The characterization of quantum features in large Hilbert spaces is a crucial requirement for testing quantum protocols. In the continuous variables encoding, quantum homodyne tomography requires an amount of measurements that increases exponentially with the number of involved modes, which practically makes the protocol intractable even with few modes. Here we introduce a new technique, based on a machine learning protocol with artificial Neural Networks, that allows to directly detect negativity of the Wigner function for multimode quantum states. We test the procedure on a whole class of numerically simulated multimode quantum states for which the Wigner function is known analytically. We demonstrate that the method is fast, accurate and more robust than conventional methods when limited amounts of data are available. Moreover the method is applied to an experimental multimode quantum state, for which an additional test of resilience to losses is carried out.
Wigner negativity, as a well-known indicator of nonclassicality, plays an essential role in quantum computing and simulation using continuous-variable systems. Recently, it has been proven that Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering is a prerequisite to generate Wigner negativity between two remote modes. Motivated by the demand of real-world quantum network, here we investigate the shareability of generated Wigner negativity in the multipartite scenario from a quantitative perspective. By establishing a monogamy relation akin to the generalized Coffman-Kundu-Wootters inequality, we show that the am…
We analyze two two-mode continuous variable separable states with the same marginal states. We adopt the definition of classicality in the form of well-defined positive Wigner function describing the state and find that although the states possess positive local Wigner functions, they exhibit negative Wigner functions for the global states. Using the negativity of Wigner function as an indicator of nonclassicality, we show that despite these states possess different negativities of the Wigner function, they do not reveal this difference as phase space nonclassicalities such as negativity of th…
The presence of unique quantum correlations is the core of quantum information processing and general quantum theory. We address the fundamental question of how quantum correlations of a generic quantum system can be probed using correlation functions defined for quasiprobability distributions. In particular we discuss the possibility of probing the negativity of a quasiprobability by comparing moments of the Wigner function. We show that one must take at least the fourth moments to find the negativity in general and the eighth moments for states with a rotationally invariant Wigner function.
In a numerical study, we investigate the steady-state generation of nonclassical states of light from a coherently driven two-level atom in a one-dimensional waveguide. Specifically, we look for states with a negative Wigner function, since such nonclassical states are a resource for quantum information processing applications, including quantum computing. We find that a waveguide terminated by a mirror at the position of the atom can provide Wigner-negative states, while an infinite waveguide yields strictly positive Wigner functions. Moreover, our investigation reveals a connection between t…
We study the behaviour of the Negativity of Wigner Function (NWF) as a measure of entanglement in non-Gaussian states under quantum polarisation converter devices. We analyze comparatively this quantity with other measures of entanglement in a system prepared in a superposition of two-mode coherent states. We show that the (WF) can be identified as a quantifier of non-Gaussian entanglement.
The negativity of a given state's Wigner function has been proposed as a measure of quantumness of that state in a unipartite system. This otherwise physically intuitive and useful phase-space measure however does not yield the right correspondence principle limit, and also turns out to yield infinite values for the infinite square well. We show that both these issues can be sensibly resolved using coarse-graining of the Wigner function.
Non-Gaussian states with Wigner negativity are of particular interest in quantum technology due to their potential applications in quantum computing and quantum metrology. However, how to create such states at a remote location remains a challenge, which is important for efficiently distributing quantum resource between distant nodes in a network. Here, we experimentally prepare optical non-Gaussian state with negative Wigner function at a remote node via local non-Gaussian operation and shared Gaussian entangled state existing quantum steering. By performing photon subtraction on one mode, Wi…
Non-Gaussian quantum states, described by negative valued Wigner functions, are important both for fundamental tests of quantum physics and for emerging quantum information technologies. However, they are vulnerable to dissipation. It is known, that the Wigner functions negativity could exist only if the overall quantum efficiency $η$ of the setup is higher than 1/2. Here we prove that this condition is not only necessary but also a sufficient one: the negativity always persists while this condition is fulfilled. At the same time, in the case of bright (multi-photon) non-Gaussian quantum state…
A measure of nonclassicality of quantum states based on the volume of the negative part of the Wigner function is proposed. We analyze this quantity for Fock states, squeezed displaced Fock states and cat-like states defined as coherent superposition of two Gaussian wave packets.
Contextuality and negativity of the Wigner function are two notions of non-classicality for quantum systems. Howard, Wallman, Veitch and Emerson proved recently that these two notions coincide for qudits in odd prime dimension. This equivalence is particularly important since it promotes contextuality as a ressource that magic states must possess in order to allow for a quantum speed-up. We propose a simple proof of the equivalence between contextuality and negativity of the Wigner function based on character theory. This simplified approach allows us to generalize this equivalence to multiple…
We describe a universal scheme of quantum computation by state injection on rebits (states with real density matrices). For this scheme, we establish contextuality and Wigner function negativity as computational resources, extending results of [M. Howard et al., Nature 510, 351--355 (2014)] to two-level systems. For this purpose, we define a Wigner function suited to systems of $n$ rebits, and prove a corresponding discrete Hudson's theorem. We introduce contextuality witnesses for rebit states, and discuss the compatibility of our result with state-independent contextuality.
One of the central foundational questions of physics is to identify what makes a system quantum as opposed to classical. One seminal notion of classicality of a quantum system is the existence of a non-contextual hidden variable model as introduced in the early work by Bell, Kochen and Specker. In quantum optics, the non-negativity of the Wigner function is a ubiquitous notion of classicality. In this work we establish an equivalence between these two concepts. In particular, we show that any non-contextual hidden variable model for Gaussian quantum optics has an alternative non-negative Wigne…
The nonclassicality of simple spin systems as measured by Wigner negativity is studied on a spherical phase space. Several SU(2)-covariant states with common qubit representations are addressed: spin coherent, spin cat (GHZ/N00N), and Dicke ($\textsf{W}$). We derive a bound on the Wigner negativity of spin cat states that rapidly approaches the true value as spin increases beyond $j \gtrsim 5$. We find that spin cat states are not significantly Wigner-negative relative to their Dicke state counterparts of equal dimension. We also find, in contrast to several entanglement measures, that the mos…
The output field from a continuously driven linear parametric oscillator may exhibit considerably more squeezing than the intracavity field. Inspired by this fact, we explore the nonclassical features of the steady-state output field of a driven nonlinear Kerr parametric oscillator using a temporal wave packet mode description. Utilizing a new numerical method, we have access to the density matrix of arbitrary wave packet modes. Remarkably, we find that even though the steady-state cavity field is always characterized by a positive Wigner function, the output may exhibit Wigner negativity, dep…
We describe a scheme of quantum computation with magic states on qubits for which contextuality is a necessary resource possessed by the magic states. More generally, we establish contextuality as a necessary resource for all schemes of quantum computation with magic states on qubits that satisfy three simple postulates. Furthermore, we identify stringent consistency conditions on such computational schemes, revealing the general structure by which negativity of Wigner functions, hardness of classical simulation of the computation, and contextuality are connected.
In a recent paper, Tilma, Everitt {\it et al.} derived a generalized Wigner function that can characterize both the discrete and continuous variable states, i.e., hybrid states. As such, one can expect that the negativity of the generalized Wigner function applied to the hybrid states can reveal their nonclassicality, in analogy with the well-known Wigner function defined for the continuous variable states. In this work, we demonstrate that, indeed, the negativity volume of the generalized Wigner function of the hybrid bipartite states can be used as an entanglement witness for such states, pr…
Tomographic probability representation of multimode electromagnetic field states in the scheme of center-of-mass tomography is reviewed. Both connection of the field state Wigner function and observable Weyl symbols with the center-of-mass tomograms as well as connection of Grönewold kernel with the center-of-mass tomographic kernel determining the noncommutative product of the tomograms are obtained. The dual center-of-mass tomogram of the photon states are constructed and the dual tomographic kernel is obtained. The models of other generalised center-of-mass tomographies are discussed. Examp…
We develop a resource theory for continuous-variable systems grounded on operations routinely available within current quantum technologies. In particular, the set of free operations is convex and includes quadratic transformations and conditional coarse-grained measurements. The present theory lends itself to quantify both quantum non-Gaussianity and Wigner negativity as resources, depending on the choice of the free-state set --- i.e., the convex hull of Gaussian states or the states with positive Wigner function, respectively. After showing that the theory admits no maximally resourceful st…
Optimizing Wigner Negativity in Scattering Processes Using Energetic Cost Functions
MajuLab, CNRS-UCA-SU-NUS-NTU International Joint Research Laboratory（MajuLab，CNRS-UCA-SU-NUS-NTU国际联合研究实验室）；Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore（新加坡国立大学量子技术中心）；School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University（南洋理工大学物理与数学科学学院）；Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LPCT（洛林大学，法国国家科学研究中心，LPCT）
We applied the Thermofield Dynamics formalism to analyze how the non-classical properties of the Bell-Cat states are influenced by a gradual change of temperature values, in a thermal equilibrium system. To this purpose we calculate the thermal Wigner functions for these states, whose negative volume is associated with non-classical properties, and we evaluate how these non-classical features vary with temperature. Our results indicate that these properties are almost absent for temperatures of around $2\mathrm{K}$.
In this paper we consider multimode multiphoton Jaynes-Cummings model, which consists of a two-level atom, initially prepared in an excited atomic state, interacting with $N$ modes of electromagnetic field prepared in general pure quantum states. For this system we show that under certain conditions the evolution of the Wigner function at the phase space origin provides direct information on the corresponding atomic inversion. This relation is also valid even if the system includes Kerr-like nonlinearity, Stark shift effect, different types of the initial atomic state as well as moving atom. F…
Discriminating between quantum computing architectures that can provide quantum advantage from those that cannot is of crucial importance. From the fundamental point of view, establishing such a boundary is akin to pinpointing the resources for quantum advantage; from the technological point of view, it is essential for the design of non-trivial quantum computing architectures. Wigner negativity is known to be a necessary resource for computational advantage in several quantum-computing architectures, including those based on continuous variables (CVs). However, it is not a sufficient resource…
Non-Gaussian operations are essential to exploit the quantum advantages in optical continuous variable quantum information protocols. We focus on mode-selective photon addition and subtraction as experimentally promising processes to create multimode non-Gaussian states. Our approach is based on correlation functions, as is common in quantum statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics, mixed with quantum optics tools. We formulate an analytical expression of the Wigner function after subtraction or addition of a single photon, for arbitrarily many modes. It is used to demonstrate entang…
Continuous-wave (CW) squeezed light is used in generation of various optical quantum states thus is a fundamental resource of fault-tolerant universal quantum computation using optical continuous variables. To realize a practical quantum computer, a waveguide optical parametric amplifier (OPA) is an attractive CW squeezed light source in terms of its THz-order bandwidth and suitability for modularization. The usages of a waveguide OPA in quantum applications thus far, however, are limited due to the difficulty of the generation of the squeezed light with a high purity. In this paper, we report…
We derive sampling functions for estimation of quantum state fidelity with Schrödinger cat-like states, which are defined as superpositions of two coherent states with opposite amplitudes. We also provide sampling functions for fidelity with squeezed Fock states that can approximate the cat-like states and can be generated from Gaussian squeezed states by conditional photon subtraction. The fidelities can be determined by averaging the sampling functions over quadrature statistics measured by homodyne detection. The sampling functions are designed such that they can compensate for losses and i…
Nonclassicality, entanglement, as well as dimensionality of a noisy twin beam are determined using characteristic function of the beam written in the Fock basis. One-to-one correspondence between the negativity quantifying entanglement and the nonclassicality depth is revealed. Twin beams, which are either entangled or nonclassical (independent of their entanglement), are observed only for the limited degrees of noise that degrades their quantumness. Dimensionality of the twin beam quantified by the participation ratio is compared with the dimensionality of entanglement determined from the neg…
Negativity of the Wigner function is seen as a crucial resource for reaching a quantum computational advantage with continuous variable systems. However, these systems, while they allow for the deterministic generation of large entangle states, require an extra element such as photon subtraction to obtain such negativity. Photon subtraction is known to affect modes beyond the one where the photon is subtracted, an effect which is governed by the correlations of the state. In this manuscript, we build upon this effect to remotely prepare states with Wigner-negativity. More specifically, we show…
Motivated by quantum experiments with nanomechanical systems, the evolution of a Kerr oscillator with focus on creation of states with a negative Wigner function is investigated. Using the phase space formalism, results are presented that demonstrate an asymptotic behavior in the large squeezing regime for the negativity of a squeezed vacuum state under unitary evolution. The analysis and model are extended to squeezed vacuum states of open systems, adding the decoherence effects of damping and dephasing. To increase experimental relevance, the regime of strong damping is considered. These eff…
The quantum backflow effect is a counterintuitive behavior of the probability current of a free particle, which may be negative even for states with vanishing negative momentum component. Here we address the notion of nonclassicality arising from the backflow effect, i.e. from the negativity of the probability current, and analyze its relationships with the notion of nonclassicality based on the negativity of the Wigner function. Our results suggest that backflow is linked to a different, and in fact more restrictive, notion of nonclassicality, the negativity of the Wigner function being only …
Negativity of the Wigner function is arguably one of the most striking non-classical features of quantum states. Beyond its fundamental relevance, it is also a necessary resource for quantum speedup with continuous variables. As quantum technologies emerge, the need to identify and characterize the resources which provide an advantage over existing classical technologies becomes more pressing. Here we derive witnesses for Wigner negativity of single-mode and multimode quantum states, based on fidelities with Fock states, which can be reliably measured using standard detection setups. They poss…
Teleportation is a basic primitive for quantum communication and quantum computing. We address the problem of continuous-variable (unconditional and conditional) teleportation of a pure single-photon state and a mixed attenuated single-photon state generally in a nonunity gain regime. Our figure of merit is the maximum of negativity of the Wigner function that witnesses highly non-classical feature of the teleported state. We find that negativity of the Wigner function of the single-photon state can be {\em unconditionally} teleported for arbitrarily weak squeezed state used to create the enta…
Particle distributions in squeezed states, even and odd coherent states are given in terms of multivariable Hermite polynomials. The Q--function and Wigner function for nonclassical field states are discussed.
We studied the effect of delocalized single-photon addition (DPA) on two input modes containing four cases: two independent coherent states (CSs), two independent thermal states (TSs), two independent single-mode squeezed vacuums (SVs), and an entangled two-mode squeezed vacuum (TMSV). In essence, four types of new non-Gaussian entangled light states are generated. We studied three different resources (including entanglement, discorrelation and Wigner negativity) for each two-mode light state. The output states after DPA are entangled, with more parameters and complex structures, characterizin…
Highly nonclassical character of optical quantum detectors, such as single-photon detectors, is essential for preparation of quantum states of light and a vast majority of applications in quantum metrology and quantum information processing. Therefore, it is both fundamentally interesting and practically relevant to investigate the nonclassical features of optical quantum measurements. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a procedure for direct certification of quantum non-Gaussianity and Wigner function negativity, two crucial nonclassicality levels, of photonic quantum detectors. R…
Even though Gaussian quantum states of multimode light are promising quantum resources due to their scalability, non-Gaussianity is indispensable for quantum technologies, in particular to reach quantum computational advantage. However, embodying non-Gaussianity in a multimode Gaussian state remains a challenge as controllable non-Gaussian operations are hard to implement in a multimode scenario. Here, we report the first generation of non-Gaussian quantum states of a multimode light field by subtracting a photon in a desired mode from multimode Gaussian states, and observe negativity of the W…
For an ergodic system, the time average of a classical observable coincides with that obtained via the Liouville probability density, a delta-function on the energy shell. Reinterpreting this distribution as a Wigner function, that is, the Weyl representation of a density operator, the quantum ergodic conjecture identifies this classical construction as an approximate representation of the quantum eigenstate of the same energy. It is found that this reasonable hypothesis, as far as expectations for observables are concerned, does not satisfy the requirement of positivity, so that the delta-fun…
The use of quantum information in technology promises to supersede the so-called classical devices used nowadays. Understanding what features are inherently non-classical is crucial for reaching better-than-classical performance. This thesis focuses on two nonclassical behaviours: quantum contextuality and Wigner negativity. The former is a notion superseding nonlocality that can be exhibited by quantum systems. To date, it has mostly been studied in discrete-variable scenarios. In those scenarios, contextuality has been shown to be necessary and sufficient for advantages in some cases. On the…
We study the properties of the discrete Wigner distribution for two qubits introduced by Wotters. In particular, we analyze the entanglement properties within the Wigner distribution picture by considering the negativity of the Wigner function (WF) and the correlations of the marginal distribution. We show that a state is entangled if at least one among the values assumed by the corresponding discrete WF is smaller than a certain critical (negative) value. Then, based on the Partial Transposition criterion, we establish the relation between the separability of a density matrix and the non-nega…
We investigate high-order harmonics spectra radiated from a two-level model system driven by strong, ultrabroadband half- and single-cycle pulses, which are shorter than the inverse of the transition frequency. In this driving regime, the plateau in frequency spectra typical for radiation from strongly driven systems, has noticeable modulation in amplitude due to interference between waves of a same frequency and emitted at different time instants. Specifically, there is a characteristic `dips' structure at a set of frequencies in the radiation spectra, where the corresponding amplitudes are s…
