Quantum Conformance Test

TL;DR

This paper presents a quantum protocol for process conformance testing that outperforms classical methods, validated through experimental implementation using optical twin beams, demonstrating a clear quantum advantage in realistic conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum conformance test protocol for processes modeled as pure loss channels, showing theoretical and experimental quantum advantage over classical strategies.

Findings

Quantum strategy outperforms classical in conformance testing.

Experimental validation confirms quantum advantage in realistic settings.

Utilizes readily available quantum resources like two-mode squeezed vacuum.

Abstract

We introduce a protocol addressing the conformance test problem, which consists in determining whether a process under test conforms to a reference one. We consider a process to be characterized by the set of end-product it produces, which is generated according to a given probability distribution. We formulate the problem in the context of hypothesis testing and consider the specific case in which the objects can be modeled as pure loss channels. We demonstrate theoretically that a simple quantum strategy, using readily available resources and measurement schemes in the form of two-mode squeezed vacuum and photon-counting, can outperform any classical strategy. We experimentally implement this protocol, exploiting optical twin beams, validating our theoretical results, and demonstrating that, in this task, there is a quantum advantage in a realistic setting.