Luca Innocenti

Suppression law of quantum states in a 3D photonic fast Fourier transform chip

The identification of phenomena able to pinpoint quantum interference is attracting large interest. Indeed, a generalization of the Hong–Ou–Mandel effect valid for any number of photons and optical modes would represent an important leap ahead both from a fundamental perspective and for practical applications, such as certification of photonic quantum devices, whose computational speedup is expected to depend critically on multi-particle interference. Quantum distinctive features have been predicted for many particles injected into multimode interferometers implementing the Fourier transform over the optical modes. Here we develop a scalable approach for the implementation of the fast Fourier transform algorithm using three-dimensional photonic integrated interferometers, fabricated via femtosecond laser writing technique. We observe the suppression law for a large number of output states with four- and eight-mode optical circuits: the experimental results demonstrate genuine quantum interference between the injected photons, thus offering a powerful tool for diagnostic of photonic platforms.

Experimental generalized quantum suppression law in Sylvester interferometers

Photonic interference is a key quantum resource for optical quantum computation, and in particular for so-called boson sampling machines. In interferometers with certain symmetries, genuine multiphoton quantum interference effectively suppresses certain sets of events, as in the original Hong-Ou-Mandel effect. Recently, it was shown that some classical and semi-classical models could be ruled out by identifying such suppressions in Fourier interferometers. Here we propose a suppression law suitable for random-input experiments in multimode Sylvester interferometers, and verify it experimentally using 4- and 8-mode integrated interferometers. The observed suppression is stronger than what is observed in Fourier interferometers of the same size, and could be relevant to certification of boson sampling machines and other experiments relying on bosonic interference.

Generalized suppression law for validation of Boson Sampling

Recently, interference of multi-particle states has raised a strong interest in the scientific community, since it is believed to be at the very heart of post-classical computation. In this context, Boson Sampling [1] devices exploit multi-photon interference effects to provide evidence of a superior quantum computational power with current state-of-the-art technology. Thus, the capability to correctly certify the presence of multi-particle interference and find optimal platforms, becomes a crucial task because is expected to find numerous applications in photonic quantum information as a diagnostic tool for quantum optical devices.

Quantum state engineering using one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks

Quantum state preparation in high-dimensional systems is an essential requirement for many quantum-technology applications. The engineering of an arbitrary quantum state is, however, typically strongly dependent on the experimental platform chosen for implementation, and a general framework is still missing. Here we show that coined quantum walks on a line, which represent a framework general enough to encompass a variety of different platforms, can be used for quantum state engineering of arbitrary superpositions of the walkers sites. We achieve this goal by identifying a set of conditions that fully characterize the reachable states in the space comprising walker and coin, and providing a method to efficiently compute the corresponding set of coin parameters. We assess the feasibility of our proposal by identifying a linear optics experiment based on photonic orbital angular momentum technology.

Seeded FEL with two energy level electron beam distribution at SPARC_LAB

We present the experimental evidence of the generation of coherent and statistically stable Free-Electron Laser (FEL) two color radiation obtained by seeding an electron double peaked beam in time and energy with a single peaked laser pulse. The FEL radiation presents two neat spectral lines, with time delay, frequency separation and relative intensity that can be accurately controlled. The analysis of the emission shows a temporal coherence and regularity in frequency significantly enhanced with respect to the Self Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE).

6D electron beam diagnostics at SPARC_LAB

To create very short electron bunches or comb-like beams, able to drive a SASE-FEL, to produce THz radiation, or to drive a plasma beam driven accelerator is needed advanced phase space manipulation. The characterization of the 6D phase space is of paramount importance in order to verify that the beam parameters fulfill the expectation. At SPARCLAB we have integrated several longitudinal and transverse beam diagnostics for single bunch or for a train of comb-like bunches at THz repetition rate. Longitudinal diagnostic is based on RF deflecting cavity and a dispersive element. Quadrupole scan technique is used to measure the transverse emittance in single bunch mode or in conjunction respectively with a dipole, to separate beams of different energy, and RF deflector, to discriminates bunches with different time of arrival.

Operational experience on the generation and control of high brightness electron bunch trains at SPARC-LAB

Sub-picosecond, high-brightness electron bunch trains are routinely produced at SPARC-LAB via the velocity bunching technique. Such bunch trains can be used to drive multi-color Free Electron Lasers (FELs) and plasma wake field accelerators. In this paper we present recent results at SPARC-LAB on the generation of such beams, highlighting the key points of our scheme. We will discuss also the on-going machine upgrades to allow driving FELs with plasma accelerated beams or with short electron pulses at an increased energy.