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Implementation of generalized quantum measurements for unambiguous discrimination of multiple nonorthogonal coherent states

Published

Author(s)

Francisco E. Becerra Chavez, Jingyun Fan, Alan L. Migdall

Abstract

Generalized quantum measurements can perform perfect discrimination of nonorthogonal states by allowing for inconclusive results, task which is impossible performing only measurements with definite outcomes. We demonstrate the realization of generalized quantum measurements for unambiguous discrimination of four nonorthogonal coherent states and obtain its quantum mechanical description, its positive-operator valued measurements (POVMs). For practical realizations of these POVMs, where noise and realistic imperfections prevent perfect unambiguous discrimination, we show that our experiential implementation outperforms any ideal measurement with standardquantum- limited performance implementing the same nonideal unambiguous state discrimination task for low mean photon numbers.
Citation
Nature Communications

Keywords

Quantum communications, standard quantum limit, quantum measurements, coherent states, quantum information, state discrimination

Citation

Becerra, F. , Fan, J. and Migdall, A. (2013), Implementation of generalized quantum measurements for unambiguous discrimination of multiple nonorthogonal coherent states, Nature Communications, [online], https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms3028 (Accessed November 3, 2024)

Issues

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Created June 18, 2013, Updated November 10, 2018