The relative polarization of the two photons emitted when a positron annihilates at rest has been re-investigated with high precision and a different method of data analysis. An experiment using a pair of ideal polarization analyzers to measure this relative polarization would be a special case of the general class of thought experiments discussed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen (EPR). EPR argued from these thought experiments that a physical system can exist in a state with definite values for two non-commuting variables. Since quantum mechanics can not describe such a state, EPR called quantum mechanics "incomplete". But EPR believed a complete theory -sometimes called a hidden variable theory- is possible. (This argument of EPR is sometimes called the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen "paradox".) Our experimental results, together with a theorem due to Bell, provide strong evidence that a local "hidden variable" theory is not possible. The results also rule out a hypothetical modification of quantum mechanics, suggested by Bohm and Aharonov, which was motivated by the EPR thought experiments. Compton scattering was used to analyze the linear polarization. But the theorem of Bell, mentioned above, applies to relatively "ideal" polarization measurements. Therefore, it was necessary to prove the existence, and find the explicit form of the function f relating Compton and ideal linear polarization measurements. The existence of f is shown here to follow from general principles of quantum mechanics, plus parity and angular momentum conservation; the explicit form of f is deduced from the Klein-Nishina equation. Experimental evidence is cited against the argument that f may be different in a local "hidden variable" theory.

In this thesis, I report on how to use Single Photon Entanglement for generating certified quantum random numbers. Single Photon Entanglement is a particular type of entanglement which involves non-contextual correlations between two degrees of freedom of a single photon. In particular, here I consider momentum and polarization. The presence of the entanglement was validated using different attenuated coherent and incoherent sources of light by evaluating the Bell inequality, a well-known entanglement witness. Different non-idealities in the calculation of the inequality are discussed addressing them both theoretically and experimentally. Then, I discuss how to use the Single Photon Entanglement for generating certified quantum random numbers using a semi-device independent protocol. The protocol is based on a partial characterization of the experimental setup and the violation of the Bell's inequality. An analysis of the non-idealities of the devices employed in the experimental setup is also presented In the last part of the thesis, the integrated photonic version of the previously introduced experiments is discussed: first, it is presented how to generate single photon entangled states exploiting different degrees of freedom with respect to the bulk experiment. Second, I discuss how to perform an integrated test of the Bell's inequality.

<p> When a polymer system is strained below its glass transition temperature, T9 , deformed regions called crazes may be formed that have a characteristic extension ratio, λ. Examining the regions of deformed material, which are almost visible to the naked eye, and measuring λ with the use of atomic force microscopy gives information about the space between entanglements along a polymer chain, which is a truly molecular quantity. In this work we present the results of experiments in which entanglements in high molecular weight polystyrene (PS) samples have effectively been swelled by diluting the network with low molecular weight PS. We find that these experiments not only tell us how the molecular weight of a polymer can affect its contribution to the polymer network, but also give an entirely new method of determining the entanglement molecular weight, Me, of a polymer system. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

This thesis probes the usefulness of non-classical correlations within imperfect continuous variable decoherent quantum systems. Although a consistent function and practical usefulness of these correlations is largely unknown, it is important to examine their characteristics in more realistic dissipative systems, to gain further insight into any possible advantageous behaviour. A bipartite separable discordant state under the action of controlled loss on one subsystem was considered. Under these conditions the Gaussian quantum discord not only proved to be robust against loss, but actually improves as loss is intensified. Harmful imperfections which reduce the achievable level of discord can be counteracted by this controlled loss. Through a purification an explanation of this effect was sought by considering system-environment correlations, and found that a flow of system-environment correlations increases the quantumness of the state. Entanglement recovery possibilities were discussed and revealed the importance of hidden quantum correlations along bi-partitions across the discordant state and a classically prepared &quot;demodulating&quot; system, acting in such a way as to partially cancel the entanglement preventing noise. Entanglement distribution by separable states was studied by a similar framework, in an attempt to explain the emergence of quantum entanglement by a specific flow of correlations in the globally pure system. Discord appears to play a less fundamental role compared to the qubit version of the protocol. The strengthening of non-classical correlations can be attributed to a flow of classical and quantum correlations. This work proves that discord can be created in unique ways and, in select circumstances, can act to counteract harmful imperfections in the apparatus. Due to this advantageous behaviour discord indeed may ultimately aid in more applicable &quot;real world&quot; applications, which are by definition decoherent.

The aim of this work is present the phenomenon denoted entanglement harvesting. We begin by introducing entanglement historically. Following, we go beyond the one particle theory in flat spacetime and introduce Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, showing two famous consequences: the Unruh effect and the Hawking radiation. Finally, we analyze entanglement harvesting for two Unruh-deWitt detectors. In the fisrt example, we see that there is a \"sudden death\" point of entanglement harvesting when the detectors are near the BTZ black hole event horizon, due to redshift effect and Hawking radiation. Then, we compare the phenomenon for different scenarios, and find out that it is sensitive to the structure of spacetime. Finally, we see how detectors\' parameters affect it and find out that the smoothness of the switching of the detectors\' coupling to the field is extremely relevant. We also see how the parameters can be used to optimize entanglement harvested. / O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar o fenômeno denotado colheita de emaranhamento. Primeiramente fazemos uma introdução histórica de emaranhamento de estados quânticos. Em seguida, introduzimos a Teoria Quântica de Campos no Espaço-tempo Curvo, como um passo além da teoria quântica de uma partícula no espaço-tempo plano, e demonstramos dois resultados famosos da teoria: o efeito Unruh e a radiação Hawking. Por fim, fazemos uma analise do fenômeno de colheita de emaranhamento para dois detectores Unruh-deWitt. Nosso primeiro exemplo mostra que há um ponto de \"morte súbita\" do fenômeno quando os detectores se aproximam do horizonte de eventos de um buraco negro de BTZ, que é uma consequência do efeito de redshift e da radiação Hawking. Em seguida, comparamos o fenômeno em cenários diferentes, e observamos que a colheita de emaranhamento é sensível à estrutura do espaço-tempo. Por último, analisamos como os parâmetros dos detectores afetam a colheita de emaranhamento, e vemos que a suavidade em que o acoplamento dos detectores com o campo é \"ligado\" e \"desligado\" é extremamente relevante. Também analisamos como podemos usar os parâmetros dos detectores para otimizar a quantidade de emaranhamento colhida.

The aim of this work is present the phenomenon denoted entanglement harvesting. We begin by introducing entanglement historically. Following, we go beyond the one particle theory in flat spacetime and introduce Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime, showing two famous consequences: the Unruh effect and the Hawking radiation. Finally, we analyze entanglement harvesting for two Unruh-deWitt detectors. In the fisrt example, we see that there is a \"sudden death\" point of entanglement harvesting when the detectors are near the BTZ black hole event horizon, due to redshift effect and Hawking radiation. Then, we compare the phenomenon for different scenarios, and find out that it is sensitive to the structure of spacetime. Finally, we see how detectors\' parameters affect it and find out that the smoothness of the switching of the detectors\' coupling to the field is extremely relevant. We also see how the parameters can be used to optimize entanglement harvested. / O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar o fenômeno denotado colheita de emaranhamento. Primeiramente fazemos uma introdução histórica de emaranhamento de estados quânticos. Em seguida, introduzimos a Teoria Quântica de Campos no Espaço-tempo Curvo, como um passo além da teoria quântica de uma partícula no espaço-tempo plano, e demonstramos dois resultados famosos da teoria: o efeito Unruh e a radiação Hawking. Por fim, fazemos uma analise do fenômeno de colheita de emaranhamento para dois detectores Unruh-deWitt. Nosso primeiro exemplo mostra que há um ponto de \"morte súbita\" do fenômeno quando os detectores se aproximam do horizonte de eventos de um buraco negro de BTZ, que é uma consequência do efeito de redshift e da radiação Hawking. Em seguida, comparamos o fenômeno em cenários diferentes, e observamos que a colheita de emaranhamento é sensível à estrutura do espaço-tempo. Por último, analisamos como os parâmetros dos detectores afetam a colheita de emaranhamento, e vemos que a suavidade em que o acoplamento dos detectores com o campo é \"ligado\" e \"desligado\" é extremamente relevante. Também analisamos como podemos usar os parâmetros dos detectores para otimizar a quantidade de emaranhamento colhida.

Due to their great importance, both from the fundamental and from the practical points of view, it is imperative that the various facets of the concepts of information and entanglement are explored systematically in connection with diverse physical systems and processes. These concepts are at the core of the emerging field of the Physics of Information. In this Thesis I investigate some aspects of the dynamics of information in both classical and quantum mechanical systems and then move on to explore entanglement in fermion systems by searching for novel ways to classify and quantify entanglement in fermionic systems. In Chapter 1 a brief review of the different information and entropic measures as well as of the main evolution equations of classical dynamical and quantum mechanical systems is given. The conservation of information as a fundamental principle both at the classical and quantum levels, and the implications of Landauer's theorem are discussed in brief. An alternative and more intuitive proof of the no-broadcasting theorem is also provided. Chapter 2 is a background chapter on quantum entanglement, where the differences between the concept of entanglement in systems consisting of distinguishable subsystems and the corresponding concept in systems of identical fermions are emphasized. Different measures of entanglement and relevant techniques such as majorization, are introduced. To illustrate some of the concepts reviewed here I discuss the entanglement properties of an exactly soluble many-body model which was studied in paper (E) of the publication list corresponding to the present Thesis. An alternative approach to the characterization of quantum correlations, based on perturbations under local measurements, is also briefly reviewed. The use of uncertainty relations as entanglement indicators in composite systems having distinguishable subsystems is then examined in some detail. Chapter 3 is based on papers (A) and (B) of the list of publications. Extended Landauer-like principles are developed, based amongst others on the conservation of information of divergenceless dynamical systems. Conservation of information within the framework of general probabilistic theories, which include the classical and quantum mechanical probabilities as particular instances, is explored. Furthermore, Zurek's information transfer theorem and the no-deleting theorem are generalized. Chapter 4 is based on articles (C) and (D) mentioned in the publication list, and investigates several separability criteria for fermions. Criteria for the detection of entanglement are developed based either on the violation of appropriate uncertainty relations or on inequalities involving entropic measures. Chapter 5 introduces an approach for the characterization of quantum correlations (going beyond entanglement) in fermion systems based upon the state disturbances generated by the measurement of local observables. Chapter 6 summarizes the conclusions drawn in the previous chapters. The work leading up to this Thesis has resulted in five publications in peer reviewed science research journals. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Physics / unrestricted

Genom arkeologins historia har skepp studerats som symboler för makt, status och krig. Även om skeppen studerats väldigt mycket inom dessa aspekter har relationerna och nätverken runt skeppens produktion och underhåll fallit i skymundan. Målet med uppsatsen är därför att studera dessa relationer ur ett holistiskt perspektiv, och att försöka tolka hur dessa relationer i sin tur påverkat skeppets roll i gravsammanhang genom att använda Osebergsskeppet som grund för studien. Tidsramen som satts är yngre järnålder, detta för att kunna tolka skeppens symboliska värde effektivt. För att göra det immateriella greppbart används entanglement-teori, och kvantitativa uträkningar för naturliga- och mänskliga resurser används som hjälpmedel för detta. Studien visar att allt rörande skeppet är intrasslade med varandra, och att en kollektiv agens av samhället var nödvändig för produktion och senare underhåll av skeppen. Skeppens symboliska värde är också format av dessa relationer, och det är möjligt att det är dessa relationer som lett till skeppens roll i gravseden under perioden. / For much of the history of archaeology ships have been studied as symbols for power, wealth, and warfare. Even though viking-age ships have been studied immensely in these regards the relationships and the network of organization around the construction and maintenance have not received as much attention from archaeologists. The aim of this essay is therefore to study these relationships in a holistic view, and to try to interpret how these relationships affected the ships’ place in the funerary sphere using the Oseberg ship as the basis for this study. The timeframe for the study is set to late iron-age since the study of symbolism needs a longer timeframe to be interpreted effectively. To get the intangible to become tangible the entanglement theory is applied, and quantitative estimations on natural- and human resources are used as support to do so. The study shows that everything surrounding the ship is entangled, and that a collective agency of the communities was necessary for the production and maintenance of the ships. The symbolic meaning of the ship is also formed by these relationships, and that it might be these relationships that gave the ships a place in the funerary sphere during the period.

Runristningen på Malstastenen, där både förfäder och marker redovisas, har tolkats som ett uttryck för odal. Runstenar och hur de relaterar till odal är uppsatsens genomgående tema. Uppsatsens primära källmaterial är Malstastenen. Studien avgränsas till Rogsta socken, norra Hälsingland och järnåldern. För att belysa odalsystemets relationella bindningar, kommer ett för detta forskningsfält nytt teoretiskt och metodologiskt perspektiv att introduceras, entanglement. Analysen visar att odalsystemet genomgår en kris när Skandinavien kristnas. Kyrkan tar nu över själavården och motsätter sig det hedniska gravskicket hög. Här uppstår ett brott i odalssystemet. För att återkoppla den döde till odalsystemet restes istället runstenar som ett substitut till gravhögar. Uppsatsens tolkning av de senvikingatida runstenarna kan eventuellt förklara den stora ökning av kristna runstenar som då sker i Skandinavien. / The runic inscription on the Malsta runestone contains accounts of ancestors and lands and is interpreted as an expression of odal. Runestones and their connection to odal is the overall theme of this thesis. The primary source material is the Malsta runestone. The study is delimited to Rogsta Parish, northern Hälsingland and the iron age. To fully understand the relational connections within the odal system, a new theoretical and methodical approach will be introduced to the odal research field, entanglement. In the analysis a crisis in the odal system is detected, instigated by the Christianization of Scandinavia. As the church takes over the care of the dead and opposes the heathen burial mounds, a rift in the odal system appears. To reconnect the dead to the odal system, runestones are erected as a substitute for burial mounds. The thesis interpretation of the late Viking age runestones might also explain the sudden raise of Christian runestones during this period.

Optical response of an active medium can substantially be modified when coherent superpositions of states are excited, that is, when systems display quantum coherence and interference. This has led to fascinating applications in atomic and molecular systems. Examples include coherent population trapping, lasing without inversion, electromagnetically induced transparency, cooperative spontaneous emission, and quantum entanglement. We study quantum coherence effects in several quantum optical systems and find interesting applications. We show that quantum coherence can lead to transient Raman lasing and lasing without inversion in short wavelength spectral regions--extreme ultraviolet and x-ray--without the requirement of incoherent pumping. For example, we demonstrate transient Raman lasing at 58.4 nm in Helium atom and transient lasing without inversion at 6.1 nm in Helium-like Boron (triply-ionized Boron). We also investigate dynamical properties of a collective superradiant state prepared by absorption of a single photon when the size of the sample is larger than the radiation wavelength. We show that for large number of atoms such a state, to a good approximation, decays exponentially with a rate proportional to the number of atoms. We also find that the collective frequency shift resulting from repeated emission and reabsorption of short-lived virtual photons is proportional to the number of species in the sample. Furthermore, we examine how a position-dependent excitation phase affects the evolution of entanglement between two dipole-coupled qubits. It turns out that the coherence induced by position-dependent excitation phase slows down the otherwise fast decay of the two-qubit entanglement. We also show that it is possible to entangle two spatially separated and uncoupled qubits via interaction with correlated photons in a cavity quantum electrodynamics setup. Finally, we analyze how quantum coherence can be used to generate continuous-variable entanglement in quantum-beat lasers in steady state and propose possible implementation in quantum lithography.