Encrypted quantum correlations: Delayed choice of quantum statistics and other applications

TL;DR

This paper explores a three-particle quantum experiment where the particles' statistical behavior is determined by a measurement, revealing potential for quantum information encryption and multi-party protocols.

Contribution

It introduces a novel three-particle scheme based on GHZ correlations that encrypts quantum states and enables measurement-dependent particle behavior.

Findings

Particles behave as bosons or fermions depending on measurement

Quantum information can be encrypted and decoded via measurement results

Protocol extends to multiple particles for collaborative quantum tasks

Abstract

In a three-particle extension of Wheeler's delayed choice gedanken experiment, the quantum statistics of two particles is undetermined until a third particle is measured. As a function of the measurement result, the particles behave either as bosons or as fermions. The particles are distinguishable if no measurement is performed at all or when the measurement is performed in a rotated basis. The scheme is based on Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger quantum correlations. It can be interpreted more generally as the encryption of maximally entangled states in a larger quantum superposition. The local quantum information is scrambled but can be decoded by the measurement result of a control particle. This can be extended to multiple particles and allows to develop quantum information protocols whose successful implementation depends on the collaboration of all parties.