What is it about?
In 1988, Aharonov, Albert and Vaidman (AAV) introduced the concept of quantum weak values (WVs), using von Neumann’s model of quantum measurements. In this model, the system’s observable to be measured couples to a “pointer” of the measuring device. AAV assumed weak system-pointer coupling strengths, which allow low-order expansions of the involved evolution operator. In our work, we report closed-form expressions for the evolution operator. This gives access to the strong-coupling regime. WVs are generally complex-valued. We show that they can be fully characterized with all-optical setups. The corresponding experiments can be conducted with both classical light beams and single photons, thereby showing that WVs are not restricted to the quantum domain.
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Why is it important?
Closed-form expressions containing WVs allow to address weak and strong measurements. They also shed light on the meaning and scope of WVs, going beyond the quantum framework in which WVs were originally introduced.
Perspectives
All-optical setups have a parallel version which can be implemented with quantum computers. We have preliminary results for both all-optical setups and quantum computers. We also plan to use WVs in connection with geometric phases.
Francisco De Zela
Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Weak values in strong measurements, January 2023, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0163331.
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