Abstract:

Quantum mechanics allows for the realization of optimized measurements based on photon counting for the discrimination of nonorthogonal coherent states able to surpass the conventional limits of detection, such as the homodyne and heterodyne limits. Such measurements have a large potential for increasing sensitivities and information transfer in communications and for information processing. In this talk I will describe our current work in the problem of generalized measurements for coherent state discrimination. We implement an optimal inconclusive measurement for binary coherent states [1], a non-projective measurement that allows for achieving the lowest probability of error for a given rate of inconclusive results. This measurement encompasses standard measurement paradigms for state discrimination, specifically minimum error and unambiguous discrimination, and allows to transition between them in an optimal way. [1] M. T. DiMario, F. E. Becerra, Npj Quantum Inf. 8 (1), 1-8.

Authors: Francisco Elohim Becerra Chávez, The University of New Mexico

Biography:

Dr. Francisco Elohim Becerra received his M.S. in 2005 and his Ph.D. in 2009 in Physics at the Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Avanzados, Mexico. He performed his Ph.D. research at the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) at the University of Maryland in the area of quantum optics with atomic ensembles. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, from 2010 to 2013 performing research in quantum measurements and nonconventional detection methods. In 2013, he joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM) as an Assistant Professor. His current research involves quantum measurements of light for efficient communications, and quantum optics and atom-photon interfaces for long distance quantum commu.