arXiv subjects

Igor Jex

Publications and source records attributed to Igor Jex.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Sensitivity to initial noise in measurement-induced nonlinear quantum dynamics

We consider a special iterated quantum protocol with measurement-induced nonlinearity for qubits, where all pure initial states on the Bloch sphere can be considered chaotic. The dynamics is ergodic with no attractive fixed cycles. We show that initial noise radically changes this behavior. The completely mixed state is an attractive fixed point of the dynamics induced by the protocol. Our numerical simulations strongly indicate that initially mixed states all converge to the completely mixed state. The presented protocol is an example, where gaining information from measurements and employing it to control an ensemble of quantum systems enables us to create ergodicity, which in turn is destroyed by any initial noise.

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arXiv2018

Probing Measurement Induced Effects in Quantum Walks via Recurrence

Measurements on a quantum particle unavoidably affect its state, since the otherwise unitary evolution of the system is interrupted by a non-unitary projection operation. In order to probe measurement-induced effects in the state dynamics using a quantum simulator, the challenge is to implement controlled measurements on a small subspace of the system and continue the evolution from the complementary subspace. A powerful platform for versatile quantum evolution is represented by photonic quantum walks due to their high control over all relevant parameters. However, measurement-induced dynamics in such a platform have not yet been realized. Here we implement controlled measurements in a discrete-time quantum walk based on time multiplexing. This is achieved by adding a deterministic out-coupling of the optical signal to include measurements constrained to specific positions resulting in the projection of the walker's state on the remaining ones. With this platform and coherent input light we experimentally simulate measurement-induced single particle quantum dynamics. We demonstrate the difference between dynamics with only a single measurement at the final step and those including measurements during the evolution. To this aim we study recurrence as a figure of merit, i.e. the return probability to the walker's starting position, which is measured in the two cases. We track the development of the return probability over 36 time steps and observe the onset of both recurrent and transient evolution as an effect of the different measurement schemes, a signature which only emerges for quantum systems. Our simulation of the observed one particle conditional quantum dynamics does not require a genuine quantum particle but is demonstrated with coherent light.

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arXiv2018

A detailed study of Gaussian Boson Sampling

Since the development of Boson sampling, there has been a quest to construct more efficient and experimentally feasible protocols to test the computational complexity of sampling from photonic states. In this paper we interpret and extend the results presented in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 170501 (2017)]. We derive an expression that relates the probability to measure a specific photon output pattern from a Gaussian state to the \textit{hafnian} matrix function and us it to design a Gaussian Boson sampling protocol. Then, we discuss the advantages that this protocol has relative to other photonic protocols and the experimental requirements for Gaussian Boson Sampling. Finally, we relate it to the previously most general protocol, Scattershot Boson Sampling [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 100502 (2014)]

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arXiv2017

Asymptotics of quantum Markov processes: From algebraic structure to characterization of asymptotic states

Markov processes play an important role in physics and the theory of open systems in particular. In this paper we study the asymptotic evolution of trace-nonincreasing homogenous quantum Markov processes (both types, discrete quantum Markov chains and continues quantum dynamical semigroups) equipped with a so-called strictly positive T -state in the Schrodinger and the Heisenberg picture. We derive a fundamental theorem specifying the structure of the asymptotic and uncover a rich set of transformations between attractors of quantum Markov processes in both pictures. Moreover, we generalize the structure theorem derived for quantum Markov chains to quantum dynamical semigroups showing how the internal structure of generators of quantum Markov processes determines attractors in both pictures. Based on these results we provide two characterizations of all asymptotic and stationary states, both strongly reminding in form the well-known Gibbs states of statistical mechanics. We prove that the dynamics within the asymptotic space is of unitary type, i.e. quantum Markov processes preserve a certain scalar product of operators from the asymptotic space, but there is no corresponding unitary evolution on the original Hilbert space of pure states. Finally simple examples illustrating the derived theory are given.

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arXiv2017

Measuring Topological Invariants in Disordered Discrete Time Quantum Walks

Quantum walks constitute a versatile platform for simulating transport phenomena on discrete graphs including topological material properties while providing a high control over the relevant parameters at the same time. To experimentally access and directly measure the topological invariants of quantum walks we implement the scattering scheme proposed by Tarasinski et al.[Phys. Rev. A 89, 042327 (2014)] in a photonic time multiplexed quantum walk experiment. The tunable coin operation provides opportunity to reach distinct topological phases, and accordingly to observe the corresponding topological phase transitions. The ability to read-out the position and the coin state distribution, complemented by explicit interferometric sign measurements, allowed the reconstruction of the scattered reflection amplitudes and thus the computation of the associated bulk topological invariants. As predicted we also find localised states at the edges between two bulks belonging to different topological phases. In order to analyse the impact of disorder we have measured invariants of two different types of disordered samples in large ensemble measurements, demonstrating their constancy in one disorder regime and a continuous transition with increasing disorder strength for the second disorder sample.

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arXiv2017

Gaussian Boson Sampling

Boson Sampling has emerged as a tool to explore the advantages of quantum over classical computers as it does not require a universal control over the quantum system, which favours current photonic experimental platforms.Here, we introduce Gaussian Boson Sampling, a classically hard-to-solve problem that uses squeezed states as a non-classical resource. We relate the probability to measure specific photon patterns from a general Gaussian state in the Fock basis to a matrix function called the hafnian, which answers the last remaining question of sampling from Gaussian states. Based on this result, we design Gaussian Boson Sampling, a #P hard problem, using squeezed states. This approach leads to a more efficient photonic boson sampler with significant advantages in generation probability and measurement time over currently existing protocols.

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arXiv2017

Limit density of 2D quantum walk: zeroes of the weight function

Properties of the probability distribution generated by a discrete-time quantum walk, such as the number of peaks it contains, depend strongly on the choice of the initial condition. In the present paper we discuss from this point of view the model of the two-dimensional quantum walk analyzed in K. Watabe et al., Phys. Rev. A 77, 062331, (2008). We show that the limit density can be altered in such a way that it vanishes on the boundary or some line. Using this result one can suppress certain peaks in the probability distribution. The analysis is simplified considerably by choosing a more suitable basis of the coin space, namely the one formed by the eigenvectors of the coin operator.

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arXiv2016

Driven Discrete Time Quantum Walks

We introduce the driven discrete time quantum walk, where walkers are added during the walk instead of only at the beginning. This leads to interference in walker number and very different dynamics when compared to the original quantum walk. These dynamics have two regimes, which we illustrate using the one-dimensional line. Then, we explore a search application which has certain advantages over current search protocols, namely that it does not require a complicated initial state nor a specific measurement time to observe the marked state. Finally, we describe a potential experimental implementation using existing technology.

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arXiv2016

Quantum Walks with Dynamical Control: Graph Engineering, Initial State Preparation and State Transfer

Quantum walks are a well-established model for the study of coherent transport phenomena and provide a universal platform in quantum information theory. Dynamically influencing the walker's evolution gives a high degree of flexibility for studying various applications. Here, we present time-multiplexed finite quantum walks of variable size, the preparation of non-localized input states and their dynamical evolution. As a further application, we implement a state transfer scheme for an arbitrary input state to two different output modes. The presented experiments rely on the full dynamical control of a time-multiplexed quantum walk, which includes adjustable coin operation as well as the possibility to flexibly configure the underlying graph structures.

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arXiv2016

Driven Boson Sampling

Sampling the distribution of bosons that have undergone a random unitary evolution is strongly believed to be a computationally hard problem. Key to outperforming classical simulations of this task is to increase both the number of input photons and the size of the network. We propose driven boson sampling, in which photons are input within the network itself, as a means to approach this goal. When using heralded single-photon sources based on parametric down-conversion, this approach offers an $\sim e$-fold enhancement in the input state generation rate over scattershot boson sampling, reaching the scaling limit for such sources. More significantly, this approach offers a dramatic increase in the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to higher-order photon generation from such probabilistic sources, which removes the need for photon number resolution during the heralding process as the size of the system increases.

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arXiv2016

Persistence of unvisited sites in quantum walks on a line

We analyze the asymptotic scaling of persistence of unvisited sites for quantum walks on a line. In contrast to the classical random walk there is no connection between the behaviour of persistence and the scaling of variance. In particular, we find that for a two-state quantum walks persistence follows an inverse power-law where the exponent is determined solely by the coin parameter. Moreover, for a one-parameter family of three-state quantum walks containing the Grover walk the scaling of persistence is given by two contributions. The first is the inverse power-law. The second contribution to the asymptotic behaviour of persistence is an exponential decay coming from the trapping nature of the studied family of quantum walks. In contrast to the two-state walks both the exponent of the inverse power-law and the decay constant of the exponential decay depend also on the initial coin state and its coherence. Hence, one can achieve various regimes of persistence by altering the initial condition, ranging from purely exponential decay to purely inverse power-law behaviour.

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arXiv2016

Percolation assisted excitation transport in discrete-time quantum walks

Coherent transport of excitations along chains of coupled quantum systems represents an interesting problem with a number of applications ranging from quantum optics to solar cell technology. A convenient tool for studying such processes are quantum walks. They allow to determine in a quantitative way all the process features. We study the survival probability and the transport efficiency on a simple, highly symmetric graph represented by a ring. The propagation of excitation is modeled by a discrete-time (coined) quantum walk. For a two-state quantum walk, where the excitation (walker) has to leave its actual position to the neighboring sites, the survival probability decays exponentially and the transport efficiency is unity. The decay rate of the survival probability can be estimated using the leading eigenvalue of the evolution operator. However, if the excitation is allowed to stay at its present position, i.e. the propagation is modeled by a lazy quantum walk, then part of the wave-packet can be trapped in the vicinity of the origin and never reaches the sink. In such a case, the survival probability does not vanish and the excitation transport is not efficient. The dependency of the transport efficiency on the initial state is determined. Nevertheless, we show that for some lazy quantum walks dynamical percolations of the ring eliminate the trapping effect and efficient excitation transport can be achieved.

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arXiv2016

Universality in random quantum networks

Networks constitute efficient tools for assessing universal features of complex systems. In physical contexts, classical as well as quantum, networks are used to describe a wide range of phenomena, such as phase transitions, intricate aspects of many-body quantum systems or even characteristic features of a future quantum internet. Random quantum networks and their associated directed graphs are employed for capturing statistically dominant features of complex quantum systems. Here, we develop an efficient iterative method capable of evaluating the probability of a graph being strongly connected. It is proven that random directed graphs with constant edge-establishing probability are typically strongly connected, i.e. any ordered pair of vertices is connected by a directed path. This typical topological property of directed random graphs is exploited to demonstrate universal features of the asymptotic evolution of large random qubit networks. These results are independent of our knowledge of the details of the network topology. These findings suggest that also other highly complex networks, such as a future quantum internet, may exhibit similar universal properties.

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arXiv2015

Dual-path source engineering in integrated quantum optics

Quantum optics in combination with integrated optical devices shows great promise for efficient manipulation of single photons. New physical concepts, however, can only be found when these fields truly merge and reciprocally enhance each other. Here we work at the merging point and investigate the physical concept behind a two-coupled-waveguide system with an integrated parametric down-conversion process. We use the eigenmode description of the linear system and the resulting modification in momentum conservation to derive the state generation protocol for this type of device. With this new concept of state engineering, we are able to effectively implement a two-in-one waveguide source that produces the useful two-photon NOON state without extra overhead such as phase stabilization or narrow-band filtering. Experimentally, we benchmark our device by measuring a two-photon NOON state fidelity of $\mathcal{F} = (84.2 \pm 2.6) \%$ and observe the characteristic interferometric pattern directly given by the doubled phase dependence with a visibility of $V_{\mathrm{NOON}} = (93.3 \pm 3.7) \%$.

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arXiv2015

Quantum walk coherences on a dynamical percolation graph

Coherent evolution governs the behaviour of all quantum systems, but in nature it is often subjected to influence of a classical environment. For analysing quantum transport phenomena quantum walks emerge as suitable model systems. In particular, quantum walks on percolation structures constitute an attractive platform for studying open system dynamics of random media. Here, we present an implementation of quantum walks differing from the previous experiments by achieving dynamical control of the underlying graph structure. We demonstrate the evolution of an optical time-multiplexed quantum walk over six double steps, revealing the intricate interplay between the internal and external degrees of freedom. The observation of clear non-Markovian signatures in the coin space testifies the high coherence of the implementation and the extraordinary degree of control of all system parameters. Our work is the proof-of-principle experiment of a quantum walk on a dynamical percolation graph, paving the way towards complex simulation of quantum transport in random media.

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arXiv2015

Suitable bases for quantum walks with Wigner coins

The analysis of a physical problem simplifies considerably when one uses a suitable coordinate system. We apply this approach to the discrete-time quantum walks with coins given by $2j+1$-dimensional Wigner rotation matrices (Wigner walks), a model which was introduced in T. Miyazaki et al., Phys. Rev. A 76, 012332 (2007). First, we show that from the three parameters of the coin operator only one is physically relevant for the limit density of the Wigner walk. Next, we construct a suitable basis of the coin space in which the limit density of the Wigner walk acquires a much simpler form. This allows us to identify various dynamical regimes which are otherwise hidden in the standard basis description. As an example, we show that it is possible to find an initial state which reduces the number of peaks in the probability distribution from generic $2j+1$ to a single one. Moreover, the models with integer $j$ lead to the trapping effect. The derived formula for the trapping probability reveals that it can be highly asymmetric and it deviates from purely exponential decay. Explicit results are given up to the dimension five.

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arXiv2015

Exponential Sensitivity and its Cost in Quantum Physics

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system have to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible, however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed.

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arXiv2015

Dominant couplings in qubit networks with controlled interactions

Systems evolving under the influence of competing two-body and three-body interactions, are of particular interest in exploring the stability of equilibrium states of strongly interacting many-body system. We present a solvable model based on qubit networks, which allows us to investigate the intricate influence of these couplings on the possible asymptotic equilibrium states. We study the asymptotic evolution of finite qubit networks under two and three-qubit interactions. As representatives of three-qubit interactions we choose controlled unitary interactions (cu-interactions) with one and two control qubits. It is shown that networks with purely three-qubit interactions exhibit different asymptotic dynamics depending on whether we deal with interactions controlled by one or two qubits. However, when we allow three-qubit interactions next to two-qubit interactions, the asymptotics is dictated by two-qubit interactions only. Finally, we prove that the simultaneous presence of two types of three-qubit interactions results in the asymptotic dynamics characteristic for two-qubit cu-interactions.

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