Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-2021

Abstract

Conventional measurement technology is unable to extract the most amount of information possible from coherent states of light. Non-Gaussian measurements which can count individual photons can surpass the sensitivity limits of ideal conventional strategies, and approach the ultimate limits achievable given by quantum mechanics. This thesis presents investigations and demonstrations of these unconventional measurements, which utilize coherent operations and single photon counting. This thesis shows that non-Gaussian measurements can outperform conventional strategies in estimation tasks as well as a variety of communication problems. This thesis also investigates novel approaches and algorithms for building robustness to static and dynamic noise which is present in realistic implementations, a critical barrier to transitioning non-Gaussian measurements out of the lab. Overall, this thesis aims to show that the single photon counting can be leveraged to implement measurements that operate at sensitivities which are inaccessible to current technology.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Francisco Elohim Becerra-Chavez

Second Committee Member

Ivan Deutsch

Third Committee Member

Keith Lidke

Fourth Committee Member

Alberto Marino

Language

English

Keywords

Quantum optics, optical communication, single photon, quantum information

Document Type

Dissertation

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