Non-classical States of Light Generation via Strong-Field Processes and Applications in Quantum Key Distribution

This doctoral thesis has a dual focus. Firstly, it studies the generation of non-classical states of light through strong-field processes, where light-matter interactions involve light intensities contending with the forces binding electrons to their nuclei. This exploration demonstrates the utility of strong-field phenomena in generating non-classical states of light, with properties dependent on specific dynamics and materials involved in the excitation. Secondly, it investigates the constraints and prerequisites of non-classical light sources—beyond those studied in the first part—for advancing quantum communication applications,specifically in quantum key distribution. The aim here is to create a secret key exclusively known by the communicating parties for encrypting and decrypting messages. As a whole, this work serves as a foundational step towards leveraging strong-field physics as a prospective tool for quantum information science applications, as well as displaying the advantages and limitations of photonic-based setups for quantum key distribution. With its very clear style of presentation, the book is an essential reference for future researchers working in this field.

Chapter 1.Introduction.- Chapter 2.Background.- Chapter 3.Non-classical states of light after strong-laser field processes in atoms.- Chapter 4.Non-classical states of light after high-harmonic generation in molecular and solid systems.- Chapter 5.Non-classical states of light for Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution.- Chapter 6.Conclusions.- Chapter 7.Additional material of Chapter 2.- Chapter 8.Additional material of Chapter 3.- Chapter 9.Additional material of Chapter 4.- Chapter 10.Additional material of Chapter 5.

Javier Rivera-Dean is a postdoctoral researcher at the Quantum Optics Theory group at ICFO, led by Prof. Maciej Lewenstein. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Universidad de La Laguna (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain) in 2018 and his M.Sc. in Photonics from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain) in 2019. During his master's studies, he began exploring quantum optical aspects of strong-laser field physics, completing his thesis under the supervision of Dr. Emilio Pisanty and Prof. Maciej Lewenstein at ICFO. In 2020, he commenced his PhD at the Quantum Information Theory group led by Prof. Antonio Acín, focusing on quantum optical and quantum information properties of strongly-driven laser-matter interaction processes in gaseous and solid phases. His research, supervised by Prof. Antonio Acín and Prof. Marcelo F. Ciappina, also encompasses quantum communication, particularly the analysis of device-independent quantum key distribution. Javier has contributed to several publications in these areas, demonstrating his expertise in both quantum optics and quantum information theory.