BBQ Lab

Our new paper “Semi-device independent random number generation with flexible assumptions” has been published in npj Quantum Information. Working along with theorists all over Europe, we formulated a framework for semi-device-independent quantum random number generation, and demonstrated the protocol with an experiment in the BBQ Lab. Our approach works with flexible assumptions and different levels of trust, allowing it to be implemented over a large number of practical situations.

This work was the result of an international collaboration that involved people in 6 different countries. Even though some of the co-authors haven’t even met in person, we developed theoretical methods and showed their experimental realisation. This is the power of science: joining people together, even during these difficult times!

Our paper “Is high-dimensional photonic entanglement robust to noise?” has been published as a Featured Article in AVS Quantum Science, and is now on the cover of the journal’s first issue of 2021!

Working in collaboration with the HWQuantum group at Heriot-Watt University, we show that the noise tolerance of high-dimensional entanglement can be significantly enhanced. Answering the question “Is high-dimensional photonic entanglement robust to noise?” involves the complex interplay between the characteristics of the quantum state, the channel, and the detection system. In our work, we provide easily measurable experimental parameters that accurately predict system performance and noise bounds, so that the optimum entanglement measurement strategy can be chosen. This works demonstrates the potential of high-dimensional entangled states in the realisation of entanglement-based communication systems under extreme noise conditions.

For some media coverage of this work, please see this AIP Scilight article.

We are delighted to welcome our third PhD student Suraj Goel, who joins us from India!

Suraj has completed his B.Tech in Engineering Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), where he has worked on structured light and quantum information. His enthusiasm towards physics and experience in electronics will be valuable to the group.

Welcome to the BBQ Lab, Suraj!

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the lab,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a browser tab,
The laser was focused on the crystal with care,
In the hope that pixel entanglement soon would be there!

In our recent paper published in the journal Quantum, we demonstrate high-dimensional entanglement of “pixels” of light with a record dimensionality, quality, and measurement speed! We achieved entangled state fidelities of up to 94.4% in a 19-dimensional state-space, entanglement in up to 55 local dimensions, and an entanglement-of-formation of up to 4 ebits. We were also able to improve upon the time taken by previous techniques for measuring entanglement by more than two orders of magnitude! This work was done in collaboration with our friends in Vienna and the Czech Republic.

Vatshal with his silver prize student presentation. Natalia with her gold prize poster.

At this year’s Q-Turn some 600+ researchers met online to share their works in quantum science, highlighting top-quality experimental and theoretical work on quantum information technology and foundations. Holding together this meeting is Q-turn’s awareness program, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, intersectionality, responsible research, workers’ rights, as well as physical and mental health in quantum science and technology. Making Q-turn a vital and amazingly fullfing meeting for the sciences and everybody involved.

To top the incredible week off, BBQLab students Natalia and Vatshal won two prizes(!), the gold poster prize, and silver student presentation prize, respectively.

Congratulations to both of you, and thankyou Q-Turn2020 for an amazing week!