An informal partial overview of information mechanics

This article is concerned with the conceptual background of information mechanics (IM) and some of the consequences of axiomatization of IM, and touches on some examples as to instances in which IM might seem to have offered, within a single conceptual picture, interesting approaches to some questions which have variously been regarded as quite different. In IM, representation of information in physical systems is treated as a conceptual, computation, and design tool. Some examples touched on are an IM approximate relation among,h, c, m _e, G, and ∼α; particle masses and mass-charge relation; cosmological red shift without assuming that distant light sources are rapidly receding; gravity; and knowability of prediction. IM is then used as a tool for looking into making information processing “hardware” out of “software”, with information representations formed within extended region(s) of nearly homogeneous “medium(s)”. All or part of this material may be or become the subject of U.S. or foreign patents pending or issued. Inclusion of any material herein shall not be construed as implying any license under any patent.     

Causality, relativity and quantum correlation experiments with moving reference frames

Entanglement, one of the most important features of quantum mechanics, is at the core of the famous Einstein-Bohr philosophical debate [1] and is the principal resource for quantum information processing [2]. We report on new experimental investigations of the properties of entangled photon pairs with emphasis on the tension between quantum mechanics and relativity [3,4]. Entangled photons are sent via an optical fiber network to two villages near Geneva, separated by more than 10 km where they are analyzed by interferometers [5]. The photon pair source is set as precisely as possible in the center so that the two photons arrive at the detectors within a time interval of less than 5 ps (corresponding to a path length difference of less than 1 mm). This sets a lower bound on the ‘speed of quantum information’ to 10⁷ times the speed of light. Next, one detector is set in motion [6] so that both detectors, each in its own inertial reference frame, are first to do the measurement! The data always reproduces the quantum correlations.     

Maximum mass-particle velocities in Kantor's information mechanics

Kantor's information mechanics links phenomena previously regarded as not treatable by a single theory. It is used here to calculate the maximum velocities _m of single particles. For the electron, _m/c1–1.253814×10^–77. The maximum _m corresponds to _m/c1–1.097864×10^–122 for a single mass particle with a rest mass of 3.078496×10^–5g. This is the fastest that matter can move. Either information mechanics or classical mechanics can be used to show that _m is less for heavier particles. That _m is less for lighter particles can be deduced from an information mechanics argument alone.     

On Relativistic Generalization of Gravitational Force

In relativistic theories, the assumption of proper mass constancy generally holds. We study gravitational relativistic mechanics of point particle in the novel approach of proper mass varying under Minkowski force action. The motivation and objective of this work are twofold: first, to show how the gravitational force can be included in the Special Relativity Mechanics framework, and, second, to investigate possible consequences of the revision of conventional proper mass concept (in particular, to clarify a proper mass role in the divergence problem). It is shown that photon motion in the gravitational field can be treated in terms of massless refracting medium, what makes the gravity phenomenon compatible with SR Mechanics framework in the variable proper mass approach. Specifically, the problem of point particle in the spherical symmetric stationary gravitational field is studied in SR-based Mechanics, and equations of motion in the Lorentz covariant form are obtained in the relativistic Lagrangean problem formulation. The dependence of proper mass on potential field strength is derived from the Euler-Lagrange equations as well. One of new results is the elimination of conventional 1/r divergence, which is known to be not removable in Schwarzschild gravitomechanics. Predictions of particle and photon gravitational properties are in agreement with GR classical tests under weak-field conditions; however, deviations rise with potential field strength. The conclusion is made that the approach of field-dependent proper mass is perspective for development of SR gravitational mechanics and further studies of gravitational problems.     

Quantum information and microscopic measuring instruments

The consideration of measuring instruments as macroscopic bodies leads to neglect of the microscopic processes that occur during measurements. This disregard is not justified in general cases. As an example of measurements using microscopic instruments, the scattering of a photon by an electron with electron interference at two slits(Compton effect) was used. The amount of information that can be obtained in such a process is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the incident photon. At large photon wavelengths(soft measurements), the pure state of the electron can be disrupted by an arbitrarily small extent; accordingly, the amount of information extracted in such an experiment is also arbitrarily small. It is shown that the energy price for a bit obtained in such a measurement tends toward a constant value for increasing the photon wavelength. Microscopic instruments can be used in situations where energy costs for measurements are important.     

动态光散射检测电机转速的互信息函数分析

通过计算互信息函数,对动态光散射得到的电机转速的时间序列进行了分析。研究表明,互信息函数法能准确地测出电机转速。同时,由于互信息函数自身的优点———能实际地反映出数据之间的相互关联,因此,与自相关函数法比较,互信息函数法可反映出更多的动力学信息。对实验数据的时间序列作了二维的相空间重构,从重构图形发现系统有2周期行为,并呈现有一些新现象。     

Review of recent experimental progress in foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum information achieved in parametric downconversion experiments at IENGF

We review some recent experimental progress concerning foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum information obtained in the Carlo Novero Quantum Optics Laboratory at IENGF. After a short presentation of our polarization-entangled photon source (based on precise superposition of two type I PDC emissions) and of the results obtained with it, we describe in more detail an innovative double slit experiment where two degenerate photons produced by PDC are each sent to a specific slit. Beyond representing an interesting example of the relation between the visibility of interference and welcher Weg knowledge, this configuration has been suggested for testing de Broglie-Bohm theory (dBB) against standard quantum mechanics (SQM). Our results perfectly fit SQM results but disagree with dBB predictions. Then, we discuss a recent experiment addressed at clarifying the issue of which wave-particle observables are really to be considered when discussing wave-particle duality. This experiments realizes the theoretical proposal of Agarwal et al., overcoming the limitations of a previous experiment. Finally, we hint at the realization of a high-intensity high-spectral-selectivity PDC source to be used for quantum information studies.     

Relativistic quantum cryptography for open space without clock synchronization on the receiver and transmitter sides

The security of keys in quantum cryptography is based on fundamental quantum mechanical exclusions (the exclusion of cloning and copying of nonorthogonal quantum states. The physical type of a quantum object that carries information (photon, electron, atom, etc.) is insignificant; only its state vector is important. In relativistic quantum cryptography for open space, both the time of the information carrier (photon that propagates with the extremely allowable velocity in a vacuum) and its quantum state are of fundamental importance. Joint fundamental constraints that are dictated by both special relativity and quantum mechanics on the discrimination of nonorthogonal quantum states allow one to formulate fundamentally new key distribution protocols that are stable against any attacks on a key and guarantee the security of keys for a nonstrictly single-photon source and any losses in the communication channel. Although this protocol is a real-time protocol in the Minkowski space-time, where the attack to the communication channel is detected by the delay of eavesdropper measurement results, the protocol does not require clock synchronization on the transmitter and receiver sides.     

Continuous‐variable quantum information processing

Observables of quantum systems can possess either a discrete or a continuous spectrum. For example, upon measurements of the photon number of a light state, discrete outcomes will result whereas measurements of the light's quadrature amplitudes result in continuous outcomes. If one uses the continuous degree of freedom of a quantum system for encoding, processing or detecting information, one enters the field of continuous‐variable (CV) quantum information processing. In this paper we review the basic principles of CV quantum information processing with main focus on recent developments in the field. We will be addressing the three main stages of a quantum information system; the preparation stage where quantum information is encoded into CVs of coherent states and single‐photon states, the processing stage where CV information is manipulated to carry out a specified protocol and a detection stage where CV information is measured using homodyne detection or photon counting.     

Competition between two kinds of information among random-walking individuals

A model is proposed to describe the competition between two kinds of information among N random-walking individuals in an L × L square, starting from a half-and-half mixture of two kinds of information. Individuals remain or change their information according to their neighbors’ information. When the moving speed of individuals v is zero, the two kinds of information typically coexist, and the ratio between them increases with L and decreases with N. In the dynamic case (v>0), only one information eventually remains, and the time required for one information being left scales as Td～vαLβNγ.     

A Note on the Lorentz Transformations for the Photon

We discuss transformation laws of electric and magnetic fields under Lorentz transformations, deduced from the classical field theory. It is found that we can connect the resulting expression for a bivector formed with those fields, with the expression deduced from the Wigner transformation rules for spin-1 functions of massive particles. This mass parameter should be interpreted because the constancy of speed of light forbids the existence of the photon mass.     

Memory-based quantum repeater in quantum information communication

This paper studies the quantum repeater in quantum information communication. We propose to introduce the photon buffer mechanism for storing photons, which uses fibre delay loops as photon memories and a programmable 1×N switcher for distributing photon delay time. Meanwhile, we also consider entanglement purification and entanglement swapping restoration at an entanglement purification or entanglement swapping failure and introduce a protection link mechanism that allows the photonic quantum repeater of a broken connection to initiate a connection restoration process.     

High‐resolution spectral characterization of two photon states via classical measurements

Quantum optics plays a central role in the study of fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics, and in the development of new technological applications. Typical experiments employ sources of photon pairs generated by parametric processes such as spontaneous parametric down‐conversion and spontaneous four‐wave‐mixing. The standard characterization of these sources relies on detecting the pairs themselves and thus requires single photon detectors, which limit both measurement speed and accuracy. Here it is shown that the two‐photon quantum state that would be generated by parametric fluorescence can be characterised with unprecedented spectral resolution by performing a classical experiment. This streamlined technique gives access to hitherto unexplored features of two‐photon states and has the potential to speed up design and testing of massively parallel integrated nonlinear sources by providing a fast and reliable quality control procedure. Additionally, it allows for the engineering of quantum light states at a significantly higher level of spectral detail, powering future quantum optical applications based on time‐energy photon correlations.     

Comparative study of magnetic and electric field induced insulator-metal-transitions in Pr1-xCaxMnO3 films

The insulator-metal (IM)-transition in Pr_1-xCa_xMnO₃ (PCMO) is of particular interest because it can be induced by a variety of external forces, such as magnetic and electric fields, photon exposure and hydrostatic pressure. In this paper, we present a comparative study of the IM-transition in magnetic and electric fields for epitaxial thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The transport data as a function of applied field or temperature give strong evidence for the presence of electronic phase separation. However, the observed different IM-transitions in magnetic and electric fields indicate that two different areas of spatially inhomogeneous electronic ground states in the phase diagram of PCMO are involved.     

Counting statistics of collective photon transmissions

We theoretically study cooperative effects in the steady-state transmission of photons through a medium of N radiators. Using methods from quantum transport, we find a cross-over in scaling from N to N² in the current and to even higher powers of N in the higher cumulants of the photon counting statistics as a function of the tunable source occupation. The effect should be observable for atoms confined within a nano-cell with a pumped optical cavity as photon source.     

How Does an Electron Tell the Time?

We examine a model of a digital clock to clarify the origin of the spacetime approach in special relativity. Specifically, we consider a two photon clock and assemble a statistical mechanics of such clocks to see how Minkowski space relates to local finite frequency clock behaviour. The result suggests that finite frequency clocks measure spacetime area and it is this feature that provides a simple mechanism behind Minkowski space on large scales. The same feature appears to implicate quantum mechanics on small scales.     

A Note on Massive Photons

Experimental tests for a non-zero but small photon mass, consistent with special relativity and observed limits, are discussed. The photon mass of 10⁻⁶⁵ gm deduced in earlier work is consistent with experimental limits, and it is pointed out that, contrary to popular belief, there is no experimental evidence that the photon mass vanishes. Some observable consequences of this mass are also discussed.     

Fluid mechanics revisited

Öttinger's recent nontraditional incorporation of fluctuations into the formulation of the friction matrix appearing in the phenomenological GENERIC theory of nonequilibrium irreversible processes is shown to furnish transport equations for single-component gases and liquids undergoing heat transfer which support the view that revisions to the Navier–Stokes–Fourier (N–S–F) momentum/energy equation set are necessary, as empirically proposed by the author on the basis of an experimentally supported theory of diffuse volume transport. The hypothesis that the conventional N–S–F equations prevail without modification only in the case of “incompressible” fluids, where the density ρ of the fluid is uniform throughout, serves to determine the new phenomenological parameter α^′ appearing in the GENERIC friction matrix. In the case of ideal gases the consequences of this constitutive hypothesis are shown to yield results identical to those derived theoretically by Öttinger on the basis of a “proper” coarse-graining of Boltzmann's kinetic equation. A major consequence of the present work is that the fluid's specific momentum density v is equal to its volume velocity v_v, rather than to its mass velocity v_m, contrary to current views dating back 250 years to Euler. In the case of rarefied gases the proposed modifications are also observed to agree with those resulting from Klimontovich's molecularly based, albeit ad hoc, self-diffusion addendum to Boltzmann's collision integral. Despite the differences in their respective physical models—molecular vs. phenomenological—the role played by Klimontovich's collisional addition to Boltzmann's equation in modifying the N–S–F equations is noted to constitute a molecular counterpart of Öttinger's phenomenological fluctuation addition to the GENERIC friction matrix. Together, these two theories collectively recognize the need to address multiple- rather than single-encounter collisions between a test molecule and its neighbors when formulating physically satisfactory statistical–mechanical theories of irreversible transport processes in gases. Overall, the results of the present work implicitly support the unorthodox view, implicit in the GENERIC scheme, that the translation of Newton's discrete mass-point molecular mechanics into continuum mechanics, the latter as embodied in the Cauchy linear momentum equation of fluid mechanics, cannot be correctly effected independently of the laws of thermodynamics. While Öttinger's modification of GENERIC necessitates fundamental changes in the foundations of fluid mechanics in regard to momentum transport, no basic changes are required in the foundations of linear irreversible thermodynamics (LIT) beyond recognizing the need to add volume to the usual list of extensive physical properties undergoing transport in single-species fluid continua, namely mass, momentum and energy. An alternative, nonGENERICally based approach to LIT, derived from our findings, is outlined at the conclusion of the paper. Finally, our proposed modifications of both Cauchy's linear momentum equation and Newton's rheological constitutive law for fluid-phase continua are noted to be mirrored by counterparts in the literature for solid-phase continua dating back to the classical interdiffusion experiments of Kirkendall and their subsequent interpretation by Darken in terms of diffuse volume transport.     

Design of SOA-MZI based all-optical programmable logic device (PLD)

Photon being the ultimate unit of information with unmatched speed and with data package in a signal of zero mass, the techniques of computing with light may provide a way out of the limitations of computational speed and complexity inherent in electronics computing. Information processing with photon as information carrying signal has shown a high level potentiality through the researches in last few decades. The driving force behind this evolution has been the utilization of interferometric configurations that employ a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) as the nonlinear element in combination with cross-phase modulation to achieve switching by means of light. Here, in this paper we present an all-optical circuit of programmable logic device (PLD) with the help of SOA-MZI (Mach-Zehnder interferometer) based optical tree-structured splitter. Numerical simulation result confirming described method is reported here. This paper also explains the applicability of this scheme to perform logical and arithmetic operations in all-optical domain.     

实验检验光子静止质量的研究进展

爱因斯坦狭义相对论的基本假设之一是光速不变性,其直接推论就是光子的静止质量必须为零,因此实验检验光子是否具有非零的静止质量一直备受关注.非零光子静止质量以Proca方程组为基础,其实验检验主要针对真空光速（频率）色散效应、库仑反平方定律和安培环路定律的偏离、寻找纵向电磁波以及磁偶极场的Yukawa势等几个方面.文章作者所在的实验小组采用精密扭秤调制方法将国际上同类实验结果提高了2个数量级,给出光子静止质量上限为mγ≤1.5×10-52g.对光子静止质量的实验检验,也是对光速不变原理的一种检验,即使光子仅有