arXiv · 1609.09504
Direct Probe of Topological Invariants Using Bloch Oscillating Quantum Walks
Abstract
The topology of a single-particle band structure plays a fundamental role in understanding a multitude of physical phenomena. Motivated by the connection between quantum walks and such topological band structures, we demonstrate that a simple time-dependent, Bloch-oscillating quantum walk enables the direct measurement of topological invariants. We consider two classes of one-dimensional quantum walks and connect the global phase imprinted on the walker with its refocusing behavior. By disentangling the dynamical and geometric contributions to this phase we describe a general strategy to measure the topological invariant in these quantum walks. As an example, we propose an experimental protocol in a circuit QED architecture where a superconducting transmon qubit plays the role of the coin, while the quantum walk takes place in the phase space of a cavity.
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Vinay V. Ramasesh, Emmanuel Flurin, Mark S. Rudner, Irfan Siddiqi, Norman Y. Yao. 2016-09-29. Direct Probe of Topological Invariants Using Bloch Oscillating Quantum Walks. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.118.130501
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