arXiv subjects

Thomas Schulte-Herbrüggen

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas Schulte-Herbrüggen.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

On the convergence of the variational quantum eigensolver and quantum optimal control

When do variational quantum algorithms converge to a globally optimal solution? Despite extensive work, this question remains largely open. We develop a convergence theory for the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE), using quantum control landscape terminology to prove a sufficient criterion guaranteeing convergence to a Hamiltonian's ground state for almost all initial parameters. Specifically, we show that if (i) the parameterized unitary transformation allows movement in all tangent-space directions in a bounded manner (local surjectivity), and (ii) the gradient descent terminates, then VQE converges almost surely to a ground state. Under similar assumptions, we also guarantee almost-sure convergence to a global optimum on a smaller, closed unitary Lie subgroup, with representation theory providing a criterion for when this optimum is a ground state. We construct examples satisfying condition (i) and analyze two common circuit ansatz families, then discuss regularization techniques that ensure gradient descent terminates and connect to the halting problem.

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arXiv2025

Randomized Gradient Descents on Riemannian Manifolds: Almost Sure Convergence to Global Minima in and beyond Quantum Optimization

We analyze convergence of gradient-descent methods on Riemannian manifolds. In particular, we study randomization of Riemannian gradient algorithms for minimizing smooth cost functions (of Morse-Bott type). We prove that randomized gradient descent methods, where the Riemannian gradient is replaced by a random projection of it, converge to a single local optimum almost surely despite the existence of saddle points. We consider both uniformly distributed and discrete random projections. We also discuss the time required to pass a saddle point. As a major application, we consider ground-state preparation through quantum optimization over the unitary group. In mathematical terms our randomized algorithm applied to the trace function $U \to \operatorname{tr}(AUρU^*)$ almost surely converges to its global minimum. The minimum corresponds to the smallest eigenvalue (ground state) of the selfadjoint operator $A$ (Hamiltonian) if $ρ$ is a rank-one projector (pure state). In this setting, one can efficiently replace the uniform random projections by implementing so-called discrete unitary 2-designs.

math.OC↗

arXiv2024

Bringing Quantum Systems under Control: A Tutorial Invitation to Quantum Computing and Its Relation to Bilinear Control Systems

Quantum computing comes with the potential to push computational boundaries in various domains including, e.g., cryptography, simulation, optimization, and machine learning. Exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics, new algorithms can be developed with capabilities that are unprecedented by classical computers. However, the experimental realization of quantum devices is an active field of research with enormous open challenges, including robustness against noise and scalability. While systems and control theory plays a crucial role in tackling these challenges, the principles of quantum physics lead to a (perceived) high entry barrier for entering the field of quantum computing. This tutorial paper aims at lowering the barrier by introducing basic concepts required to understand and solve research problems in quantum systems. First, we introduce fundamentals of quantum algorithms, ranging from basic ingredients such as qubits and quantum logic gates to prominent examples and more advanced concepts, e.g., variational quantum algorithms. Next, we formalize some engineering questions for building quantum devices in the real world, which requires the careful manipulation of microscopic quantities obeying quantum effects. To this end for N-level systems, we introduce basic concepts of (bilinear) quantum systems and control theory including controllability, observability, and optimal control in a unified frame. Finally, we address the problem of noise in real-world quantum systems via robust quantum control, which relies on a set-membership uncertainty description frequently employed in control.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2023

Reachability, Coolability, and Stabilizability of Open Markovian Quantum Systems with Fast Unitary Control

Open Markovian quantum systems with fast and full Hamiltonian control can be reduced to an equivalent control system on the standard simplex modelling the dynamics of the eigenvalues of the density matrix describing the quantum state. We explore this reduced control system for answering questions on reachability and stabilizability with immediate applications to the cooling of Markovian quantum systems. We show that for certain tasks of interest, the control Hamiltonian can be chosen time-independent. -- The reduction picture is an example of dissipative interconversion between equivalence classes of states, where the classes are induced by fast controls.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Reduced Control Systems on Symmetric Lie Algebras

For a symmetric Lie algebra $\mathfrak g=\mathfrak k\oplus\mathfrak p$ we consider a class of bilinear or more general control-affine systems on $\mathfrak p$ defined by a drift vector field $X$ and control vector fields $\mathrm{ad}_{k_i}$ for $k_i\in\mathfrak k$ such that one has fast and full control on the corresponding compact group $\mathbf K$. We show that under quite general assumptions on $X$ such a control system is essentially equivalent to a natural reduced system on a maximal Abelian subspace $\mathfrak a\subseteq\mathfrak p$, and likewise to related differential inclusions defined on $\mathfrak a$. We derive a number of general results for such systems and as an application we prove a simulation result with respect to the preorder induced by the Weyl group action.

math.OC↗

arXiv2023

Analytic, Differentiable and Measurable Diagonalizations in Symmetric Lie Algebras

We generalize several important results from the perturbation theory of linear operators to the setting of semisimple orthogonal symmetric Lie algebras. These Lie algebras provide a unifying framework for various notions of matrix diagonalization, such as the eigenvalue decomposition of real symmetric or complex Hermitian matrices, and the real or complex singular value decomposition. Concretely, given a path of structured matrices with a certain smoothness, we study what kind of smoothness one can obtain for the corresponding diagonalization of the matrices.

math.RT↗

arXiv2023

Exploring the Limits of Controlled Markovian Quantum Dynamics with Thermal Resources

Our aim is twofold: First, we rigorously analyse the generators of quantum-dynamical semigroups of thermodynamic processes. We characterise a wide class of GKSL-generators for quantum maps within thermal operations and argue that every infinitesimal generator of (a one-parameter semigroup of) Markovian thermal operations belongs to this class. We completely classify and visualise them and their non-Markovian counterparts for the case of a single qubit. Second, we use this description in the framework of bilinear control systems to characterise reachable sets of coherently controllable quantum systems with switchable coupling to a thermal bath. The core problem reduces to studying a hybrid control system ("toy model") on the standard simplex allowing for two types of evolution: (i) instantaneous permutations and (ii) a one-parameter semigroup of $d$-stochastic maps. We generalise upper bounds of the reachable set of this toy model invoking new results on thermomajorisation. Using tools of control theory we fully characterise these reachable sets as well as the set of stabilisable states as exemplified by exact results in qutrit systems.

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arXiv2023

Exploring the Limits of Open Quantum Dynamics I: Motivation, New Results from Toy Models to Applications

Which quantum states can be reached by controlling open Markovian $n$-level quantum systems? Here, we address reachable sets of coherently controllable quantum systems with switchable coupling to a thermal bath of temperature $T$. The core problem reduces to a toy model of studying points in the standard simplex allowing for two types of controls: (i) permutations within the simplex, (ii) contractions by a dissipative semigroup. By illustration, we put the problem into context and show how toy-model solutions pertain to the reachable set of the original controlled Markovian quantum system. Beyond the case $T=0$ (amplitude damping) we present new results for $0 <T < \infty$ using methods of $d$-majorisation.

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arXiv2022

Quantum optimal control in quantum technologies. Strategic report on current status, visions and goals for research in Europe

Quantum optimal control, a toolbox for devising and implementing the shapes of external fields that accomplish given tasks in the operation of a quantum device in the best way possible, has evolved into one of the cornerstones for enabling quantum technologies. The last few years have seen a rapid evolution and expansion of the field. We review here recent progress in our understanding of the controllability of open quantum systems and in the development and application of quantum control techniques to quantum technologies. We also address key challenges and sketch a roadmap for future developments.

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arXiv2019

Reachable Sets from Toy Models to Controlled Markovian Quantum Systems

In the framework of bilinear control systems, we present reachable sets of coherently controllable open quantum systems with switchable coupling to a thermal bath of arbitrary temperature $T geq 0$. The core problem boils down to studying points in the standard simplex amenable to two types of controls that can be used interleaved: (i) permutations within the simplex, (ii) contractions by a dissipative one-parameter semigroup. Our work illustrates how the solutions of the core problem pertain to the reachable set of the original controlled Markovian quantum system. We completely characterize the case $T=0$ and present inclusions for $T>0$.

math.OC↗

arXiv2019

Reachability in Infinite Dimensional Unital Open Quantum Systems with Switchable GKS-Lindblad Generators

In quantum systems theory one of the fundamental problems boils down to: given an initial state, which final states can be reached by the dynamic system in question. Here we consider infinite dimensional open quantum dynamical systems following a unital Kossakowski-Lindblad master equation extended by controls. More precisely, their time evolution shall be governed by an inevitable potentially unbounded Hamiltonian drift term $H_0$, finitely many bounded control Hamiltonians $H_j$ allowing for (at least) piecewise constant control amplitudes $u_j(t)\in{\mathbb R}$ plus a bang-bang (i.e. on-off) switchable noise term $\mathbfΓ_V$ in Kossakowski-Lindblad form. Generalizing standard majorization results from finite to infinite dimensions, we show that such bilinear quantum control systems allow to approximately reach any target state majorized by the initial one, as up to now only has been known in finite dimensional analogues.---The proof of the result is currently limited to the control Hamiltonians $ H_j$ being bounded and noise terms $\mathbfΓ_V$ with compact normal $V$.

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arXiv2015

Training Schrödinger's cat: quantum optimal control

It is control that turns scientific knowledge into useful technology: in physics and engineering it provides a systematic way for driving a system from a given initial state into a desired target state with minimized expenditure of energy and resources -- as famously applied in the Apollo programme. As one of the cornerstones for enabling quantum technologies, optimal quantum control keeps evolving and expanding into areas as diverse as quantum-enhanced sensing, manipulation of single spins, photons, or atoms, optical spectroscopy, photochemistry, magnetic resonance (spectroscopy as well as medical imaging), quantum information processing and quantum simulation. --- Here state-of-the-art quantum control techniques are reviewed and put into perspective by a consortium uniting expertise in optimal control theory and applications to spectroscopy, imaging, quantum dynamics of closed and open systems. We address key challenges and sketch a roadmap to future developments.

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