QUANTUM RESOURCES OF COMPOSITE OPEN SYSTEMS FOR APPLICATIONS IN QUANTUM INFORMATION

Quantum coherence, entanglement, non-locality are different types of quantum features of systems at microscopic scale which are basic resources for the upcoming disruptive quantum information technologies. The latter, including quantum communication architectures and quantum computers, are expected to significantly improve the everyday lives of ordinary people around the world. The complete knowledge and control of the quantum resources present in many-particle systems is thus a fundamental requirement towards this achievement. A reliable use of quantum-enabled devices must also overcome the big issue of the detrimental effects induced by the surrounding environment which destroy the desired quantum properties. This research topic aims at devising strategies for the generation, characterization and observation of quantum coherence and correlations, such as entanglement, in different scenarios, like cavity and circuit quantum electrodynamics, quantum optics, solid state and condensed matter. Moreover, we intend to investigate the dynamics of these quantum features to stimulate proposals for their efficient preservation against the environment-induced decay. Special attention will be devoted to systems of identical particles (e.g., photons, electrons, atoms), whose faithful description has remained long debated, for which we have developed a new non-standard approach which is expected to provide novel results regarding the utilization of entanglement due to quantum indistinguishability.

The research group addressing these lines is led by Dr. Rosario Lo Franco at the Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy. The group collaborates with several other leading research teams and researchers worldwide, both theoretical and experimental.