Discrete-time Quantum Random Walks Research Articles

The localization of quantum random walks on Sierpinski gaskets

We consider discrete time quantum random walks on a Sierpinski gasket. We study the hitting probability as the level of the fractal graph goes to infinity in terms of their localization exponents βw, total variation exponents δw, and relative entropy exponents ηw. We define and solve the amplitude Green functions recursively when the level of the fractal graph goes to infinity. We obtain exact recursive formulas for the amplitude Green functions, on which the hitting probabilities and expectation of the first-passage time are calculated, and using the recursive formula with the aid of Monte Carlo integration, we evaluate their numerical values. We also show that when the level of the fractal graph goes to infinity, with probability 1, the quantum random walks will return to the origin, i.e., the quantum walks on a Sierpinski gasket are recurrent.

Research progress of integrated photonic quantum simulation

Quantum simulation is to use a controllable quantum system to simulate other complicated or hard-to-control quantum system, and to deal with some complex unknown quantum systems that cannot be simulated on classical computers due to the exponential explosion of the Hilbert space. Among different kinds of physical realizations of quantum simulation, integrated optical systems have emerged as an appropriate platform in recent years due to the advantages of flexible control, weak decoherence, and no interaction in optical systems. In this review, we attempt to introduce some of the basic models used for quantum simulation in integrated photonic systems. This review article is organized as follows. In Section 2, we introduce the commonly used material platforms for integrated quantum simulation, including the silicon-based, lithium niobate-based integrated circuits, and the femtosecond laser direct writing optical waveguides. Several integrated optical platforms such as the coupled waveguide arrays, photonic crystals, coupled resonator arrays, and multiport interferometers are also introduced. In Section 3, we focus on the analog quantum simulations in the integrated photonic platform, including Anderson localization of light in disordered systems, various kinds of topological insulators, nonlinear and non-Hermitian systems. More specifically, in Subsection 3.1, we present the integrated photonic realizations of disordered and quasi-periodic systems. In Subsection 3.2, we review the integrated photonic realizations of the topological insulators with and without time-reversal symmetry, including Floquet topological insulators, quantum spin hall system, anomalous quantum hall system, valley hall system, Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, and photonic topological Anderson insulators. Besides, topological insulator lasers and topologically protected quantum photon sources are briefly reviewed. In Subsection 3.3, we review the nonlinear and non-Hermitian integrated optical systems. In Section 4 we present the integrated digital quantum simulations based on the multiport interferometers, including the discrete-time quantum random walk, Boson sampling, and molecular simulation. In Section 5, we summarize the content of the article and present the outlook on the future perspectives of the integrated photonic quantum simulation. We believe that the integrated photonic platforms will continue to provide an excellent platform for quantum simulation. More practical applications will be found based on this system through combining the fields of topological photonics, laser technologies, quantum information, nonlinear and non-Hermitian physics.

An effective Hamiltonian approach to quantum random walk

In this article we present an effective Hamiltonian approach for Discrete Time Quantum Random Walk. A form of the Hamiltonian for one dimensional quantum walk has been prescribed, utilizing the fact that Hamiltonians are the generators of time translations. Then an attempt has been made to generalize the techniques to higher dimensions. We find that the Hamiltonian can be written as the sum of a Weyl Hamiltonian and a Dirac comb potential. The time evolution operator obtained from this prescribed Hamiltonian is in complete agreement with that of the standard approach. But in higher dimension we find that the time evolution operator is additive, instead of being multiplicative \cite{Chandrasekhar:2013SREP08229}. We showed that in case of two-step walk, effectively the time evolution operator can have multiplicative form. In case of a square lattice, quantum walk has been studied computationally for different coins and the results for both the additive and the multiplicative approaches have been compared. Using the Graphene Hamiltonian the walk has been studied on a Graphene lattice and we conclude the preference of additive approach over the multiplicative one.

Itô formula for one-dimensional continuous-time quantum random walk

In the paper, we first extend the discrete time quantum random walk (DQRW) to continuous time quantum random walk (CQRW). Then we establish an Itô formula for the one-dimensional CQRW. As an application, we present Tanaka’s formula with the Itô formula and characterize the relation between quantum local time Lta and Dirac delta function δ. Finally, we discuss quantum stochastic calculus for the CQRW.

Dynamically Disordered Quantum Walk as a Maximal Entanglement Generator

We show that the entanglement between the internal (spin) and external (position) degrees of freedom of a qubit in a random (dynamically disordered) one-dimensional discrete time quantum random walk (QRW) achieves its maximal possible value asymptotically in the number of steps, outperforming the entanglement attained by using ordered QRW. The disorder is modeled by introducing an extra random aspect to QRW, a classical coin that randomly dictates which quantum coin drives the system's time evolution. We also show that maximal entanglement is achieved independently of the initial state of the walker, study the number of steps the system must move to be within a small fixed neighborhood of its asymptotic limit, and propose two experiments where these ideas can be tested.

Comparing Algorithms for Graph Isomorphism Using Discrete- and Continuous-Time Quantum Random Walks

Berry and Wang [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 83}, 042317 (2011)] show numerically that a discrete-time quantum random walk of two noninteracting particles is able to distinguish some non-isomorphic strongly regular graphs from the same family. Here we analytically demonstrate how it is possible for these walks to distinguish such graphs, while continuous-time quantum walks of two noninteracting particles cannot. We show analytically and numerically that even single-particle discrete-time quantum random walks can distinguish some strongly regular graphs, though not as many as two-particle noninteracting discrete-time walks. Additionally, we demonstrate how, given the same quantum random walk, subtle differences in the graph certificate construction algorithm can nontrivially impact the walk's distinguishing power. We also show that no continuous-time walk of a fixed number of particles can distinguish all strongly regular graphs when used in conjunction with any of the graph certificates we consider. We extend this constraint to discrete-time walks of fixed numbers of noninteracting particles for one kind of graph certificate; it remains an open question as to whether or not this constraint applies to the other graph certificates we consider.

INTERACTING FOCK SPACES AND THE MOMENTS OF THE LIMIT DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUANTUM RANDOM WALKS

We investigate the limit distributions of the discrete time quantum random walks on lattice spaces via a spectral analysis of concretely given self-adjoint operators. We discuss the interacting Fock spaces associated with the limit distributions. Thereby, we represent the moments of the limit distribution by vacuum expectation of the monomials of the Fock operator. We get formulas not only for one-dimensional walks but also for high-dimensional walks.

Quantum Random Walk in Periodic Potential on a Line

We investigate the discrete-time quantum random walks on a line in periodic potential. The probability distribution with periodic potential is more complex compared to the normal quantum walks, and the standard deviation σ has interesting behaviors for different period q and parameter θ. We study the behavior of standard deviation with variation in walk steps, period, and θ. The standard deviation increases approximately linearly with θ and decreases with 1/q for θ ∈ (0, π/4), and increases approximately linearly with 1/q for θ ∈ [π/4, π/2). For θ ∈ (π/4, 3π/4), the transmission is larger than the reflection, with sensibility the diffussion will be accelerated. However, when q = 2, the standard deviations are nearly the same, and when q > 2, the standard deviation will decrease.

Convergence of quantum random walks with decoherence

In this paper, we study the discrete-time quantum random walks on a line subject to decoherence. The convergence of the rescaled position probability distribution $p(x,t)$ depends mainly on the spectrum of the superoperator $\mathcal{L}_{kk}$. We show that if 1 is an eigenvalue of the superoperator with multiplicity one and there is no other eigenvalue whose modulus equals to 1, then $\hat {P}(\frac{\nu} {\sqrt t},t)$ converges to a convex combination of normal distributions. In terms of position space, the rescaled probability mass function $p_t (x, t) \equiv p(\sqrt t x, t)$, $ x \in Z/\sqrt t$, converges in distribution to a continuous convex combination of normal distributions. We give an necessary and sufficient condition for a U(2) decoherent quantum walk that satisfies the eigenvalue conditions. We also give a complete description of the behavior of quantum walks whose eigenvalues do not satisfy these assumptions. Specific examples such as the Hadamard walk, walks under real and complex rotations are illustrated. For the O(2) quantum random walks, an explicit formula is provided for the scaling limit of $p(x,t)$ and their moments. We also obtain exact critical exponents for their moments at the critical point and show universality classes with respect to these critical exponents.

Implementation of one-dimensional quantum walks on spin-orbital angular momentum space of photons

Photons can carry spin angular momentum (SAM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM), which can be used to realize a qubit system and a high-dimension system respectively. This spin-orbital system is very suitable for implementing one-dimensional discrete-time quantum random walks. We propose a simple scheme of quantum walks on the spin-orbital angular momentum space of photons, where photons walk on the infinity OAM space controlled by their SAM. By employing the recent invention of an optical device, the so-called 'q-plate', our scheme is more simple and efficient than others because there is no Mach-Zehnder interferometer in the scheme.

Correlation effects in a discrete quantum random walk

We introduce memory-dependent discrete-time quantum random walk models by adding uncorrelated memory terms and also by modifying the Hamiltonian of the walker to include couplings with memory-keeping agents. We next study numerically the correlation effects in these models. We also propose a correlation exponent as a relevant and promising tool for investigation of correlation or memory (hence non-Markovian) effects. Our analysis can easily be applied to more realistic models in which different regimes may emerge because of competition between different underlying physical mechanisms.

Quantum walks in an array of quantum dots

Quantum random walks are shown to have non-intuitive dynamics, which makes them an attractive area of study for devising quantum algorithms for well-known classical problems as well as those arising in the field of quantum computing. In this work, we propose a novel scheme for the physical implementation of a discrete-time quantum random walk using laser excitations of the electronic states of an array of quantum dots. These dots represent the discrete nodes of the walk, while transitions between the energy levels inside each dot correspond to the required coin operation and stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) processes are employed to induce the steps of the walk. The quantum dot design is tailored in such a way as to enable selective coupling of the energy levels. Our simulation results show a close agreement with the ideal quantum walk distribution as well as modest robustness toward noise disturbance.

Demonstration of one-dimensional quantum random walks using orbital angular momentum of photons

Quantum random walks have attracted special interest because they could lead to new quantum algorithms. Photons can carry orbital angular momentum (OAM) thereby offering a practical realization of a high-dimensional quantum information carrier. By employing OAM of photons, we experimentally realized the one-dimensional discrete-time quantum random walk. Three steps of a one-dimensional quantum random walk were implemented in our protocol showing the obvious difference between quantum and classical random walks.

Experimental implementation of a discrete-time quantum random walk on an NMR quantum-information processor

We present an experimental implementation of the coined discrete time quantum walk on a square using a three qubit liquid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) quantum information processor (QIP). Contrary to its classical counterpart, we observe complete interference after certain steps and a periodicity in the evolution. Complete state tomography has been performed for each of the eight steps making a full period. The results have extremely high fidelity with the expected states and show clearly the effects of quantum interference in the walk. We also show and discuss the importance of choosing a molecule with a natural Hamiltonian well suited to NMR QIP by implementing the same algorithm on a second molecule. Finally, we show experimentally that decoherence after each step makes the statistics of the quantum walk tend to that of the classical random walk.

EVOLUTION OF CONTINUOUS-TIME QUANTUM RANDOM WALKS ON CIRCLES

This work deals with both instantaneous uniform mixing property and temporal standard deviation for continuous-time quantum random walks on circles in order to study their fluctuations comparing with discrete-time quantum random walks, and continuous- and discrete-time classical random walks.