arXiv subjects

Athreya Shankar

Publications and source records attributed to Athreya Shankar.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

Optimal Multiparameter Metrology: The Quantum Compass Solution

We study optimal quantum sensing of multiple physical parameters using repeated measurements. In this scenario, the Fisher information framework sets the fundamental limits on sensing performance, yet the optimal states and corresponding measurements that attain these limits remain to be discovered. To address this, we extend the Fisher information approach with a second optimality requirement for a sensor to provide unambiguous estimation of unknown parameters. We propose a systematic method integrating Fisher information and Bayesian approaches to quantum metrology to identify the combination of input states and measurements that satisfies both optimality criteria. Specifically, we frame the optimal sensing problem as an optimization of an asymptotic Bayesian cost function that can be efficiently solved numerically and, in many cases, analytically. We refer to the resulting optimal sensor as a `quantum compass' solution, which serves as a direct multiparameter counterpart to the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state-based interferometer, renowned for achieving the Heisenberg limit in single-parameter metrology. We provide exact quantum compass solutions for paradigmatic multiparameter problem of sensing two and three parameters using an SU(2) sensor. Our metrological cost function opens avenues for quantum variational techniques to design low-depth quantum circuits approaching the optimal sensing performance in the many-repetition scenario. We demonstrate this by constructing simple quantum circuits that achieve the Heisenberg limit for vector field and 3D rotations estimation using a limited set of gates available on a trapped-ion platform. Our work introduces and optimizes sensors for a practical notion of optimality, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of quantum sensors to precisely estimate unknown parameters.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Exploring Quantum Synchronization with a Composite Two-Qubit Oscillator

Synchronization has recently been explored deep in the quantum regime with elementary few-level quantum oscillators such as qudits and weakly pumped quantum Van der Pol oscillators. To engineer more complex quantum synchronizing systems, it is practically relevant to study composite oscillators built up from basic quantum units that are commonly available and offer high controllability. Here, we consider a minimal model for a composite oscillator consisting of two interacting qubits coupled to separate baths, and show that this system exhibits a wide variety of synchronizing behaviors. We study the phase response of the constituent qubits as well as the system as a whole, when one of the qubits is weakly driven. We consider the thermal baths to have positive as well as effective negative temperatures, and discover effects that occur only when the temperatures of the baths for the two qubits are of opposite signs. We propose and analyze a circuit quantum electrodynamics implementation of this model, which exploits recent advances in dissipation engineering to realize effective negative temperature baths. Our work demonstrates the potential for assembling complex quantum synchronizing systems from basic building units, which is of pragmatic importance for advancing the field of quantum synchronization.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Rapid cooling of the in-plane motion of two-dimensional ion crystals in a Penning trap to millikelvin temperatures

We propose a highly feasible technique with no experimental overhead to rapidly cool the in-plane degrees of freedom of large two-dimensional ion crystals in Penning traps. Through simulations, we demonstrate that our approach enables the in-plane modes to cool down to a temperature of around 1 mK in less than 10 ms. Our technique relies on near-resonant coupling of the poorly cooled in-plane motions and the efficiently cooled out-of-plane motions, and is achieved without introducing additional potentials. The rapid cooling enabled by our approach is in contrast to typical operating conditions, where our simulations of the laser cooling dynamics suggest that the ion crystal's in-plane motion cools very slowly on a timescale of several hundreds of milliseconds, a rate likely slower than experimental heating rates. Our work sets the stage for sub-Doppler laser cooling of the planar motion, and more robust and versatile quantum simulation and quantum sensing experiments with two-dimensional crystals in Penning traps.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Bilayer crystals of trapped ions for quantum information processing

Trapped ion systems are a leading platform for quantum information processing, but they are currently limited to 1D and 2D arrays, which imposes restrictions on both their scalability and their range of applications. Here, we propose a path to overcome this limitation by demonstrating that Penning traps can be used to realize remarkably clean bilayer crystals, wherein hundreds of ions self-organize into two well-defined layers. These bilayer crystals are made possible by the inclusion of an anharmonic trapping potential, which is readily implementable with current technology. We study the normal modes of this system and discover salient differences compared to the modes of single-plane crystals. The bilayer geometry and the unique properties of the normal modes open new opportunities, in particular in quantum sensing and quantum simulation, that are not straightforward in single-plane crystals. Furthermore, we illustrate that it may be possible to extend the ideas presented here to realize multilayer crystals with more than two layers. Our work increases the dimensionality of trapped ion systems by efficiently utilizing all three spatial dimensions and lays the foundation for a new generation of quantum information processing experiments with multilayer 3D crystals of trapped ions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Characterising Polariton States in Non-Dispersive Regime of Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics

A superconducting qubit coupled to a read-out resonator is currently the building block of multiple quantum computing as well as quantum optics experiments. A typical qubit-resonator system is coupled in the dispersive regime, where the detuning between qubit and resonator is much greater than the coupling between them. In this work, we fabricated and measured a superconducting transmon-resonator system in the non-dispersive regime. The dressed states formed by the mixing of the bare qubit and resonator states can be further mixed by applying a drive on the qubit, leading to the formation of polariton states. We report experimental studies of transitions between polariton states at varying driving powers and frequencies and show how the non-dispersive coupling of the higher levels of the qubit-resonator system modifies the polariton eigenstates and the corresponding transition frequencies. We also report close agreement with numerical results obtained from a driven Jaynes-Cummings Model beyond the dispersive regime.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Comparison of Spontaneous Emission in Trapped Ion Multiqubit Gates at High Magnetic Fields

Penning traps have been used for performing quantum simulations and sensing with hundreds of ions and provide a promising route toward scaling up trapped ion quantum platforms because of the ability to trap and control up to thousands of ions in 2D and 3D crystals. A leading source of decoherence in laser-based multiqubit operations on trapped ions is off-resonant spontaneous emission. While many trapped ion quantum computers or simulators utilize clock qubits, other systems rely on Zeeman qubits, which require a more complex calculation of this decoherence. We examine theoretically the impacts of spontaneous emission on quantum gates performed with trapped ions in a high magnetic field. We consider two types of gates -- light-shift and Molmer-Sorensen gates -- and compare the decoherence errors in each. We also compare different detunings, polarizations, and required intensities of the laser beams used to drive the gates. We show that both gates can have similar performance at their optimal operating conditions and examine the experimental feasibility of various operating points. By examining the magnetic field dependence of each gate, we demonstrate that when the $P$ state fine structure splitting is large compared to the Zeeman splittings, the theoretical performance of the Molmer-Sorensen gate is significantly better than that of the light-shift gate. Additionally, for the light-shift gate, we make an approximate comparison between the fidelities that can be achieved at high fields with the fidelities of state-of-the-art two-qubit trapped ion quantum gates. We show that, with regard to spontaneous emission, the achievable infidelity of our current configuration is about an order of magnitude larger than that of the best low-field gates, but we also discuss alternative configurations with potential error rates that are comparable with state-of-the-art trapped ion gates.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Optimal and Variational Multi-Parameter Quantum Metrology and Vector Field Sensing

We study multi-parameter sensing of 2D and 3D vector fields within the Bayesian framework for $SU(2)$ quantum interferometry. We establish a method to determine the optimal quantum sensor, which establishes the fundamental limit on the precision of simultaneously estimating multiple parameters with an $N$-atom sensor. Keeping current experimental platforms in mind, we present sensors that have limited entanglement capabilities, and yet, significantly outperform sensors that operate without entanglement and approach the optimal quantum sensor in terms of performance. Furthermore, we show how these sensors can be implemented on current programmable quantum sensors with variational quantum circuits by minimizing a metrological cost function. The resulting circuits prepare tailored entangled states and perform measurements in an appropriate entangled basis to realize the best possible quantum sensor given the native entangling resources available on a given sensor platform. Notable examples include a 2D and 3D quantum ``compass'' and a 2D sensor that provides a scalable improvement over unentangled sensors. Our results on optimal and variational multi-parameter quantum metrology are useful for advancing precision measurements in fundamental science and ensuring the stability of quantum computers, which can be achieved through the incorporation of optimal quantum sensors in a quantum feedback loop.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Beyond one-axis twisting: Simultaneous spin-momentum squeezing

The creation and manipulation of quantum entanglement is central to improving precision measurements. A principal method of generating entanglement for use in atom interferometry is the process of spin squeezing whereupon the states become more sensitive to $SU(2)$ rotations. One possibility to generate this entanglement is provided by one-axis twisting (OAT), where a many-particle entangled state of one degree of freedom is generated by a non-linear Hamiltonian. We introduce a novel method which goes beyond OAT to create squeezing and entanglement across two distinct degrees of freedom. We present our work in the specific physical context of a system consisting of collective atomic energy levels and discrete collective momentum states, but also consider other possible realizations. Our system uses a nonlinear Hamiltonian to generate dynamics in $SU(4)$, thereby creating the opportunity for dynamics not possible in typical $SU(2)$ one-axis twisting. This leads to three axes undergoing twisting due to the two degrees of freedom and their entanglement, with the resulting potential for a more rich context of quantum entanglement. The states prepared in this system are potentially more versatile for use in multi-parameter or auxiliary measurement schemes than those prepared by standard spin squeezing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Simulating dynamical phases of chiral $p+ i p$ superconductors with a trapped ion magnet

Two-dimensional $p+ i p$ superconductors and superfluids are systems that feature chiral behavior emerging from the Cooper pairing of electrons or neutral fermionic atoms with non-zero angular momentum. Their realization has been a longstanding goal because they offer great potential utility for quantum computation and memory. However, they have so far eluded experimental observation both in solid state systems as well as in ultracold quantum gases. Here, we propose to leverage the tremendous control offered by rotating two-dimensional trapped-ion crystals in a Penning trap to simulate the dynamical phases of two-dimensional $p+ip$ superfluids. This is accomplished by mapping the presence or absence of a Cooper pair into an effective spin-1/2 system encoded in the ions' electronic levels. We show how to infer the topological properties of the dynamical phases, and discuss the role of beyond mean-field corrections. More broadly, our work opens the door to use trapped ion systems to explore exotic models of topological superconductivity and also paves the way to generate and manipulate skyrmionic spin textures in these platforms.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Equilibration of the planar modes of ultracold two dimensional ion crystals in a Penning trap

Planar thermal equilibration is studied using direct numerical simulations of ultracold two-dimensional (2D) ion crystals in a Penning trap with a rotating wall. The large magnetic field of the trap splits the modes that describe in-plane motion of the ions into two branches: High frequency cyclotron modes dominated by kinetic energy and low frequency $\mathbf{E \times B}$ modes dominated by potential energy associated with thermal position displacements. Using an eigenmode analysis we extract the equilibration rate between these two branches as a function of the ratio of the frequencies that characterize the two branches and observe this equilibration rate to be exponentially suppressed as the ratio increases. Under experimental conditions relevant for current work at NIST, the predicted equilibration time is orders of magnitude longer than any relevant experimental timescales. We also study the coupling rate dependence on the thermal temperature and the number of ions. Besides, we show how increasing the rotating wall strength improves crystal stability. These details of in-plane mode dynamics help set the stage for developing strategies to efficiently cool the in-plane modes and improve the performance of single-plane ion crystals for quantum information processing.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2021

Subradiant-to-Subradiant Phase Transition in the Bad Cavity Laser

We show that the onset of steady-state superradiance in a bad cavity laser is preceded by a dissipative phase transition between two distinct phases of steady-state subradiance. The transition is marked by a non-analytic behavior of the cavity output power and the mean atomic inversion, as well as a discontinuity in the variance of the collective atomic inversion. In particular, for repump rates below a critical value, the cavity output power is strongly suppressed and does not increase with the atom number, while it scales linearly with atom number above this value. Remarkably, we find that the atoms are in a macroscopic entangled steady state near the critical region with a vanishing fraction of unentangled atoms in the large atom number limit.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Rugged mHz-Linewidth Superradiant Laser Driven by a Hot Atomic Beam

We propose a new type of superradiant laser based on a hot atomic beam traversing an optical cavity. We show that the theoretical minimum linewidth and maximum power are competitive with the best ultracoherent clock lasers. Also, our system operates naturally in continuous wave mode, which has been elusive for superradiant lasers so far. Unlike existing ultracoherent lasers, our design is simple and rugged. This makes it a candidate for the first widely accessible ultracoherent laser, as well as the first to realize sought-after applications of ultracoherent lasers in challenging environments.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Regular and bistable steady-state superradiant phases of an atomic beam traversing an optical cavity

We investigate the different photon emission regimes created by a preexcited and collimated atomic beam passing through a single mode of an optical cavity. In the regime where the cavity degrees of freedom can be adiabatically eliminated, we find that the atoms undergo superradiant emission when the collective linewidth exceeds the transit-time broadening. We analyze the case where the atomic beam direction is slanted with respect to the cavity axis. For this situation, we find that a phase of continuous light emission similar to steady-state superradiance is established providing the tilt of the atomic beam is sufficiently small. However, if the atoms travel more than half a wavelength along the cavity axis during one transit time we predict a dynamical phase transition to a new bistable superradiant regime. In this phase the atoms undergo collective spontaneous emission with a frequency that can be either blue or red detuned from the free-space atomic resonance. We analyze the different superradiant regimes and the quantum critical crossover boundaries. In particular we find the spectrum of the emitted light and show that the linewidth exhibits features of a critical scaling close to the phase boundaries.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Broadening of the drumhead mode spectrum due to in-plane thermal fluctuations of two-dimensional trapped ion crystals in a Penning trap

Two-dimensional crystals of ions stored in Penning traps are a leading platform for quantum simulation and sensing experiments. For small amplitudes, the out-of-plane motion of such crystals can be described by a discrete set of normal modes called the drumhead modes, which can be used to implement a range of quantum information protocols. However, experimental observations of crystals with Doppler-cooled and even near-ground-state-cooled drumhead modes reveal an unresolved drumhead mode spectrum. In this work, we establish in-plane thermal fluctuations in ion positions as a major contributor to the broadening of the drumhead mode spectrum. In the process, we demonstrate how the confining magnetic field leads to unconventional in-plane normal modes, whose average potential and kinetic energies are not equal. This property, in turn, has implications for the sampling procedure required to choose the in-plane initial conditions for molecular dynamics simulations. For current operating conditions of the NIST Penning trap, our study suggests that the two dimensional crystals produced in this trap undergo in-plane potential energy fluctuations of the order of $10$ mK. Our study therefore motivates the need for designing improved techniques to cool the in-plane degrees of freedom.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Squeezed state metrology with Bragg interferometers operating in a cavity

Bragg interferometers, operating using pseudospin-1/2 systems composed of two momentum states, have become a mature technology for precision measurements. State-of-the-art Bragg interferometers are rapidly surpassing technical limitations and are soon expected to operate near the projection noise limit set by uncorrelated atoms. Despite the use of large numbers of atoms, their operation is governed by single-atom physics. Motivated by recent proposals and demonstrations of Raman gravimeters in cavities, we propose a scheme to squeeze directly on momentum states for surpassing the projection noise limit in Bragg interferometers. In our modeling, we consider the unique issues that arise when a spin squeezing protocol is applied to momentum pseudospins. Specifically, we study the effects of the momentum width of the atomic cloud and the coupling to momentum states outside the pseudospin manifold, as these atoms interact via a mode of the cavity. We show that appreciable levels of spin squeezing can be demonstrated in suitable parameter regimes in spite of these complications. Using this setting, we show how beyond mean-field techniques developed for spin systems can be adapted to study the dynamics of momentum states of interacting atoms. Our scheme promises to be feasible using current technology and is experimentally attractive because it requires no additional setup beyond what will be required to operate Bragg interferometers in cavities.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Continuous real-time tracking of a quantum phase below the standard quantum limit

We propose a scheme for continuously measuring the evolving quantum phase of a collective spin composed of $N$ pseudospins. Quantum non-demolition measurements of a lossy cavity mode interacting with an atomic ensemble are used to directly probe the phase of the collective atomic spin without converting it into a population difference. Unlike traditional Ramsey measurement sequences, our scheme allows for real-time tracking of time-varying signals. As a bonus, spin-squeezed states develop naturally, providing real-time phase estimation significantly more precise than the standard quantum limit of $Δϕ_\text{SQL} = 1/\sqrt{N}$ radians.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Modeling near ground-state cooling of two-dimensional ion crystals in a Penning trap using electromagnetically induced transparency

Penning traps, with their ability to control planar crystals of tens to hundreds of ions, are versatile quantum simulators. Thermal occupations of the motional drumhead modes, transverse to the plane of the ion crystal, degrade the quality of quantum simulations. Laser cooling using electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT cooling) is attractive as an efficient way to quickly initialize the drumhead modes to near ground-state occupations. We numerically investigate the efficiency of EIT cooling of planar ion crystals in a Penning trap, accounting for complications arising from the nature of the trap and from the simultaneous cooling of multiple ions. We show that, in spite of challenges, the large bandwidth of drumhead modes (hundreds of kilohertz) can be rapidly cooled to near ground-state occupations within a few hundred microseconds. Our predictions for the center-of-mass mode include a cooling time constant of tens of microseconds and an enhancement of the cooling rate with increasing number of ions. Successful experimental demonstrations of EIT cooling in the NIST Penning trap [E. Jordan, K. A. Gilmore, A. Shankar, A. Safavi-Naini, M. J. Holland, and J. J. Bollinger, "Near ground-state cooling of two-dimensional trapped-ion crystals with more than 100 ions", (2018), submitted.] validate our predictions.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Near ground-state cooling of two-dimensional trapped-ion crystals with more than 100 ions

We study, both experimentally and theoretically, electromagnetically induced transparency cooling of the drumhead modes of planar 2-dimensional arrays with up to $N\approx 190$ Be${}^+$ ions stored in a Penning trap. Substantial sub-Doppler cooling is observed for all $N$ drumhead modes. Quantitative measurements for the center-of-mass mode show near ground state cooling with motional quantum numbers of $\bar{n} = 0.3\pm0.2$ obtained within $200~μs$. The measured cooling rate is faster than that predicted by single particle theory, consistent with a quantum many-body calculation. For the lower frequency drumhead modes, quantitative temperature measurements are limited by apparent damping and frequency instabilities, but near ground state cooling of the full bandwidth is strongly suggested. This advancement will greatly improve the performance of large trapped ion crystals in quantum information and quantum metrology applications.

physics.atom-ph↗