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Kannan Vijayadharan

Università degli Studi di Padova

Supervisors: Giuseppe Vallone (Università degli Studi di Padova) – Adan Cabello (University of Seville)

Short Bio: I am currently a PhD student at the University of Padova, with a research focus on experimental methods of generating and distributing entanglement in quantum networks. Prior to this, I completed a joint master’s degree from Technische Universiteit Eindhoven and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, specializing in integrated photonics. For my master’s thesis, I worked on continuous variable quantum sensing protocols and NISQ algorithms at QuTech, TU Delft. The goal of my current research is to develop experimental schemes to harness high-dimensional entanglement for fundamental physics.

Exploiting high-dimensional entanglement and hyperentanglement for fundamental tests of physics

Project summary: Entanglement is a fascinating quantum phenomenon where two (or more) particles become correlated in way that cannot be described by classical physics, regardless of the distance separating them. It is key to understanding the foundations of quantum mechanics and the behavior of quantum systems and has emerged as a crucial resource in quantum information science, enabling technologies like quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum metrology.
To advance real world applications of quantum technologies as well as to enable more fundamental tests of quantum physics, large entangled systems in higher dimensions are crucial. High-dimensional entanglement in systems with more than two levels or across multiple degrees of freedom offers several advantages such as higher information capacity and increased robustness against noise in quantum communication protocols. It also becomes a useful tool to test the boundaries between quantum and classical physics.

Despite significant progress in recent years, the generation, distribution, and loophole-free certification of high-dimensional entanglement for realistic scenarios remain a significant experimental challenge. Both theoretical and experimental advances are required to tackle these issues as researchers need to be familiar with both the mathematical framework as well as the experimental limitations. Considering this, the primary goal of this project is to explore the possibilities of high-dimensional entanglement by developing novel experimental architectures. This will be supplemented by adapting theoretical models and tools to better characterize such systems and explore their potential applications.
By bridging the gap between theory and experiment, we can advance the development of quantum technologies. This includes developing robust and loophole free methods of generating and certifying entanglement and further enhancing our understanding of it.
Through cross training of researchers with an interdisciplinary approach, more novel applications may be developed and can have real-world impact beyond the lab.