Knowledge, Ignorance, and Security in Higher-dimensional Quantum Systems (2016-2019)
Abstract
In quantum physics, the best possible knowledge of a whole does not include the best possible knowledge of the parts - not knowing any of the letters of a word does not imply not knowing what the word is. In this project, I will exploit the high-dimensional transverse spatial modes of photon to show experimentally that the converse is also true: not knowing the word does not imply not knowing any of the letters. This counter-intuitive notion is unique to higher-dimensional systems, and impacts the security of quantum cryptography. With a renewed understanding of information in high-dimensional systems, the project will deliver a rapid, secure, high-capacity quantum image transfer protocol.
