Exploring the foundation of quantum information in quantum optics

Abstract

Quantum information is promising in solving certain computational problems and information security. The power of its speed up and privacy is based on one of the most tested physical theory: quantum mechanics. Many of the promises of quantum information has already been demonstrated in different implementations, which could also be viewed as witness of quantum mechanics. As we progress further in quantum information, we find that some of the aspects of quantum mechanics could be tested in a novel way. Performing those tests may lead to new physical theory or at least reinforce our belief of the accuracy of quantum mechanics. In this thesis, I report a few different approaches in testing the foundation of quantum mechanics using results obtained from quantum optics. While developing such test, quantum state tomography is heavily used to characterize our system. I also report a simplified way of performing quantum state tomography for quantum state that is close to pure state.