B. Kraus

Quantum states and phases in driven open quantum systems with cold atoms

An open quantum system, the time evolution of which is governed by a master equation, can be driven into a given pure quantum state by an appropriate design of the coupling between the system and t ...

Information-theoretic security proof for quantum-key-distribution protocols

We present a new technique for proving the security of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. It is based on direct information-theoretic arguments and thus also applies if no equivalent entanglement purification scheme can be found. Using this technique, we investigate a general class of QKD protocols with one-way classical post-processing. We show that, in order to analyze the full security of these protocols, it suffices to consider collective attacks. Indeed, we give new lower and upper bounds on the secret-key rate which only involve entropies of two-qubit density operators and which are thus easy to compute. As an illustration of our results, we analyze the BB84, the six-state, and the B92 protocol with one-way error correction and privacy amplification. Surprisingly, the performance of these protocols is increased if one of the parties adds noise to the measurement data before the error correction. In particular, this additional noise makes the protocols more robust against noise in the quantum channel.

Preparation of entangled states by quantum Markov processes

We investigate the possibility of using a dissipative process to prepare a quantum system in a desired state. We derive for any multipartite pure state a dissipative process for which this state is ...

Optimal creation of entanglement using a two-qubit gate

We consider a general unitary operator acting on two qubits in a product state. We find the conditions such that the state of the qubits after the action is as entangled as possible. We also consider the possibility of using ancilla qubits to increase the entanglement.

Lower and Upper Bounds on the Secret-Key Rate for Quantum Key Distribution Protocols Using One-Way Classical Communication

We investigate a general class of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols using one-way classical communication. We show that full security can be proven by considering only collective attacks. We derive computable lower and upper bounds on the secret-key rate of those QKD protocols involving only entropies of two-qubit density operators. As an illustration of our results, we determine new bounds for the Bennett-Brassard 1984, the 6-state, and the Bennett 1992 protocols. We show that in all these cases the first classical processing that the legitimate partners should apply consists in adding noise.

Discrete entanglement distribution with squeezed light

We show how one can entangle distant atoms by using squeezed light. Entanglement is obtained in steady state, and can be increased by manipulating the atoms locally. We study the effects of imperfections, and show how to scale up the scheme to build a quantum network.

Entangling operations and their implementation using a small amount of entanglement.

We study when a physical operation can produce entanglement between two systems initially disentangled. The formalism we develop allows us to show that one can perform certain nonlocal operations with unit probability by performing local measurement on states that are weakly entangled.

Quantum memory for nonstationary light fields based on controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening

We propose a method for efficient storage and recall of arbitrary nonstationary light fields, such as, for instance, single photon time-bin qubits or intense fields, in optically dense atomic ensembles. Our approach to quantum memory is based on controlled, reversible, inhomogeneous broadening and relies on a hidden time-reversal symmetry of the optical Bloch equations describing the propagation of the light field. We briefly discuss experimental realizations of our proposal.

Characterization of separable states and entanglement witnesses

We provide a canonical form of mixed states in bipartite quantum systems in terms of a convex combination of a separable state and a, so-called, edge state. We construct entanglement witnesses for all edge states. We present a canonical form of nondecomposable entanglement witnesses and the corresponding positive maps. We provide constructive methods for their optimization in a finite number of steps. We present a characterization of separable states using a special class of entanglement witnesses. Finally, we present a nontrivial necessary condition for entanglement witnesses and positive maps to be extremal.

Separability properties of three-mode Gaussian states

We derive a necessary and sufficient condition for the separability of tripartite three-mode Gaussian states that is easy to check for any such state. We give a classification of the separability properties of those systems and show how to determine for any state to which class it belongs. We show that there exist genuinely tripartite bound entangled states and point out how to construct and prepare such states.