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Sarah Plosker

Publications and source records attributed to Sarah Plosker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Perfect $(s,r)$-state transfer

Much work has been done in the last two decades on the topic of quantum state transfer in a quantum spin network. One can model such a system of interacting qubits using an undirected graph, and studying vertex-to-vertex dynamics. This setup has recently been relaxed to allow for dynamics between linear combinations of two vertex states, i.e.\ from $\mathbf u = \mathbf e_a + s \mathbf e_b$ to $\mathbf \mu=\mathbf e_{\alpha} + r \mathbf e_{\beta}$, where $r=s$ is either $-1$ (which corresponds to pair state transfer) or $+1$ (which corresponds to plus state transfer), or more recently $r=s$ is taken to be any real number (which corresponds to $s$-pair state transfer). Here, we broaden the investigation of $s$-pair state transfer to \textit{perfect $(s,r)$-state transfer}, which is perfect state transfer from $\mathbf u = \mathbf e_a + s \mathbf e_b$ to $\mathbf \mu=\mathbf e_{\alpha} + r \mathbf e_{\beta}$ (up to some dilation) where $r,s\in \mathbb C$. We identify infinite families of graphs with perfect $(s,r)$-state transfer and provide characterizations of cases when $|r|= |s|$ and when $|r|\neq |s|$, showing situations when the degree of entanglement between vertex states is preserved, and when it is not preserved. The latter is particularly important as it represents perfect state transfer from an entangled pair of qubits to another one where the degree of entanglement need not be the same\mdash in fact, it can be set up so as to ``boost'' (increase) entanglement. We provide an algorithm that finds the vector with two nonzero entries that maximizes the fidelity of transfer for a fixed time $t$ starting from a given $s$-pair state $\mathbf u$. Finally, we provide a sensitivity analysis, with respect to readout time errors, of perfect $(s,r)$-state transfer.

quant-ph

Enumeration of Laplacian integral and {-1,0,1}-diagonalizable graphs

A graph with Laplacian matrix $L$ is called Laplacian integral if the eigenvalues of $L$ are all integers, and it is called $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable if $L$ has a full set of eigenvectors with entries from $\{-1,0,1\}$. We herein develop a structure theorem for both Laplacian integral graphs and $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable graphs of prime order, and combine it with some novel computational techniques to characterize all such graphs for orders larger than was previously possible. For example, we enumerate all Laplacian integral and $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable graphs of order $13$ or less, all $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable graphs of prime order $23$ or less, all regular integral graphs of order $15$ or less, and all regular $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable graphs of prime order $53$ or less. As an immediate byproduct of our work, we show that the $S_{n,n}$ conjecture for Laplacian integral graphs is true when $n = 12$, thus making $n = 16$ the smallest open case; additionally, we disprove two related conjectures regarding Laplacian spectra. We also establish an exponential lower bound on the number of connected $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable graphs of order $n$, thus beating the previously best-known (subexponential) lower bound. Finally, we show that every bipartite $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable graph is regular (a fact that fails to generalize to Laplacian integral graphs).

math.CO

Graph Structures for Local Distinguishability of Quantum Product States

We consider the problem of distinguishing sets of quantum product states with local operations and classical communication (LOCC). Recent work has used graph theory to identify sets of product states distinguishable with one-way LOCC. We extend these efforts to full two-way LOCC, with the first significant analysis of the set of graphs corresponding to bipartite product states that can be distinguished with two-way protocols after finitely many steps. We derive basic closure properties of the set of distinguishable graphs and identify some classes of graphs that guarantee local distinguishability and some graphs that do not. We also include several examples and forward-looking comments.

quant-ph

Bures--Kuratowski metrics and simplicial complexes for completely bounded maps

Let $A$ be a unital $C^*$-algebra and $H$ a Hilbert space. The cone $\CP(A,B(H))$ of completely positive maps carries the Bures metric $\beta$, closely related to the cb-norm. We introduce a family of Bures--Kuratowski (BK) metrics on $\CB(A,B(H))$ that extend $\beta$ exactly on $\CP(A,B(H))$. The construction combines a Kuratowski embedding of the Bures cone, based at an anchor $\theta\in\CP(A,B(H))$, with a regular-representation Hausdorff coordinate arising from universal regular models. Each BK metric admits an $\ell^p$-wedge decomposition, splitting $\CB(A,B(H))$ into the Bures cone and a non-CP component attached at $\theta$. We then study Vietoris--Rips and \v{C}ech complexes of BK metric spaces. The wedge formula yields explicit criteria for mixed simplices, a join-type description of the mixed Rips complex, and ball-intersection criteria for mixed \v{C}ech simplices. For finite point clouds, this makes the mixed simplicial geometry computable from the two component metrics and reveals new homological features arising from the interaction between the CP and non-CP sectors.

math.OA

Indigenous Beadwork as a Method of Teaching Linear Algebra

In this work, the authors describe efforts aimed at Indigenizing a second-year linear algebra course at a small liberal arts university in Manitoba, Canada. This is done through an assignment, part hands-on and part written work, that explores the connection between Indigenous beadwork and linear algebra. Our collaboration was perhaps unconventional: Sarah, the first author, is a mathematics professor; while Cathy, the second author, is an associate professor in art history. However, we both had similar goals of putting theory into practice and making positive changes to student learning outcomes in a culturally appropriate way. We situate our work in the context of the current scholarly literature, adding to the important ongoing dialogue on Indigenization of course content and reflecting on the process and outcomes. This transformation of the course curriculum represented an applied approach to immerse Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy into a mathematics classroom. We hope that it may serve as an example of how other educators, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), can integrate Indigenous knowledge-centered pedagogy into their classroom.

math.HO

Generalizing the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality: Hadamard powers and tensor products

We explore and generalize a Cauchy-Schwarz-type inequality originally proved in [Electronic Journal of Linear Algebra 35, 156-180 (2019)]: $\|\mathbf{v}^2\|\|\mathbf{w}^2\| - \langle\mathbf{v}^2,\mathbf{w}^2\rangle \leq \|\mathbf{v}\|^2\|\mathbf{w}\|^2 - \langle\mathbf{v},\mathbf{w}\rangle^2$ for all $\mathbf{v},\mathbf{w} \in \mathbb{R}^n$. We present three new proofs of this inequality that better illustrate "why" it is true and generalize it in several different ways: we generalize from vectors to matrices, we explore which exponents other than 2 result in the inequality holding, and we derive a version of the inequality involving three or more vectors.

math.FA

Quasiorthogonality of Commutative Algebras, Complex Hadamard Matrices, and Mutually Unbiased Measurements

We deepen the theory of quasiorthogonal and approximately quasiorthogonal operator algebras through an analysis of the commutative algebra case. We give a new approach to calculate the measure of orthogonality between two such subalgebras of matrices, based on a matrix-theoretic notion we introduce that has a connection to complex Hadamard matrices. We also show how this new tool can yield significant information on the general non-commutative case. We finish by considering quasiorthogonality for the important subclass of commutative algebras that arise from mutually unbiased bases (MUBs) and mutually unbiased measurements (MUMs) in quantum information theory. We present a number of examples throughout the work, including a subclass that arises from group algebras and Latin squares.

math.QA

The Operator Algebras Mentor Network: Impact of Community-Based Mentoring

This paper aims to determine if membership within the Operator Algebras Mentor Network (OAMN) is beneficial to its members. The OAMN is an international mentoring initiative that offers support in small groups to women and minority genders in the particularly male-dominated field of operator algebras (OA) in mathematics. Expected advantages of membership include raising awareness of the lack of gender diversity in this field, providing advice to mentees by mentors (e.g., pertaining to career or work/life balance), broadening one's network in OA, etc. A questionnaire was sent to OAMN members and a control group of non-members at similar institutions and similar positions to collect their experience with the mentoring initiative and perception of gender dynamics within the OA discipline, together with basic demographics. The initial analysis of the data collected shows that mentoring junior women and other minority genders in the area has a positive effect on mentees' networking ability, self-promotion, and raising awareness of gender issues within OA as a whole.

math.OA

The Factor Width Rank of a Matrix

A matrix is said to have factor width at most $k$ if it can be written as a sum of positive semidefinite matrices that are non-zero only in a single $k \times k$ principal submatrix. We explore the ``factor-width-$k$ rank'' of a matrix, which is the minimum number of rank-$1$ matrices that can be used in such a factor-width-at-most-$k$ decomposition. We show that the factor width rank of a banded or arrowhead matrix equals its usual rank, but for other matrices they can differ. We also establish several bounds on the factor width rank of a matrix, including a tight connection between factor-width-$k$ rank and the $k$-clique covering number of a graph, and we discuss how the factor width and factor width rank change when taking Hadamard products and Hadamard powers.

math.CO

A generalization of quantum pair state transfer

An $s$-pair state in a graph is a quantum state of the form $\mathbf{e}_u+s\mathbf{e}_v$, where $u$ and $v$ are vertices in the graph and $s$ is a non-zero complex number. If $s=-1$ (resp., $s=1$), then such a state is called a pair state (resp. plus state). In this paper, we develop the theory of perfect $s$-pair state transfer in continuous quantum walks, where the Hamiltonian is taken to be the adjacency, Laplacian or signless Laplacian matrix of the graph. We characterize perfect $s$-pair state transfer in complete graphs, cycles and antipodal distance-regular graphs admitting vertex perfect state transfer. We construct infinite families of graphs with perfect $s$-pair state transfer using quotient graphs and graphs that admit fractional revival. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions such that perfect state transfer between vertices in the line graph relative to the adjacency matrix is equivalent to perfect state transfer between the plus states formed by corresponding edges in the graph relative to the signless Laplacian matrix. Finally, we characterize perfect state transfer between vertices in the line graphs of Cartesian products relative to the adjacency matrix.

quant-ph

Laplacian $\{-1,0,1\}$- and $\{-1,1\}$-diagonalizable graphs

A graph is called "Laplacian integral" if the eigenvalues of its Laplacian matrix are all integers. We investigate the subset of these graphs whose Laplacian is furthermore diagonalized by a matrix with entries coming from a fixed set, in particular, the sets $\{-1,0,1\}$ or $\{-1,1\}$. Such graphs include as special cases the recently-investigated families of "Hadamard-diagonalizable" and "weakly Hadamard-diagonalizable" graphs. As a combinatorial tool to aid in our investigation, we introduce a family of vectors that we call "balanced", which generalizes totally balanced partitions, regular sequences, and complete partitions. We show that balanced vectors completely characterize which graph complements and complete multipartite graphs are $\{-1,0,1\}$-diagonalizable, and we furthermore prove results on diagonalizability of the Cartesian product, disjoint union, and join of graphs. Particular attention is paid to the $\{-1,0,1\}$- and $\{-1,1\}$-diagonalizability of the complete graphs and complete multipartite graphs. Finally, we provide a complete list of all simple, connected graphs on nine or fewer vertices that are $\{-1,0,1\}$- or $\{-1,1\}$-diagonalizable.

math.CO

Weakly Hadamard diagonalizable graphs and Quantum State Transfer

Hadamard diagonalizable graphs are undirected graphs for which the corresponding Laplacian is diagonalizable by a Hadamard matrix. Such graphs have been studied in the context of quantum state transfer. Recently, the concept of a weak Hadamard matrix was introduced: a $\{-1,0, 1\}$-matrix $P$ such that $PP^T$ is tridiagonal, as well as the concept of weakly Hadamard diagonalizable graphs. We therefore naturally explore quantum state transfer in these generalized Hadamards. Given the infancy of the topic, we provide numerous properties and constructions of weak Hadamard matrices and weakly Hadamard diagonalizable graphs in order to better understand them.

math.CO

Quantum state transfer between twins in weighted graphs

Twin vertices in simple unweighted graphs are vertices that have the same neighbours and, in the case of weighted graphs with possible loops, the corresponding incident edges have equal weights. In this paper, we explore the role of twin vertices in quantum state transfer. In particular, we provide characterizations of periodicity, perfect state transfer, and pretty good state transfer between twin vertices in a weighted graph with respect to its adjacency, Laplacian and signless Laplacian matrices. As an application, we provide characterizations of all simple unweighted double cones on regular graphs that exhibit periodicity, perfect state transfer, and pretty good state transfer.

math.CO

The Complete Positivity of Symmetric Tridiagonal and Pentadiagonal Matrices

We provide a decomposition that is sufficient in showing when a symmetric tridiagonal matrix $A$ is completely positive. Our decomposition can be applied to a wide range of matrices. We give alternate proofs for a number of related results found in the literature in a simple, straightforward manner. We show that the cp-rank of any irreducible tridiagonal doubly stochastic matrix is equal to its rank. We then consider symmetric pentadiagonal matrices, proving some analogous results, and providing two different decompositions sufficient for complete positivity. We illustrate our constructions with a number of examples.

math.CO

Absolutely $k$-Incoherent Quantum States and Spectral Inequalities for Factor Width of a Matrix

We investigate the set of quantum states that can be shown to be $k$-incoherent based only on their eigenvalues (equivalently, we explore which Hermitian matrices can be shown to have small factor width based only on their eigenvalues). In analogy with the absolute separability problem in quantum resource theory, we call these states "absolutely $k$-incoherent", and we derive several necessary and sufficient conditions for membership in this set. We obtain many of our results by making use of recent results concerning hyperbolicity cones associated with elementary symmetric polynomials.

quant-ph

Birkhoff-James Orthogonality in the Trace Norm, with Applications to Quantum Resource Theories

We develop numerous results that characterize when a complex Hermitian matrix is Birkhoff-James orthogonal, in the trace norm, to a (Hermitian) positive semidefinite matrix or set of positive semidefinite matrices. For example, we develop a simple-to-test criterion that determines which Hermitian matrices are Birkhoff-James orthogonal, in the trace norm, to the set of all positive semidefinite diagonal matrices. We then explore applications of our work in the theory of quantum resources. For example, we characterize exactly which quantum states have modified trace distance of coherence equal to 1 (the maximal possible value), and we establish a connection between the modified trace distance of 2-entanglement and the NPPT bound entanglement problem.

quant-ph

Bistochastic operators and quantum random variables

Given a positive operator-valued measure $ν$ acting on the Borel sets of a locally compact Hausdorff space $X$, with outcomes in the algebra $\mathcal B(\mathcal H)$ of all bounded operators on a (possibly infinite-dimensional) Hilbert space $\mathcal H$, one can consider $ν$-integrable functions $X\rightarrow \mathcal B(\mathcal H)$ that are positive quantum random variables. We define a seminorm on the span of such functions which in the quotient leads to a Banach space. We consider bistochastic operators acting on this space and majorization of quantum random variables is then defined with respect to these operators. As in classical majorization theory, we relate majorization in this context to an inequality involving all possible convex functions of a certain type. Unlike the classical setting, continuity and convergence issues arise throughout the work.

math.FA

Expanding Cybersecurity Knowledge Through an Indigenous Lens: A First Look

Decolonization and Indigenous education are at the forefront of Canadian content currently in Academia. Over the last few decades, we have seen some major changes in the way in which we share information. In particular, we have moved into an age of electronically-shared content, and there is an increasing expectation in Canada that this content is both culturally significant and relevant. In this paper, we discuss an ongoing community engagement initiative with First Nations communities in the Western Manitoba region. The initiative involves knowledge-sharing activities that focus on the topic of cybersecurity, and are aimed at a public audience. This initial look into our educational project focuses on the conceptual analysis and planning stage. We are developing a "Cybersecurity 101" mini-curriculum, to be implemented over several one-hour long workshops aimed at diverse groups (these public workshops may include a wide range of participants, from tech-adverse to tech-savvy). Learning assessment tools have been built in to the workshop program. We have created informational and promotional pamphlets, posters, lesson plans, and feedback questionnaires which we believe instill relevance and personal connection to this topic, helping to bridge gaps in accessibility for Indigenous communities while striving to build positive, reciprocal relationships. Our methodology is to approach the subject from a community needs and priorities perspective. Activities are therefore being tailored to fit each community.

cs.CY