Colloquium: Quantum information processing with ensembles of identical particles

Abstract:Identical particles underpin most quantum technologies, but the role of indistinguishability in these processes extends far beyond the symmetrization of many-particle states. This Colloquium presents a unified operational perspective on how particle identity, indistinguishability, exchange statistics, and many-particle interference can instead be harnessed as resources for quantum information processing. We first clarify the notions of entanglement and indistinguishability for identical particles, emphasizing their dependence on the accessible measurements and information. We then review how spatial overlap, multiparticle interference, and path identity enable the generation, extraction, protection, and distillation of coherence and entanglement. Their applications to quantum metrology and imaging, state discrimination, teleportation, entanglement swapping, and quantum cloning are examined. Finally, we discuss the thermodynamic role of indistinguishability, from the Gibbs paradox to quantum thermal machines and statistics-driven engines. Across these settings, indistinguishability emerges as a controllable, task-dependent resource whose benefits are determined by state preparation, exchange statistics, interference, and measurement constraints.

41 pages, 30 figures, 1 table. Colloquium submitted to Review of Modern Physics

arXiv:2610.40852 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2610.40852v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.40852 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.