrium point is stable, a slight disturbance of an object that is initially at the stable equilibrium point will cause the object to oscillate around that point. For an unstable equilibrium point, if the object is disturbed slightly, it will not return to the equilibrium point. There are three conditions for equilibrium points—stable, unstable, and half-stable. A half-stable equilibrium point is also unstable, but is named so...
6.6K
01:10Control Systems
1.8K
Control systems are everywhere in contemporary society, influencing diverse applications from aerospace to automated manufacturing. These systems can be found naturally within biological processes, such as blood sugar regulation and heart rate adjustment in response to stress, as well as in man-made systems like elevators and automated vehicles. A control system is essentially a network of subsystems and processes that collaboratively convert specific inputs into desired outputs.
At the heart...
At the heart...
1.8K
01:30Oscillations In An LC Circuit
3.0K
An idealized LC circuit of zero resistance can oscillate without any source of emf by shifting the energy stored in the circuit between the electric and magnetic fields. In such an LC circuit, if the capacitor contains a charge q before the switch is closed, then all the energy of the circuit is initially stored in the electric field of the capacitor. This energy is given by
3.0K
01:06Forced Oscillations
7.6K
When an oscillator is forced with a periodic driving force, the motion may seem chaotic. The motions of such oscillators are known as transients. After the transients die out, the oscillator reaches a steady state, where the motion is periodic, and the displacement is determined.
7.6K
01:07Damped Oscillations
6.7K
In the real world, oscillations seldom follow true simple harmonic motion. A system that continues its motion indefinitely without losing its amplitude is termed undamped. However, friction of some sort usually dampens the motion, so it fades away or needs more force to continue. For example, a guitar string stops oscillating a few seconds after being plucked. Similarly, one must continually push a swing to keep a child swinging on a playground.
Although friction and other non-conservative...
Although friction and other non-conservative...
6.7K