Approximate decoherence free subspaces for distributed sensing

We consider the sensing of scalar valued fields with specific spatial dependence using a network of sensors, e.g. multiple atoms located at different positions within a trap. We show how to harness the spatial correlations to sense only a specific signal, and be insensitive to others at different positions or with unequal spatial dependence by constructing a decoherence-free subspace for noise sources at fixed, known positions. This can be extended to noise sources lying on certain surfaces, where we encounter a connection to mirror charges and equipotential surfaces in classical electrostatics. For general situations, we introduce the notion of an approximate decoherence-free subspace, where noise for all sources within some volume is significantly suppressed, at the cost of reducing the signal strength in a controlled way. We show that one can use this approach to maintain Heisenberg-scaling over long times and for a large number of sensors, despite the presence of multiple noise sources in large volumes. We introduce an efficient formalism to construct internal states and sensor configurations, and apply it to several examples to demonstrate the usefulness and wide applicability of our approach.

Quantum Darwinism in a Composite System: Objectivity versus Classicality

We investigate the implications of quantum Darwinism in a composite quantum system with interacting constituents exhibiting a decoherence-free subspace. We consider a two-qubit system coupled to an N-qubit environment via a dephasing interaction. For excitation preserving interactions between the system qubits, an analytical expression for the dynamics is obtained. It demonstrates that part of the system Hilbert space redundantly proliferates its information to the environment, while the remaining subspace is decoupled and preserves clear non-classical signatures. For measurements performed on the system, we establish that a non-zero quantum discord is shared between the composite system and the environment, thus violating the conditions of strong Darwinism. However, due to the asymmetry of quantum discord, the information shared with the environment is completely classical for measurements performed on the environment. Our results imply a dichotomy between objectivity and classicality that emerges when considering composite systems.

Concentration of entanglement in collective-rotating decoherence-free subspace

An entanglement concentration protocol in photonic collective-rotating decoherence-free subspace (CRDFS) is proposed. To accomplish the scheme, two methods to construct parity measurement devices in CRDFS are presented by exploiting the cross-Kerr nonlinearity, through which partially entangled states are converted to maximally entangled states. The performance of the protocol can be improved by iteration method. Fidelity in consideration of dissipation is discussed, which demonstrates good robustness. In contrast to the conventional protocols, the present one has distinctive feature since it can not only get maximally entangled state from less entangled state, but also maintain the maximal entanglement in collective-rotating noise environment.