quantum network engineers

Abstract: We present a distributed quantum algorithm that $3$-colors cycles in $O(1)$ rounds, with high probability. It follows that all locally checkable labeling problems (LCLs) that have round complexity $O(\log^* n)$ in the classical LOCAL model can be solved in $O(1)$ rounds in the quantum-LOCAL model, with high probability; this includes problems such as maximal independent set and maximal matching in bounded-degree graphs. This presents the first natural examples of graph problems with an asymptotic distributed quantum advantage for the LOCAL model; all prior examples that separate LOCAL and quantum-LOCAL are artificial problems constructed merely for the sake of demonstrating quantum advantage.

Abstract: Quantum-enabled semantic communication networks (QESCs) leverage quantum technologies to transmit data meaning efficiently, yet face challenges from costly resources and noise. This letter introduces Quantum Markov Blankets (QMBs) to QESCs, a novel framework to isolate essential quantum information for semantic transmission. We prove QMBs' validity using quantum conditional mutual information, showing that they shield semantic content from irrelevant subsystems. An implementation strategy optimises QMB detection, reducing resource use. Simulations suggest that QMB-based QESCs cut qubit consumption by 50\%-75\% while enhancing fidelity compared with non-optimised quantum semantic schemes. Unlike classical approaches, QMBs offer inherent security by limiting an eavesdropper's access to classical data outside the blanket. We outline future directions, including real-time QMB adaptation. This work bridges quantum information theory and semantic communication, advancing resource-efficient and secure quantum networks.

Abstract: The Holevo barycenter of a quantum channel is the unique output state obtained as the average output of any ensemble achieving the Holevo capacity. Given two quantum channels, the multiplicativity problem asks whether this barycenter tensorizes under parallel composition, namely whether the barycenter of the product channel coincides with the tensor product of the individual barycenters. This question is closely related to the additivity problem for the Holevo capacity: additivity implies tensorization of the Holevo barycenter, while tensorization alone is not sufficient for additivity. Although a construction is known that demonstrates the existence of channels with non-additive Holevo capacity, their corresponding Holevo barycenters still tensorize, leaving open whether multiplicativity might ultimately hold universally. Here, we answer this question in the negative by exhibiting channels for which the Holevo barycenter is not multiplicative under the tensor product of the channel with itself. Moreover, we show that the entropy of the Holevo barycenter is neither universally subadditive nor universally superadditive under tensor product.

Abstract: We show that the capacity of a quantum channel demarcates a phase transition: while reliable transmission below capacity is always possible, any attempt to transmit information above it fails catastrophically. Specifically, we prove exponential strong converse theorems for unassisted quantum and classical communication over arbitrary finite-dimensional memoryless quantum channels. At rates beyond the respective capacity, the entanglement-generation fidelity and the success probability for classical communication decay exponentially with the number of channel uses. This rules out transmission above capacity even when one tolerates arbitrarily large errors. Our proof follows the classical Arimoto strategy, augmented by a crucial new ingredient: integral representations of Rényi information measures that lead to asymptotic continuity bounds for Rényi capacities.