Probabilistic generation of two-mode binomial cat states using cross-Kerr interactions
Abstract
Superpositions of macroscopically distinct coherent states, or cat states, are a key resource for quantum technologies. In particular, two-mode binomial cat states can give rise to exact quantum error correction in continuous-variable quantum computing. However, their preparation typically requires non-Gaussian initial states, such as Fock or NOON states, which are challenging to realize experimentally. Here, we propose a protocol to generate two-mode binomial cat states where the only requirements are Gaussian initial states in combination with heralded heterodyne measurements. Our approach utilizes cross-Kerr interactions between bosonic modes commonly realizable in superconducting circuit architectures. We show that by adjusting the input state parameters, our protocol remains robust to dissipation under realistic experimental conditions. Our work provides a practical route to realizing multinomial cat states in current experimental platforms without requiring non-Gaussian initial resources, overcoming a key limitation of existing preparation schemes.
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BibTeX
@misc{zhao2026probabilistic,
title = {{Probabilistic generation of two-mode binomial cat states using cross-Kerr interactions}},
author = {S. Zhao and A. Metelmann and S. Qvarfort},
howpublished = {arXiv},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.48550/arxiv.2608.29173},
eprint = {2608.29173},
archivePrefix = {arXiv},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.29173},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Probabilistic generation of two-mode binomial cat states using cross-Kerr interactions
AU - S. Zhao
AU - A. Metelmann
AU - S. Qvarfort
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/29
PB - arXiv
DO - 10.48550/arxiv.2608.29173
UR - https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.29173
AB - Superpositions of macroscopically distinct coherent states, or cat states, are a key resource for quantum technologies. In particular, two-mode binomial cat states can give rise to exact quantum error correction in continuous-variable quantum computing. However, their preparation typically requires non-Gaussian initial states, such as Fock or NOON states, which are challenging to realize experimentally. Here, we propose a protocol to generate two-mode binomial cat states where the only requirements are Gaussian initial states in combination with heralded heterodyne measurements. Our approach utilizes cross-Kerr interactions between bosonic modes commonly realizable in superconducting circuit architectures. We show that by adjusting the input state parameters, our protocol remains robust to dissipation under realistic experimental conditions. Our work provides a practical route to realizing multinomial cat states in current experimental platforms without requiring non-Gaussian initial resources, overcoming a key limitation of existing preparation schemes.
ER -