arXiv subjects

Manas Mukherjee

Publications and source records attributed to Manas Mukherjee.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum Contextuality and Entanglement-Free Grover Search in a Trapped-Ion Optical Qudit

Quantum computational advantage is generally attributed to coherent interference and other non-classical resources, yet their respective roles remain difficult to disentangle in experimental platforms where multipartite entanglement is inherently present. High-dimensional quantum systems provide an attractive route for investigating these resources while simultaneously reducing hardware overhead for quantum information processing. Here we realize a programmable four-dimensional optical qudit encoded in a single trapped $^{138}\mathrm{Ba}^{+}$ ion and demonstrate universal coherent control through phase-programmable optical rotations. Using this platform, we implement an entanglement-free realization of Grover's quantum search algorithm, achieving target-state identification probabilities of up to $94.5\pm2.0\%$. Within the same processor, we further demonstrate state-dependent quantum contextuality through a Clauser--Horne--Shimony--Holt (CHSH)-type noncontextuality inequality, obtaining a maximum violation of $S = 2.816 \pm 0.082$, in close agreement with the Tsirelson bound. By integrating programmable quantum computation and contextuality measurements within a single multilevel trapped-ion platform, our work establishes a versatile architecture for investigating the relationship between coherent interference and contextuality in quantum information processing and provides a scalable route toward high-dimensional quantum technologies.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Pound-Drever-Hall Feedforward for Trapped-Ion Optical Qubits

Laser phase noise is one of the limiting factors that dictate gate fidelities and coherence times in trapped-ion quantum systems. Previous studies have reported that when the Rabi frequency of an ion qubit is close to the servo-bump phase-noise frequency, the driving laser limits the fidelity and coherence time. This issue has typically been mitigated by choosing a Rabi frequency outside the servo-bump region. However, this constrains the usable range of gate speeds and can limit the achievable fidelity. To address this issue, we developed an active phase-noise stabilization system for a barium-ion optical-qubit laser at 1762 nm, employing a fiber electro-optic modulator (EOM) with an electrical feedforward servo. Our results demonstrate that this setup, based on the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) feedforward method, can suppress servo-bump phase noise by 15 dB near the bump peak frequency in our locking system. The laser phase noise is analyzed using delayed self-heterodyne interferometry (DSHI). We further tested the stabilized laser on an optical qubit and observed a clear improvement in coherence time based on the measured amplitude decay of Rabi oscillations, even when the Rabi frequency lies within the servo-bump bandwidth. This technique can be readily adapted to other optical qubits with minimal modifications.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Towards Chemically Accurate and Scalable Quantum Simulations on IQM Quantum Hardware: A Quantum-HPC Hybrid Approach

We present a large-scale experimental study of quantum-computing-based molecular simulation carried out on IQM's Sirius 24-qubit superconducting processor, utilizing up to 16 operational qubits. The work employs Sample-based Quantum Diagonalization (SQD) together with the Local Unitary Cluster Jastrow (LUCJ) ansatz to estimate ground-state energies for a set of benchmark molecules, including H$_2$, LiH, BeH$_2$, H$_2$O, and NH$_3$. In addition, we introduce a Linear-CNOT variant of the Unitary Coupled-Cluster Singles and Doubles (LCNot-UCCSD) ansatz within the SQD workflow, trading higher circuit depth for reduced classical preprocessing. A comparison between these ans\"atze is provided, clarifying their respective strengths, limitations, and suitability for near-term quantum hardware. We further explore potential energy landscapes through 1D scans for H$_2$ and HeH$^+$ using both STO-3G and 6-31G basis sets, and for LiH and BeH$_2$ in STO-3G. Extending beyond this, we demonstrate the experimental construction of a full 2D potential energy surface for the water molecule on quantum hardware, mapped over a 32 $\times$ 32 grid in bond length and bond angle. To move beyond small benchmark systems, we combine SQD(LUCJ) with Density Matrix Embedding Theory (DMET) to compute active-space energies for a set of ligand-like molecules, as well as the pharmacologically relevant amantadine system. Across all studies, the majority of quantum-computed energies agree with reference FCI results, as well as with DMET-CASCI energies for embedded systems, to within chemical accuracy for the chosen basis sets. These results demonstrate the reliability of sample-based diagonalization approaches and underscore the potential of hybrid embedding strategies for extending quantum simulations to increasingly complex molecular systems, while also highlighting their practicality on current IQM quantum hardware.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Room-Temperature Electrical Readout of Spin Defects in van der Waals Materials

Negatively charged boron vacancy ($\mathrm{V_B^-}$) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is the most extensively studied room-temperature quantum spin system in two-dimensional (2D) materials. Nevertheless, the current effective readout of $\mathrm{V_B^-}$ spin states is carried out by systematically optical methods. This limits their exploitation in compact and miniaturized quantum devices, which would otherwise hold substantial promise to address quantum sensing and quantum information tasks. In this study, we demonstrated a photoelectric spin readout technique for $\mathrm{V_B^-}$ spins in hBN. The observed photocurrent signals stem from the spin-dependent ionization dynamics of boron vacancies, mediated by spin-dependent non-radiative transitions to a metastable state. We further extend this electrical detection technique to enable the readout of dynamical decoupling sequences, including the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) protocols, and of nuclear spins via electron-nuclear double resonance. These results provide a pathway toward on-chip integration and real-field exploitation of quantum functionalities based on 2D material platforms.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Analysis of Photonic Circuit Losses with Machine Learning Techniques

Low-loss waveguides enable efficient light delivery in photonic circuits, which are essential for high-speed optical communications and scalable implementations of photonic quantum technologies. We study the effects of several fabrication and experimental parameters on the waveguide losses of a silicon nitride integrated photonics platform using various machine learning techniques. Compared to more complex machine learning algorithms, our results show that a simple linear regression model with variable selection offers a lower prediction error with high interpretability. The high interpretability, along with our domain knowledge, led to unique identification of fabrication process dependencies on the final outcome. With these insights, we show that by improving the process flow, it is possible to improve the loss by mitigating the cause in a real experiment.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Development of High-Quality $\alpha$-Ta Film at Room Temperature via Seed Layer Engineering

The growth of high-quality superconducting thin film on silicon substrates is essential for quantum computing, and low signal interconnects with industrial compatibility. Recently, the growth of $\alpha$-Ta (alpha-phase tantalum) thin films has gained attention over conventional superconductors like Nb and Al due to their high-density native oxide ($Ta_2O_5$), which offers excellent chemical resistance, superior dielectric properties, and mechanical robustness. The growth of $\alpha$-Ta thin films can be achieved through high-temperature/cryogenic growth, ultra-thin seed layers, or thick films (>300 nm). While high-temperature deposition produces high-quality films, it can cause thermal stress, silicide formation at the interface, and defects due to substrate-film mismatch. Room-temperature deposition minimizes these issues, benefiting heat-sensitive substrates and device fabrication. Low-temperature growth using amorphous (defective) seed layers such as TaN and TiN has shown promise for phase stabilization. However, nitrogen gas, used as a source of metallic nitride, can introduce defects and lead to the formation of amorphous seed layers. This study explores using crystalline seed layers to optimize $\alpha$-Ta thin films, demonstrating improved film quality, including reduced surface roughness, enhanced phase orientation, and higher transition temperatures compared to amorphous seed layers like metal nitrides. These advancements could interest the superconducting materials community for fabricating high-quality quantum devices.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Realizing Quantum Adversarial Defense on a Trapped-ion Quantum Processor

Classification is a fundamental task in machine learning, typically performed using classical models. Quantum machine learning (QML), however, offers distinct advantages, such as enhanced representational power through high-dimensional Hilbert spaces and energy-efficient reversible gate operations. Despite these theoretical benefits, the robustness of QML classifiers against adversarial attacks and inherent quantum noise remains largely under-explored. In this work, we implement a data re-uploading-based quantum classifier on an ion-trap quantum processor using a single qubit to assess its resilience under realistic conditions. We introduce a novel convolutional quantum classifier architecture leveraging data re-uploading and demonstrate its superior robustness on the MNIST dataset. Additionally, we quantify the effects of polarization noise in a realistic setting, where both bit and phase noises are present, further validating the classifier's robustness. Our findings provide insights into the practical security and reliability of quantum classifiers, bridging the gap between theoretical potential and real-world deployment.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Practicality of training a quantum-classical machine in the NISQ era

Advancements in classical computing have significantly enhanced machine learning applications, yet inherent limitations persist in terms of energy, resource and speed. Quantum machine learning algorithms offer a promising avenue to overcome these limitations but poses its own hurdles. This experimental study explores the limits of training a real experimental quantum classical hybrid system using supervised training protocols, on an ion trap platform. Challenges associated with ion trap-coupled classical processors are addressed, highlighting the $robustness$ of the genetic algorithm as a classical optimizer in navigating the noisy channels of NISQ-devices and the complex optimization landscape inherent in binary classification problems with many local minima. We intricately discuss why gradient-based optimizers may not be suitable in the NISQ era through a thorough analysis. These findings contribute insights into the performance of quantum-classical hybrid systems, emphasizing the significance of efficient training strategies and hardware considerations for practical quantum machine learning applications. This work not only advances the understanding of hybrid quantum-classical systems but also underscores the potential impact on real-world challenges through the convergence of quantum and classical computing paradigms operating without the aid of classical simulators.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

A scalable narrow linewidth high power laser for barium ion optical qubit

The linewidth of a laser plays a pivotal role in ensuring the high fidelity of ion trap quantum processors and optical clocks. As quantum computing endeavors scale up in qubit number, the demand for higher laser power with ultra-narrow linewidth becomes imperative, and leveraging fiber amplifiers emerges as a promising approach to meet these requirements. This study explores the effectiveness of Thulium-doped fiber amplifiers (TDFAs) as a viable solution for addressing optical qubit transitions in trapped barium ion qubits. We demonstrate that by performing high-fidelity gates on the qubit while introducing minimal intensity noise, TDFAs do not significantly broaden the linewidth of the seed lasers. We employed a Voigt fitting scheme in conjunction with a delayed self-heterodyne method to accurately measure the linewidth independently, corroborating our findings through quadrupole spectroscopy with trapped barium ions. Our results show linewidth values of $160 \pm 15$ Hz and $156 \pm 16$ Hz, respectively, using these two methods, underscoring the reliability of our measurement techniques. The slight variation between the two methods can be attributed to factors such as amplified spontaneous emission in the TDFA or the influence of 1/f noise within the heterodyne setup delay line. These contribute to advancing our understanding of laser linewidth control in the context of ion trap quantum computing as well as stretching the availability of narrow linewidth, high-power tunable lasers beyond the C-band.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quantum Control of Heat Current

We investigate the local thermal transport in a quantum trimer of harmonic oscillators connected to two thermal baths. The coupling between them are augmented by complex phases which leads to the quantum control of the local atypical heat current between two oscillators connected to the same heat bath. Our study reveals that this atypical heat current is a consequence of the lifting of the dark mode and the modulation of this current is due to variation in system bath correlations. The proposed quantum system may find application in quantum thermal and memory devices by leveraging the heat current.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Single-qubit universal classifier implemented on an ion-trap quantum device

Quantum computers can provide solutions to classically intractable problems under specific and adequate conditions. However, current devices have only limited computational resources, and an effort is made to develop useful quantum algorithms under these circumstances. This work experimentally demonstrates that a single-qubit device can host a universal classifier. The quantum processor used in this work is based on ion traps, providing highly accurate control on small systems. The algorithm chosen is the re-uploading scheme, which can address general learning tasks. Ion traps suit the needs of accurate control required by re-uploading. In the experiment here presented, a set of non-trivial classification tasks are successfully carried. The training procedure is performed in two steps combining simulation and experiment. Final results are benchmarked against exact simulations of the same method and also classical algorithms, showing a competitive performance of the ion-trap quantum classifier. This work constitutes the first experimental implementation of a classification algorithm based on the re-uploading scheme.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Resonantly pumped bright-triplet exciton lasing in caesium lead bromide perovskites

The surprising recent observation of highly emissive triplet-states in lead halide perovskites accounts for their orders-of-magnitude brighter optical signals and high quantum efficiencies compared to other semiconductors. This makes them attractive for future optoelectronic applications, especially in bright low-threshold nano-lasers. Whilst non-resonantly pumped lasing from all-inorganic lead-halide perovskites is now well-established as an attractive pathway to scalable low-power laser sources for nano-optoelectronics, here we showcase a resonant optical pumping scheme on a fast triplet-state in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. The scheme allows us to realize a polarized triplet-laser source that dramatically enhances the coherent signal by one order of magnitude whilst suppressing non-coherent contributions. The result is a source with highly attractive technological characteristics including a bright and polarized signal, and a high stimulated-to-spontaneous emission signal contrast that can be filtered to enhance spectral purity. The emission is generated by pumping selectively on a weakly-confined excitonic state with a Bohr radius ~10 nm in the nanocrystals. The exciton fine-structure is revealed by the energy-splitting resulting from confinement in nanocrystals with tetragonal symmetry. We use a linear polarizer to resolve two-fold non-degenerate sub-levels in the triplet exciton and use photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy to determine the energy of the state before pumping it resonantly.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Improved description of trapped ions as an electro-mechanical system

Trapped ions are among the leading candidates for quantum computing technologies. Interfacing ion qubits in separate traps and interfacing ion qubits with superconducting qubits are two of the many challenges to scale up quantum computers. One approach to overcome both problems is to use a conducting wire to mediate the Coulomb interaction between ions in different traps, or between ions and superconducting qubits. To this end, a trapped charged particle inducing charge on a conductor has long been modeled as a system of equivalent lumped element electronic components. Careful consideration reveals two assumptions in the derivation of this model which are unjustified in many situations of interest. We identify these assumptions and explain their implications. In addition, we introduce an improved way to use linear relationships to describe the interaction of trapped ions with nearby conductors. The new method is based on realistic assumptions and reproduces results from other works that are not based on the circuit element model. It is targeted for trouble-shooting experimental designs and allows experiments to test and compare the accuracy of different theoretical models.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Making large overhangs in micrometer and nanometer-sized structures

We describe two general procedures for fabricating microstructures with large overhangs and high aspect-ratio support pillars. The first method uses a static angled dry etch on micro- or nano-pillars to create an initial overhang, followed by wet etching for further erosion. The second method uses a time-dependent angled etch on a flat plane patterned with protective resin, to reduce the number of lithography steps needed to make these objects. The time-dependent dry etch is again followed by a wet etch. For the second method we derive a formula that provides the rate at which the attack angle must evolve, given a known etch rate within the target material, the depth of the desired overhang (undercut), and the instantaneous attack angle.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

A single atom noise probe operating beyond the Heisenberg limit

According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the energy or frequency uncertainty of a measurement can be at the best inversely proportional to the observation time ($T$). The observation time in an experiment using a quantum mechanical probe is ultimately limited by the coherence time of the probe. Therefore the inverse proportionality of the statistical uncertainty of a frequency measurement to the observation time is also limited up to the coherence time of the probe, provided the systematic uncertainties are well below the statistical uncertainties. With a single laser-cooled barium ion as a quantum probe, we show that the uncertainty in the frequency measurement for a general time-dependent Hamiltonian scales as $1/T^{1.75\pm 0.03}$ as opposed to $1/T$, given by the Heisenberg limit for time-independent Hamiltonian. These measurements, based on controlled feedback Hamiltonian and implemented on a laser cooled single ion, allowed precise measurement of noise frequency in the kHz range. Moreover, based on the observed sensitivity of a single ion experiment presented here, we propose the use of a similar protocol with enhanced sensitivity as a tool to directly verify the existence of certain types of light mass axion-like dark matter particles where no direct measurement protocol exists.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Single atom energy-conversion device with a quantum load

This work reports the functioning of a single atom energy-conversion device, operating either as a quantum engine or a refrigerator, coupled to a quantum load. The "working fluid" is comprised of two optical levels of a single ion, and the load is one vibrational mode of the same ion cooled down to the quantum regime. The energy scales of these two modes differ by 9 orders of magnitude. We realize cyclic energy transfers between the working fluid and the quantum load, either increasing or decreasing the population of the vibrational mode. This is achieved albeit the interaction between the load and the working fluid leads to a significant population redistribution and quantum correlations between them. The performance of the engine cycles as a function of several parameters is examined, and found to be in agreement with theory. We specifically look at the ergotropy of the load, which indicates the amount of energy stored in the load that can be extracted with a unitary process. We show that ergotropy rises with the number of engine cycles despite an increase in the entropy of the load. Our experiment represents the first fully quantum 4-stroke energy-conversion device operating with a generic coupling to a quantum load.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Squeezing Enhances Quantum Synchronization

It is desirable to observe synchronization of quantum systems in the quantum regime, defined by low number of excitations and a highly non-classical steady state of the self-sustained oscillator. Several existing proposals of observing synchronization in the quantum regime suffer from the fact that the noise statistics overwhelms synchronization in this regime. Here we resolve this issue by driving a self-sustained oscillator with a squeezing Hamiltonian instead of a harmonic drive and analyze this system in the classical and quantum regime. We demonstrate that strong entrainment is possible for small values of squeezing, and in this regime the states are non-classical. Furthermore, we show that the quality of synchronization measured by the FWHM of the power spectrum is enhanced with squeezing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Magnetic coherent population trapping in a single ion

Magnetically induced coherent population trapping has been studied in a single trapped laser cooled ion. The magnetic field dependent narrow spectral feature is found to be an useful tool in determining the null point of magnetic field at the ion position. In particular, we use a double lambda scheme that allows us to measure the null magnetic field point limited by the detector shot noise. We analyzed the system theoretically and found certain long lived bright states as the dark state is generated under steady state condition.

quant-ph↗