Photonic quantum information processing: a review

TL;DR

This review comprehensively covers the current state of photonic quantum information processing, highlighting recent technological advances, key achievements, and diverse applications in communication and simulation.

Contribution

It provides an integrated overview of theoretical, experimental, and technological progress in photonic quantum information processing, including significant achievements and future perspectives.

Findings

Recent technological advances enable concrete applications

Photonic systems are versatile for quantum communication and simulation

Significant experimental and theoretical progress documented

Abstract

Photonic quantum technologies represent a promising platform for several applications, ranging from long-distance communications to the simulation of complex phenomena. Indeed, the advantages offered by single photons do make them the candidate of choice for carrying quantum information in a broad variety of areas with a versatile approach. Furthermore, recent technological advances are now enabling first concrete applications of photonic quantum information processing. The goal of this manuscript is to provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the state of the art in this active field, with a due balance between theoretical, experimental and technological results. When more convenient, we will present significant achievements in tables or in schematic figures, in order to convey a global perspective of the several horizons that fall under the name of photonic quantum information.