Microwave quantum logic gates for trapped ions

Control over physical systems at the quantum level is important in fields as diverse as metrology, information processing, simulation and chemistry. For trapped atomic ions, the quantized motional and internal degrees of freedom can be coherently manipulated with laser light. Similar control is difficult to achieve with radio-frequency or microwave radiation: the essential coupling between internal degrees of freedom and motion requires significant field changes over the extent of the atoms' motion, but such changes are negligible at these frequencies for freely propagating fields. An exception is in the near field of microwave currents in structures smaller than the free-space wavelength, where stronger gradients can be generated. Here we first manipulate coherently (on timescales of 20 nanoseconds) the internal quantum states of ions held in a microfabricated trap. The controlling magnetic fields are generated by microwave currents in electrodes that are integrated into the trap structure. We also generate entanglement between the internal degrees of freedom of two atoms with a gate operation suitable for general quantum computation; the entangled state has a fidelity of 0.76(3), where the uncertainty denotes standard error of the mean. Our approach, which involves integrating the quantum control mechanism into the trapping device in a scalable manner, could be applied to quantum information processing, simulation and spectroscopy.     

Scalable multiparticle entanglement of trapped ions

The generation, manipulation and fundamental understanding of entanglement lies at the very heart of quantum mechanics. Entangled particles are non-interacting but are described by a common wavefunction; consequently, individual particles are not independent of each other and their quantum properties are inextricably interwoven. The intriguing features of entanglement become particularly evident if the particles can be individually controlled and physically separated. However, both the experimental realization and characterization of entanglement become exceedingly difficult for systems with many particles. The main difficulty is to manipulate and detect the quantum state of individual particles as well as to control the interaction between them. So far, entanglement of four ions or five photons has been demonstrated experimentally. The creation of scalable multiparticle entanglement demands a non-exponential scaling of resources with particle number. Among the various kinds of entangled states, the 'W state' plays an important role as its entanglement is maximally persistent and robust even under particle loss. Such states are central as a resource in quantum information processing and multiparty quantum communication. Here we report the scalable and deterministic generation of four-, five-, six-, seven- and eight-particle entangled states of the W type with trapped ions. We obtain the maximum possible information on these states by performing full characterization via state tomography, using individual control and detection of the ions. A detailed analysis proves that the entanglement is genuine. The availability of such multiparticle entangled states, together with full information in the form of their density matrices, creates a test-bed for theoretical studies of multiparticle entanglement. Independently, 'Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger' entangled states with up to six ions have been created and analysed in Boulder.     

Entangled states of trapped atomic ions

To process information using quantum-mechanical principles, the states of individual particles need to be entangled and manipulated. One way to do this is to use trapped, laser-cooled atomic ions. Attaining a general-purpose quantum computer is, however, a distant goal, but recent experiments show that just a few entangled trapped ions can be used to improve the precision of measurements. If the entanglement in such systems can be scaled up to larger numbers of ions, simulations that are intractable on a classical computer might become possible.     

Resonant quantum transitions in trapped antihydrogen atoms

The hydrogen atom is one of the most important and influential model systems in modern physics. Attempts to understand its spectrum are inextricably linked to the early history and development of quantum mechanics. The hydrogen atom's stature lies in its simplicity and in the accuracy with which its spectrum can be measured and compared to theory. Today its spectrum remains a valuable tool for determining the values of fundamental constants and for challenging the limits of modern physics, including the validity of quantum electrodynamics and--by comparison with measurements on its antimatter counterpart, antihydrogen--the validity of CPT (charge conjugation, parity and time reversal) symmetry. Here we report spectroscopy of a pure antimatter atom, demonstrating resonant quantum transitions in antihydrogen. We have manipulated the internal spin state of antihydrogen atoms so as to induce magnetic resonance transitions between hyperfine levels of the positronic ground state. We used resonant microwave radiation to flip the spin of the positron in antihydrogen atoms that were magnetically trapped in the ALPHA apparatus. The spin flip causes trapped anti-atoms to be ejected from the trap. We look for evidence of resonant interaction by comparing the survival rate of trapped atoms irradiated with microwaves on-resonance to that of atoms subjected to microwaves that are off-resonance. In one variant of the experiment, we detect 23 atoms that survive in 110 trapping attempts with microwaves off-resonance (0.21 per attempt), and only two atoms that survive in 103 attempts with microwaves on-resonance (0.02 per attempt). We also describe the direct detection of the annihilation of antihydrogen atoms ejected by the microwaves.     

Engineered two-dimensional Ising interactions in a trapped-ion quantum simulator with hundreds of spins

The presence of long-range quantum spin correlations underlies a variety of physical phenomena in condensed-matter systems, potentially including high-temperature superconductivity. However, many properties of exotic, strongly correlated spin systems, such as spin liquids, have proved difficult to study, in part because calculations involving N-body entanglement become intractable for as few as N?≈?30 particles. Feynman predicted that a quantum simulator--a special-purpose 'analogue' processor built using quantum bits (qubits)--would be inherently suited to solving such problems. In the context of quantum magnetism, a number of experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, but simulations allowing controlled, tunable interactions between spins localized on two- or three-dimensional lattices of more than a few tens of qubits have yet to be demonstrated, in part because of the technical challenge of realizing large-scale qubit arrays. Here we demonstrate a variable-range Ising-type spin-spin interaction, J(i,j), on a naturally occurring, two-dimensional triangular crystal lattice of hundreds of spin-half particles (beryllium ions stored in a Penning trap). This is a computationally relevant scale more than an order of magnitude larger than previous experiments. We show that a spin-dependent optical dipole force can produce an antiferromagnetic interaction J(i,j) proportional variant d(-a)(i,j), where 0?≤?a?≤?3 and d(i,j) is the distance between spin pairs. These power laws correspond physically to infinite-range (a = 0), Coulomb-like (a = 1), monopole-dipole (a = 2) and dipole-dipole (a = 3) couplings. Experimentally, we demonstrate excellent agreement with a theory for 0.05???a???1.4. This demonstration, coupled with the high spin count, excellent quantum control and low technical complexity of the Penning trap, brings within reach the simulation of otherwise computationally intractable problems in quantum magnetism.     

A scalable quantum computer with ions in an array of microtraps

Quantum computers require the storage of quantum information in a set of two-level systems (called qubits), the processing of this information using quantum gates and a means of final readout. So far, only a few systems have been identified as potentially viable quantum computer models--accurate quantum control of the coherent evolution is required in order to realize gate operations, while at the same time decoherence must be avoided. Examples include quantum optical systems (such as those utilizing trapped ions or neutral atoms, cavity quantum electrodynamics and nuclear magnetic resonance) and solid state systems (using nuclear spins, quantum dots and Josephson junctions). The most advanced candidates are the quantum optical and nuclear magnetic resonance systems, and we expect that they will allow quantum computing with about ten qubits within the next few years. This is still far from the numbers required for useful applications: for example, the factorization of a 200-digit number requires about 3,500 qubits, rising to 100,000 if error correction is implemented. Scalability of proposed quantum computer architectures to many qubits is thus of central importance. Here we propose a model for an ion trap quantum computer that combines scalability (a feature usually associated with solid state proposals) with the advantages of quantum optical systems (in particular, quantum control and long decoherence times).     

An error-free protocol for quantum entanglement distribution in long-distance quantum communication

Quantum entanglement distribution is an essential part of quantum communication and computation protocols. Here, linear optic elements are employed for the distribution of quantum entanglement over a long distance. Polarization beam splitters and wave plates are used to realize an error-free protocol for broadcasting quantum entanglement in optical quantum communication. This protocol can determine the maximum distance of quantum communication without decoherence. Error detection and error correc-tion are performed in the proposed scheme. In other words, if there is a bit flip along the quantum channel, the end stations (Alice and Bob) can detect this state change and obtain the correct state (entangled photon) at another port. Existing general error detec-tion protocols are based on the quantum controlled-NOT (CNOT) or similar quantum logic operations, which are very difficult to implement experimentally. Here we present a feasible scheme for the implementation of entanglement distribution based on a linear optics element that does not need a quantum CNOT gate.     

Hydroxylated graphene quantum dots as fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of metal ions

Highly sensitive methods are important for monitoring the concentration of metal ions in industrial wastewater. Here, we developed a new probe for the determination of metal ions by fluorescence quenching. The probe consists of hydroxylated graphene quantum dots(H-GQDs),prepared from GQDs by electrochemical method followed by surface hydroxylation. It is a non-reactive indicator with high sensitivity and detection limits of 0.01 μM for Cu~(2+), 0.005 μM for Al~(3+), 0.04 μM for Fe~(3+), and 0.02 μM for Cr~(3+). In addition, the low biotoxicity and excellent solubility of H-GQDs make them promising for application in wastewater metal ion detection.     

An obligate brood parasite trapped in the intraspecific arms race of its hosts

Reciprocal selection pressures often lead to close and adaptive matching of traits in coevolved species. A failure of one species to match the evolutionary trajectories of another is often attributed to evolutionary lags or to differing selection pressures across a geographic mosaic. Here we show that mismatches in adaptation of interacting species--an obligate brood parasitic duck and each of its two main hosts--are best explained by the evolutionary dynamics within the host species. Rejection of the brood parasite's eggs was common by both hosts, despite a lack of detectable cost of parasitism to the hosts. Egg rejection markedly reduced parasite fitness, but egg mimicry experiments revealed no phenotypic natural selection for more mimetic parasitic eggs. These paradoxical results were resolved by the discovery of intraspecific brood parasitism and conspecific egg rejection within the hosts themselves. The apparent arms race between species seems instead to be an incidental by-product of within-species conflict, with little recourse for evolutionary response by the parasite.     

An algorithmic benchmark for quantum information processing

Quantum information processing offers potentially great advantages over classical information processing, both for efficient algorithms and for secure communication. Therefore, it is important to establish that scalable control of a large number of quantum bits (qubits) can be achieved in practice. There are a rapidly growing number of proposed device technologies for quantum information processing. Of these technologies, those exploiting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have been the first to demonstrate non-trivial quantum algorithms with small numbers of qubits. To compare different physical realizations of quantum information processors, it is necessary to establish benchmark experiments that are independent of the underlying physical system, and that demonstrate reliable and coherent control of a reasonable number of qubits. Here we report an experimental realization of an algorithmic benchmark using an NMR technique that involves coherent manipulation of seven qubits. Moreover, our experimental procedure can be used as a reliable and efficient method for creating a standard pseudopure state, the first step for implementing traditional quantum algorithms in liquid state NMR systems. The benchmark and the techniques can be adapted for use with other proposed quantum devices.     

Photon blockade in an optical cavity with one trapped atom

At low temperatures, sufficiently small metallic and semiconductor devices exhibit the 'Coulomb blockade' effect, in which charge transport through the device occurs on an electron-by-electron basis. For example, a single electron on a metallic island can block the flow of another electron if the charging energy of the island greatly exceeds the thermal energy. The analogous effect of 'photon blockade' has been proposed for the transport of light through an optical system; this involves photon-photon interactions in a nonlinear optical cavity. Here we report observations of photon blockade for the light transmitted by an optical cavity containing one trapped atom, in the regime of strong atom-cavity coupling. Excitation of the atom-cavity system by a first photon blocks the transmission of a second photon, thereby converting an incident poissonian stream of photons into a sub-poissonian, anti-bunched stream. This is confirmed by measurements of the photon statistics of the transmitted field. Our observations of photon blockade represent an advance over traditional nonlinear optics and laser physics, into a regime with dynamical processes involving atoms and photons taken one-by-one.     

氢原子三维模型辅助释疑

针对量子物理的氢原子波函数中关于径向概率分布、三维角分布、运动“轨道”的几个常见问题,借助计算机建立三维模型的方法,加以形象化的解释。可促进正确的微观粒子运动的量子图像的建立,也为其他量子问题的可视化解释提供参考。     

An efficient quantum meet-in-the-middle attack against NTRU-2005

NTRU is one of the most widely used public-key cryptosystems and its security has been an active research topic. This paper proposes a new way to find NTRU-2005 private key. The algorithm is based on meet-in-the-middle attack and a quantum algorithm for searching the fixed weight target. Compared with the current classical and quantum meet-in-the-middle attacks, our algorithm has lower time and space complexity. Moreover, this attack can also be applied against different versions of NTRU. The result can help to understand the security of NTRU better.     

根据量子力学推出的一个反常积分公式

根据一维无限深势阱的归一化条件推出了一个反常积分公式。     

应用模拟定位机对肺癌肿块运动的研究

肺肿瘤随呼吸运动是制约放疗剂量提升的主要因素之一，为确定每个肺癌患者的肿瘤运动范围，用模拟定位机对肺癌病人的呼吸运动，肿瘤运动及体表标记物三者的运动进行了检测，通过瞬时傅立叶变换技术对肿瘤一系列的动态变化进行研究，并对比了肿瘤和体表标记物的运动，结果发现：不同患者间肿瘤随呼吸运动的差异较大，且肺部肿瘤与体表标记物的运动存在明显的异相性，它对于确定肺癌个体化的外放边缘具有指导意义。     

基于模糊综合评判的轮机模拟器智能评估系统

分析最新实施的STCW公约对海船船员在职培训和适任评估的履约要求,应用模糊综合评判方法构建模糊评判矩阵,再将该矩阵作为智能评估中的客观依据,结合主观权重因素,对轮机在职培训及适任评估中相关操作流程进行综合评判.采用C#语言在VS.Net 2010平台下开发了轮机模拟器智能评估模块,并将该模块与全任务轮机模拟器平台相融合,通过XML脚本文件的制定、保存及加载实现了评估大纲中既定项目及情境自定义项目两种形式的评估考核.系统在应用过程中可有效改善评估结果的客观公正性.     

量子场和量子力学的等价性

本文就Ｋｌｅｉｎ－Ｇｏｒｄｏｎ粒子论证其正则量子场论与多粒子体系量子力学实质上的等价性,认识这种等价性有助于更深刻地理解场的物理意义。此外,还对物理算符的场算符展开中出现正规乘积给出一个合理的解释。     

Complete multiple round quantum dense coding with quantum logical network

We present a complete multiple round quantum dense coding scheme for improving the source ca-pacity of that introduced recently by Zhang et al. The receiver resorts to two qubits for storing the four local unitary operations in each round.     

吊舱推进船舶运动数学模型及其在航海模拟器中的应用

应用MMG分离建模思想,建立配备吊舱推进器的半潜船四自由度运动数学模型,利用回归公式估算POD桨的推力和扭矩,用经验公式估算伴流分数和推力减额.在航海模拟器中,通过硬件信号控制POD桨的转速和旋转角度,并将其传输给船舶运动数学模型模块,采用四阶龙格—库塔法积分求解船舶运动微分方程组,获得实时船舶运动态势,再将其传递给航海模拟器中的其他模块,实现人—机交互.以半潜船“泰安口”为例,建立POD桨的水动力性能数学模型以及半潜船的运动数学模型.与实船海试试验结果比对,不确定度在20％以内,能够满足航海教学培训和工程论证需要.     

6-RRS冗余驱动飞行模拟器运动学与工作空间分析

提出一种以6-RRS球面并联机构作为运动机构的冗余驱动飞行模拟器.该机构具有3个转动自由度、6个驱动、3个冗余驱动,由2个完全相同的3-RRS球面并联机构构成6-RRS球面并联机构.该机构广义上具有一个定平台和一个动平台,整个动平台即为飞行模式器座舱.在3-RRS球面并联机构运动学分析的基础上,给出了6-RRS球面冗余驱动并联机构的运动学分析,包括机构的方向余弦的建立、反解和正解及该机构的工作空间分析.