arXiv subjects

Qian-Qian Hong

Publications and source records attributed to Qian-Qian Hong.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Analytical two-pulse control of universal single-qubit gates in rotational ultracold NaCs molecules

Complex control protocols and sensitivity to experimental imperfections have limited the practical implementation of quantum gate operations. Here, we present an analytical framework for universal single-qubit gates using rotational states of ultracold NaCs molecules. By encoding qubits in the lowest rotational energy levels, we employ a first-order Magnus expansion to derive closed-form unitary evolution from an optimized two-pulse sequence. This approach establishes precise amplitude and phase conditions for arbitrary single-qubit rotations, achieving gate fidelities above 0.9999 in numerical simulations. We further demonstrate that complex multi-gate sequences, including phase-locked operations, can be executed with minimal population leakage into auxiliary states. The time-dependent molecular orientation is shown to faithfully encode both the gate truth table and coherence dynamics, enabling practical gate tomography via weak-field polarization detection. Our analytical method is also applicable to other molecules and physical platforms, offering a potential path to high-fidelity, scalable molecular quantum processors.

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arXiv2026

Universal qutrit control in asymmetric-top molecules

We present a theoretical framework for universal single-qutrit control in asymmetric-top molecules, advancing molecular quantum information processing. In this approach, the qutrit is encoded in three rotational eigenstates, with an auxiliary state providing independent phase control within the computational manifold. We explore an analytic protocol for arbitrary single-qutrit gates, combining directly addressable SU(2) rotations with auxiliary-state-mediated phase operations. To support this, we derive a multilevel pulse-area theorem that provides an explicit analytic mapping between gate parameters and control fields, enabling systematic design of high-fidelity microwave pulse sequences. Numerical simulations with 1,2-propanediol confirm the robustness of our approach, achieving Walsh-Hadamard gates with minimal leakage from the computational subspace. We further examine four SU(2) decomposition strategies and find that phase-error sensitivity depends on the decomposition sequence, while amplitude errors propagate along specific coherence pathways. Our results establish asymmetric-top molecules as a viable platform for qutrit-based quantum operations and offer an analytical method for precise quantum control of complex multilevel systems.

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arXiv2025

Precise quantum control of unidirectional field-free molecular orientation

The capability to control molecular rotation for field-free orientation, which arranges molecules in specific spatial directions without external fields, is crucial in physics, chemistry, and quantum information science. However, conventional methods typically lead to transient orientations characterized by periodic directional reversals and necessitate the generation of coherent superpositions across a broad spectrum of rotational states of ultracold molecules. In this work, we develop a theoretical framework for achieving unidirectional field-free orientation by selectively manipulating two specific rotational states of symmetric top molecules. By leveraging the interplay between coherent superpositions and the precise selection of initial states, we demonstrate that both the maximum achievable orientation and its direction can be effectively controlled. To attain the desired two-state orientation, we present a quantum control strategy that utilizes a single control pulse, significantly simplifying the complexities of conventional multistate or multipulse schemes. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach for methyl iodide (CH$_3$I) molecules, even when accounting for molecular centrifugal distortion.The results highlight the critical roles of initial-state selection and quantum coherence in achieving long-lasting, high unidirectional molecular orientation, opening new directions in stereochemistry, precision spectroscopy, and quantum computing.

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arXiv2025

Precise Quantum Control of Molecular Rotation Toward a Desired Orientation

The lack of a direct map between control fields and desired control objectives poses a significant challenge in applying quantum control theory to quantum technologies. Here, we propose an analytical framework to precisely control a limited set of quantum states and construct desired coherent superpositions using a well-designed laser pulse sequence with optimal amplitudes, phases, and delays. This theoretical framework that corresponds to a multi-level pulse-area theorem establishes a straightforward mapping between the control parameters of the pulse sequence and the amplitudes and phases of rotational states within a specific subspace. As an example, we utilize this approach to generate 15 distinct and desired rotational superpositions of ultracold polar molecules, leading to 15 desired field-free molecular orientations. By optimizing the superposition of the lowest 16 rotational states, we demonstrate that this approach can achieve a maximum orientation value of $|\langle\cosθ\rangle|_{\rm{max}}$ above 0.99, which is very close to the global optimal value of 1 that could be achieved in an infinite-dimensional state space. This work marks a significant advancement in achieving precise control over multi-level subsystems within molecules. It holds potential applications in molecular alignment and orientation, as well as in various interdisciplinary fields related to the precise quantum control of ultracold polar molecules, opening up considerable opportunities in molecular-based quantum techniques.

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arXiv2021

Optimal three-state field-free molecular orientation with terahertz pulses

We present a combined analytical and numerical investigation to show how an optimal control field can be designed to generate maximum field-free orientation of molecules for three populated rotational states. Based on a model involving pure rotational ladder-climbing excitation between rotational states, a set of optimal amplitude and phase conditions are analytically derived for the applied control fields. The maximum degree of orientation can be achieved when the field satisfies amplitude and phase conditions at the two transition frequencies. Multiple optimal solutions exist and to examine these conditions, we devise a quantum coherent control scheme using two terahertz pulses and successfully apply it to the linear polar molecule HCN at ultracold temperature. The sensitivity of both populations and phases of rotational states to control field parameters, i.e., the detuning, bandwidth, and time delay, is analyzed for understanding the optimal orientation mechanism. This work thus examines the frequency domain landscape belonging to optimal pulses.

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arXiv2020

Orientational quantum revivals induced by a single-cycle terahertz pulse

The phenomenon of quantum revivals resulting from the self-interference of wave packets has been observed in several quantum systems and utilized widely in spectroscopic applications. Here, we present a combined analytical and numerical study on the generation of orientational quantum revivals (OQRs) exclusively using a single-cycle THz pulse. As a proof of principle, we examine the scheme in the linear polar molecule HCN with experimentally accessible pulse parameters and obtain strong field-free OQR without requiring the condition of the sudden-impact limit. To visualize the involved quantum mechanism, we derive a three-state model using the Magnus expansion of the time-evolution operator. Interestingly, the THz pulse interaction with the electric-dipole moment can activate direct multiphoton processes, leading to OQR enhancements beyond that induced by a rotational ladder-climbing mechanism from the rotational ground state. This work provides an explicit and feasible approach toward quantum control of molecular rotation, which is at the core of current research endeavors with potential applications in atomic and molecular physics, photochemistry, and quantum information science.

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