David Edward Bruschi

Unruh effect in quantum information beyond the single-mode approximation

We address the validity of the single-mode approximation that is commonly invoked in the analysis of entanglement in noninertial frames and in other relativistic quantum-information scenarios. We show that the single-mode approximation is not valid for arbitrary states, finding corrections to previous studies beyond such approximations in the bosonic and fermionic cases. We also exhibit a class of wave packets for which the single-mode approximation is justified subject to the peaking constraints set by an appropriate Fourier transform.

Voyage to Alpha Centauri: Entanglement degradation of cavity modes due to motion

School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom(Dated: May 2011)Mode entanglement between inertial and uniformly accelerated cavities in Minkowski space ispreserved in time. We show that the entanglement for a massless scalar field in (1 + 1) dimensionsis degraded between Dirichlet cavities on generic trajectories, with a periodic dependence on thedurations of any inertial or uniformly accelerated segments. We give an analytic method for graftinginertial and uniformly accelerated segments for small accelerations, and we present explicit results forsample travel scenarios. Relevance of the results for proposed space-based experiments is discussed.

Quantum metrology for relativistic quantum fields

In quantum metrology quantum properties such as squeezing and entanglement are exploited in the design of a new generation of clocks, sensors and other measurement devices that can outperform their classical counterparts. Applications of great technological relevance lie in the precise measurement of parameters which play a central role in relativity, such as proper accelerations, relative distances, time and gravitational field strengths. In this paper we generalise recently introduced techniques to estimate physical quantities within quantum field theory in flat and curved space-time. We consider a bosonic quantum field that undergoes a generic transformation, which encodes the parameter to be estimated. We present analytical formulas for optimal precision bounds on the estimation of small parameters in terms of Bogoliubov coefficients for single mode and two-mode Gaussian channels.

Phonon creation by gravitational waves

We show that gravitational waves create phonons in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). A traveling spacetime distortion produces particle creation resonances that correspond to the dynamical Casimir effect in a BEC phononic field contained in a cavity-type trap. We propose to use this effect to detect gravitational waves. The amplitude of the wave can be estimated applying recently developed relativistic quantum metrology techniques. We provide the optimal precision bound on the estimation of the waves amplitude. Finally, we show that the parameter regime required to detect gravitational waves with this technique could be, in principle, within experimental reach in a medium-term timescale.

Motion generates entanglement

We demonstrate entanglement generation between mode pairs of a quantum field in a nonuniformly accelerated cavity in Minkowski space-time. The effect is sensitive to the initial state, the choice of the mode pair and bosonic versus fermionic statistics, and it can be stronger by orders of magnitude than the entanglement degradation between a nonuniformly accelerated cavity and an inertial cavity. Detailed results are obtained for massless scalar and spinor fields in (1+1) dimensions. By the equivalence principle, the results provide a model of entanglement generation by gravitational effects.

Spacetime effects on satellite-based quantum communications

We investigate the consequences of space-time being curved on space-based quantum communication protocols. We analyze tasks that require either the exchange of single photons in a certain entanglement distribution protocol or beams of light in a continuous-variable quantum key distribution scheme. We find that gravity affects the propagation of photons, therefore adding additional noise to the channel for the transmission of information. The effects could be measured with current technology.

Relativistic Quantum Metrology: Exploiting relativity to improve quantum measurement technologies

We present a framework for relativistic quantum metrology that is useful for both Earth-based and space-based technologies. Quantum metrology has been so far successfully applied to design precision instruments such as clocks and sensors which outperform classical devices by exploiting quantum properties. There are advanced plans to implement these and other quantum technologies in space, for instance Space-QUEST and Space Optical Clock projects intend to implement quantum communications and quantum clocks at regimes where relativity starts to kick in. However, typical setups do not take into account the effects of relativity on quantum properties. To include and exploit these effects, we introduce techniques for the application of metrology to quantum field theory. Quantum field theory properly incorporates quantum theory and relativity, in particular, at regimes where space-based experiments take place. This framework allows for high precision estimation of parameters that appear in quantum field theory including proper times and accelerations. Indeed, the techniques can be applied to develop a novel generation of relativistic quantum technologies for gravimeters, clocks and sensors. As an example, we present a high precision device which in principle improves the state-of-the-art in quantum accelerometers by exploiting relativistic effects.

Particle and anti-particle bosonic entanglement in non-inertial frames

We analyse the entanglement tradeoff between particle and anti-particle modes of a charged bosonic field between inertial and uniformly accelerated observers. In contrast with previous results for fermionic fields, we find that the entanglement redistribution between particle and antiparticle modes does not prevent the entanglement from vanishing in the infinite acceleration limit.

Fermionic mode entanglement in quantum information

We analyze fermionic modes as fundamental entities for quantum information processing. To this end we construct a density operator formalism on the underlying Fock space and demonstrate how it can be naturally and unambiguously equipped with a notion of subsystems in the absence of a global tensor product structure. We argue that any apparent similarities between fermionic modes and qubits are superficial and can only be applied in limited situations. In particular, we discuss the ambiguities that arise from different treatments of this subject. Our results are independent of the specific context of the fermionic fields as long as the canonical anti-commutation relations are satisfied, e.g., in relativistic quantum fields, or fermionic trapped ions.

Mode-mixing quantum gates and entanglement without particle creation in periodically accelerated cavities

We show that mode-mixing quantum gates can be produced by non- uniform relativistic acceleration. Periodic motion in cavities exhibits a series of resonant conditions producing entangling quantum gates between different frequency modes. The resonant condition associated with particle creation is the main feature of the dynamical Casimir effect which has been recently demonstrated in superconducting circuits. We show that a second resonance, which has attracted less attention since it implies negligible particle production,