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Entanglement Theory: a Quantum Odyssey, from the Generalised Quantum Stein's Lemma to Quantum Gravity

Project description

Solving the mysteries of quantum entanglement

Quantum entanglement is a key element in quantum computing and information, but many questions about it remain unresolved. Most notably, we do not fully understand how to manipulate or detect mixed-state entanglement. There is also no clear theory explaining its role in thermodynamics or gravity. These gaps hinder progress in both fundamental physics and practical applications. The ERC-funded ETQO project aims to tackle these issues by exploring the generalised quantum Stein’s lemma (GQSL) and related questions. The project will work to solve key problems in the theory of entanglement, develop new tools to measure it, and investigate how entanglement can help in designing experiments to detect the quantumness of gravity. Through this, it will bridge the gap between quantum information theory and fundamental physics.

Objective

Quantum entanglement fuels the most important quantum information processing protocols and is central to modern physics. However, the most profound questions concerning its operational meaning remain unanswered. Most importantly, we do not know how efficiently mixed-state entanglement can be (i) manipulated or (ii) detected, (iii) whether it is possible to formulate a thermodynamical theory of entanglement revolving around a unique entropic measure, and finally (iv) how entanglement can be exploited to reveal quantum features of gravity in experiments with gravitationally interacting quantum systems. A single key statement connects all these questions, the Generalised Quantum Stein's Lemma (GQSL) from quantum hypothesis testing. I have however uncovered [Lami and Regula, Nature Physics 19, 184 (2023); BBGLPRT, Nature Physics, in press (2023)] a fatal flaw in the original proof of the GQSL, which is now regarded as one of the most important open problems in entanglement theory.

This project addresses questions (i)-(iv) in a unified way through the GQSL. The road map includes five key objectives. (O1) Solve the GQSL with techniques from quantum Shannon theory. (O2) Expand its scope from entanglement to other quantum resources and from states to processes. (O3) Design new entanglement measures and use them to obtain tight constraints on entanglement manipulation. (O4) Determine the ultimate performances of quantum communication networks, and characterise entanglement in many-body systems. Finally, (O5) investigate quantum gravitational experiments systematically with the formalism of quantum hypothesis testing, formulating a complete proposal of a new type of `dynamical' quantum gravitational experiment. Thanks to my strong track record in quantum information theory, entanglement theory, and their applications to fundamental physics problems, I am in an ideal position to complete this project, whose goal is to build new bridges connecting these three key areas.

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2024-STG

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Host institution

SCUOLA NORMALE SUPERIORE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 499 850,00
Address
PIAZZA DEI CAVALIERI 7
56126 PISA
Italy

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Region
Centro (IT) Toscana Pisa
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 499 850,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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