Optimal controls of invariant-based population transfer in a superconducting qutrit

Abstract

Optimization of the control operations is of critical importance in the context of quantum information processing. We adopt optimal control techniques to implement invariant-based quantum population transfer in a superconducting qutrit. The first three levels of a charge-phase quantum circuit constitute an effective qutrit. By applying two microwave drivings, a $$\Lambda $$-configuration interaction appears in the qutrit. The population transfers can be performed using the invariant-based shortcuts. Particularly, taking the methods of optimal control in resonant and non-resonant cases, we implement the accelerated transfer operation in which the noise effects can be reduced greatly, and realize the high transfer insensitivity to deviation error of Rabi coupling, respectively. Our strategy could offer a promising approach to investigate robust state transfer with superconducting artificial atoms experimentally.