Simultaneously sorting overlapping quantum states of light

Abstract

The efficient manipulation, sorting, and measurement of optical modes and single-photon states is fundamental to classical and quantum science. Here, we realise simultaneous and efficient sorting of non-orthogonal, overlapping states of light, encoded in the transverse spatial degree of freedom. We use a specifically designed multi-plane light converter (MPLC) to sort states encoded in dimensions ranging from $d=3$ to $d=7$. Through the use of an auxiliary output mode, the MPLC simultaneously performs the unitary operation required for unambiguous discrimination and the basis change for the outcomes to be spatially separated. Our results lay the groundwork for optimal image identification and classification via optical networks, with potential applications ranging from self-driving cars to quantum communication systems.

References in corpus (12)

• Efficient and mode selective spatial mode multiplexer based on Multi-Plane Light Conversion
• Minimum-error discrimination between mixed quantum states
• Experimental minimum-error quantum-state discrimination in high dimensions
• On the conditions for discrimination between quantum states with minimum error
• State discrimination with error margin and its locality
• Optimal state discrimination with a fixed rate of inconclusive results: Analytical solutions and relation to state discrimination with a fixed error rate
• Noise-Robust and Loss-Tolerant Quantum Steering with Qudits
• Discriminating single-photon states unambiguously in high dimensions
• On single-photon and classical interference
• Enhanced discrimination of high-dimensional quantum states by concatenated optimal measurement strategies
• Discrimination with an error margin among three symmetric states of a qubit
• Parametric separation of symmetric pure quantum states

Cited by in corpus (6)

• Roadmap on spatiotemporal light fields
• Referenceless characterisation of complex media using physics-informed neural networks
• Unveiling the non-Abelian statistics of $D(S_3)$ anyons via photonic simulation
• Self-configuring high-speed multi-plane light conversion
• Building and aligning a 10-plane light converter
• Maximal device-independent randomness in every dimension