Majorana Operators Research Articles

Fermion quadrature bases for Wigner functionals

A Grassmann functional phase space is formulated for the definition of fermionic Wigner functionals by identifying suitable fermionic operators that are analogues to boson quadrature operators. Instead of the Majorana operators, we use operators that are defined with relative spin transformations between the ladder operators. The eigenstates of these operators are shown to provide orthogonal bases, provided that the dual space is defined with the incorporation of a spin transformation. These bases then serve as quadrature bases in terms of which Wigner functionals are defined in a way equivalent to the bosonic case. As an application, we consider a two-level fermion system.

Optimizing sparse fermionic Hamiltonians

We consider the problem of approximating the ground state energy of a fermionic Hamiltonian using a Gaussian state. In sharp contrast to the dense case [1, 2], we prove that strictly q-local sparse fermionic Hamiltonians have a constant Gaussian approximation ratio; the result holds for any connectivity and interaction strengths. Sparsity means that each fermion participates in a bounded number of interactions, and strictly q-local means that each term involves exactly q fermionic (Majorana) operators. We extend our proof to give a constant Gaussian approximation ratio for sparse fermionic Hamiltonians with both quartic and quadratic terms. With additional work, we also prove a constant Gaussian approximation ratio for the so-called sparse SYK model with strictly 4-local interactions (sparse SYK-4 model). In each setting we show that the Gaussian state can be efficiently determined. Finally, we prove that the O(n−1/2) Gaussian approximation ratio for the normal (dense) SYK-4 model extends to SYK-q for even q>4, with an approximation ratio of O(n1/2–q/4). Our results identify non-sparseness as the prime reason that the SYK-4 model can fail to have a constant approximation ratio [1, 2].

Mean-field treatment of the long-range transverse field Ising model with fermionic Gaussian states

We numerically study the one-dimensional long-range transverse field Ising model (TFIM) in the antiferromagnetic (AFM) regime at zero temperature using generalized Hartree-Fock (GHF) theory. The spin-spin interaction extends to all spins in the lattice and decays as $1/{r}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, where $r$ denotes the distance between two spins and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is a tunable exponent. We map the spin operators to Majorana operators and approximate the ground state of the Hamiltonian with a fermionic Gaussian state (FGS). Using this approximation, we calculate the ground-state energy and the entanglement entropy, which allows us to map the phase diagram for different values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$. In addition, we compute the scaling behavior of the entanglement entropy with the system size to determine the central charge at criticality for the case of $\ensuremath{\alpha}>1$. For $\ensuremath{\alpha}<1$ we find a logarithmic divergence of the entanglement entropy even far away from the critical point, a feature of systems with long-range interactions. We provide a detailed comparison of our results to outcomes of density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) and the linked cluster expansion (LCE) methods. In particular, we find excellent agreement of GHF with DMRG and LCE in the weak long-range regime $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\ge}1$, and qualitative agreement with DMRG in the strong-long range regime $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\le}1$. Our results highlight the power of the computationally efficient GHF method in simulating interacting quantum systems.

Entanglement transitions with free fermions

We use Majorana operators to study entanglement dynamics under random free fermion unitary evolution and projective measurements in one dimension. For certain choices of unitary evolution, namely, those which swap neighboring Majorana operators, and measurements of neighboring Majorana bilinears, one can map the evolution to the statistical model of completely packed loops with crossings (CPLC) and study the corresponding phase diagram. We generalize this model using the language of fermionic Gaussian states to a general free fermion unitary evolution acting on neighboring Majorana operators and numerically compute its phase diagram. We find that both the Goldstone and area-law phases persist in this new phase diagram, but with a shifted phase boundary. One important qualitative aspect of the new phase boundary is that even for the case of commuting measurements, the Goldstone phase persists up to a finite nonzero measurement rate. This is in contrast with the CPLC, in which noncommuting measurements are necessary for realizing the Goldstone phase. We also numerically compute the correlation length critical exponent at the transition, which we find to be near to that of the CPLC, and give a tentative symmetry-based explanation for some differences in the phase transition line between the CPLC and generalized models.

Topological states of generalized dissipative Majorana wires

We study the generalized one-dimensional (1D) quantum dissipative models corresponding to a Majorana wire which can possess more than one Majorana bound state at each end. The system consists of a 1D fermionic open quantum system whose dynamics is governed by a quadratic Lindblad equation. Using the adjoint Lindblad equation for the fermionic two-point correlations, we find the gaps in the damping and purity spectra of a generic 1D model. Then, using the symmetry-based classification, we show that a winding number as the topological invariant can be defined which distinguishes different steady states of the system in the presence of damping and purity gaps. Then we focus on certain models with different Lindblad quantum jump terms and explore their phase diagrams by calculating the damping and the purity gaps as well as the winding number. In particular, we show that by inclusion of quantum jumps between next-nearest-neighbor sites, higher winding numbers and equivalently more Majorana bound states can be achieved. Also, by introducing imbalanced couplings we can switch between states with negative and positive winding numbers. Finally, we should mention that since our formulation is based on the fermionic correlations rather than the Majorana operators, it can be easily extended to the dissipative topological phases belonging to other symmetry classes.

Solving quasi-free and quadratic Lindblad master equations for open fermionic and bosonic systems

The dynamics of Markovian open quantum systems are described by Lindblad master equations. For fermionic and bosonic systems that are quasi-free, i.e. with Hamiltonians that are quadratic in the ladder operators and Lindblad operators that are linear in the ladder operators, we derive the equation of motion for the covariance matrix. This determines the evolution of Gaussian initial states and the steady states, which are also Gaussian. Using ladder super-operators (a.k.a. third quantization), we show how the Liouvillian can be transformed to a many-body Jordan normal form which also reveals the full many-body spectrum. Extending previous work by Prosen and Seligman, we treat fermionic and bosonic systems on equal footing with Majorana operators, shorten and complete some derivations, also address the odd-parity sector for fermions, give a criterion for the existence of bosonic steady states, cover non-diagonalizable Liouvillians also for bosons, and include quadratic systems. In extension of the quasi-free open systems, quadratic open systems comprise additional Hermitian Lindblad operators that are quadratic in the ladder operators. While Gaussian states may then evolve into non-Gaussian states, the Liouvillian can still be transformed to a useful block-triangular form, and the equations of motion for k-point Green’s functions form a closed hierarchy. Based on this formalism, results on criticality and dissipative phase transitions in such models are discussed in a companion paper.

Dephasing-enhanced Majorana zero modes in two-dimensional and three-dimensional higher-order topological superconductors

The 1D Kitaev model in the topological phase, with open boundary conditions, hosts strong Majorana zero modes. These are fermion parity-odd operators that almost commute with the Hamiltonian and manifest in long coherence times for edge degrees of freedom. We obtain higher-dimensional counterparts of such Majorana operators by explicitly computing their closed form expressions in models describing 2D and 3D higher-order superconductors. Due to the existence of such strong Majorana zero modes, the coherence time of the infinite temperature autocorrelation function of the corner Majorana operators in these models diverges with the linear system size. In the presence of a certain class of orbital-selective dissipative dynamics, the coherence times of half of the corner Majorana operators is enhanced, while the time correlations corresponding to the remaining corner Majoranas decay much faster as compared with the unitary case. We numerically demonstrate robustness of the coherence times to the presence of disorder.

Dynamical approach to improving Majorana qubits and distinguishing them from trivial bound states

We study a series of dynamical protocols which involve periodically driving a quantum dot coupled to a putative nanowire hosting Majorana zero modes (MZMs) to i) reduce the hybridization between MZMs, ii) improve the coherence of the Majorana qubit with respect to $1/f$ dephasing noise and quasiparticle poisoning, and iii) provide a definitive test to differentiate Andreev Bound states (ABSs) from MZMs. The protocols are based on the notion of $draiding$ - exchanging a pair of Majoranas twice, repeatedly, at high frequency [1]. In this process, the exchanged Majorana operators acquire a robust minus sign such that terms in the Hamiltonian, linear in either operator, vanish on average. The four protocols proposed implement draiding by coupling quantum dot(s) to the end(s) of the nanowire. They are treated using Floquet theory and numerical simulations. The hybridization energy and decoherence rate are shown to be reduced by several orders of magnitude, in accordance with theoretical expectations, when the protocols are implemented on nanowires described by experimentally relevant parameters. The tunneling conductance computed in this Floquet setting reveals zero bias peaks (ZBPs) that become more centered at zero voltage bias. When these protocols are implemented on nanowires supporting ABSs that mimic MZMs in ZBP measurements, the qubit coherence $deteriorates$, in stark contrast to the case where the nanowire supports MZMs and the coherence drastically improves, thus serving as a dynamical test to distinguish MZMs from trivial bound states.

Interacting-fermion dynamics in Majorana phase space

The problem of fermion dynamics is studied using the $Q$ function for fermions. This is a probabilistic phase-space representation, which we express using Majorana operators and a phase-space variable of real antisymmetric matrices. We consider a general Hamiltonian with quadratic and quartic Majorana interactions and arbitrary couplings. Our model includes the Majorana-Hubbard and Fermi-Hubbard Hamiltonians, as well as general quantum field theories of interacting fermions. The relevant coefficients are calculated for a number of both local and nonlocal Hamiltonian models. We also give a detailed example of a four-Majorana interaction. Using the Majorana $Q$ function we derive a generalized Fokker-Planck equation, with results for the drift and diffusion terms. The diffusion term is shown to be traceless, which has a dynamical interpretation as a forward-backward stochastic process. We prove that an initial pure state has trajectories that remain on a surface of pure states. This approach leads to a model of quantum measurement in terms of an ontology with real vacuum fluctuations.

Gauging the Kitaev chain

We gauge the fermion parity symmetry of the Kitaev chain. While the bulk of the model becomes an Ising chain of gauge-invariant spins in a tilted field, near the boundaries the global fermion parity symmetry survives gauging, leading to local gauge-invariant Majorana operators. In the absence of vortices, the Higgs phase exhibits fermionic symmetry-protected topological (SPT) order distinct from the Kitaev chain. Moreover, the deconfined phase can be stable even in the presence of vortices. We also undertake a comprehensive study of a gently gauged model which interpolates between the ordinary and gauged Kitaev chains. This showcases rich quantum criticality and illuminates the topological nature of the Higgs phase. Even in the absence of superconducting terms, gauging leads to an SPT phase which is intrinsically gapless due to an emergent anomaly.

Expectation value of the edge Majorana fermion in an interacting fermion chain

The expectation value of the edge Majorana operator is calculated for the one-dimensional model of spinless fermions with nearest-neighbor interactions and with open boundary conditions. The consideration is performed for the regime of the topological insulator (gapped bulk excitations and edge modes inside the gap), and for the normal metal regime (gapless bulk excitations). We show that the expectation value of the edge Majorana operator can be formed by two contributions, from the bulk states, and from the localized edge modes.

Majorana zero modes in the interacting fermion chain without pairing

The ground state behavior of the spinless fermion chain with an interaction between fermions at neighboring sites is studied for free open boundaries. For the strong enough repulsion boundary gapless states (bound state of Majorana operators from opposite sites of the chain) can exist inside the gap for bulk excitations, i.e., in the topological insulator regime. We propose to use those Majorana zero modes as topological qubits, similar to the ones in one-dimensional topological superconductors. Possible physical realizations of the considered model are discussed.

Vibrational Hamiltonian of Naphthalene (C10H8) Using Dynamical U(2) Lie Algebras

This article is the first to demonstrate the application of dynamical U(2) Lie algebras to model a vibrational Hamiltonian of naphthalene (C10H8), a prototype polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecule containing a fused pair of benzene rings, in the gas phase having considerable astrophysical interest. A vibrational Hamiltonian that preserves the D2h symmetry of naphthalene is modeled using 19 coupled one-dimensional Morse oscillators to describe the eight C-H single bonds, the eleven C-C aromatic bonds, and their dynamic interactions, making use of the Casimir and Majorana operators. Results indicate that the dynamical U(2) Lie algebraic Hamiltonian has successfully reproduced the vibrational frequencies at the 48 fundamental excitations near to the level of spectroscopic accuracy, as well as predicted their first three overtones. The observed degeneracy of the stretching, bending, and combination vibrations at the fundamental and lower overtone excitations are expected to modify the shape of the two major bands (centered at 782 cm−1 and 3065 cm−1), and several minor bands in the infrared absorption spectrum of naphthalene in the gas phase.

A general formulation based on algebraic spinors for the quantum computation

In this work, we explore the structure of Clifford algebras and the representations of the algebraic spinors in quantum information theory. Initially, we present a general formulation through elements of minimal left ideals in tensor products of Clifford algebras. Posteriorly, we perform some applications in quantum computation: qubits, entangled states, quantum gates, representations of the braid group, quantum teleportation, Majorana operators and supersymmetry. Finally, we discuss advantages compared to standard Hilbert space formulation.

Readout of Majorana qubits

Schemes for topological quantum computation with Majorana bound states rely heavily on the ability to measure products of Majorana operators projectively. Here, we employ Markovian quantum measurement theory, including the readout device, to analyze such measurements. Specifically, we focus on the readout of Majorana qubits via continuous charge sensing of a tunnel-coupled quantum dot by a quantum point contact. We show that projective measurements of Majorana products $\prod_i\hat{\gamma}_i$ can be implemented by continuous charge sensing under quite general circumstances. Essential requirements are that a combined local parity $\hat{\pi}$, involving the quantum dot charge along with the Majorana product of interest, be conserved, and that the two eigenspaces of the combined parity $\hat{\pi}$ generate distinguishable measurement signals. We find that qubit readout may have to rely on measuring noise correlations of the quantum-point-contact current. The average current encodes the qubit readout only transiently for fine-tuned parameters or in the presence of relaxation processes. We also discuss the corresponding measurement and decoherence times and consider processes such as residual Majorana hybridizations which are detrimental to the measurement protocol. Finally, we emphasize that the underlying mechanism -- which we term symmetry-protected readout -- is quite general and has further implications for both, Majorana and non-Majorana systems.

Massless Majorna bispinors and two-qubit entangled states

This is a pedagogical paper, where bispinors solutions to the four-dimensional massless Dirac equation are considered in relativistic quantum mechanics and in quantum computation, taking advantage of the common mathematical description of four-dimensional spaces. First, Weyl and massless Majorana bispinors are shown to be unitary equivalent, closing a gap in the literature regarding their equivalence. A discrepancy in the number of linearly independent solutions reported in the literature is also addressed. Then, it is shown that Weyl bispinors are algebraically equivalent to two-qubit direct product states, and that the massless Majorana bispinors are algebraically equivalent to maximally entangled sates (Bell states), with the transformations relating the two bispinors types acting as entangling gates in quantum computation. Different types of entangling gates are presented, highlighting a set that fulfills the required properties for Majorana zero mode operators in topological quantum computation. Based on this set, a general topological quantum computation model with four Majorana operators is presented, which exhibits all the required technical and physical properties to obtain entanglement of two logical qubits from tpological operations.

Optimal fermion-to-qubit mapping via ternary trees with applications to reduced quantum states learning

We introduce a fermion-to-qubit mapping defined on ternary trees, where any single Majorana operator on ann-mode fermionic system is mapped to a multi-qubit Pauli operator acting nontrivially on⌈log3⁡(2n+1)⌉qubits. The mapping has a simple structure and is optimal in the sense that it is impossible to construct Pauli operators in any fermion-to-qubit mapping acting nontrivially on less thanlog3⁡(2n)qubits on average. We apply it to the problem of learningk-fermion reduced density matrix (RDM), a problem relevant in various quantum simulation applications. We show that one can determine individual elements of allk-fermion RDMs in parallel, to precisionϵ, by repeating a single quantum circuit for≲(2n+1)kϵ−2times. This result is based on a method we develop here that allows one to determine individual elements of allk-qubit RDMs in parallel, to precisionϵ, by repeating a single quantum circuit for≲3kϵ−2times, independent of the system size. This improves over existing schemes for determining qubit RDMs.

Anomalous relaxation and multiple timescales in the quantum XY model with boundary dissipation

The relaxation of many-body system is still a challenging problem that has not well been understood. In this work we exactly calculate the dynamics of the quantum $XY$ model with boundary dissipation, in which the density matrix in terms of Majorana operators can be decoupled into independent subspaces represented by different number of Majorana fermions. The relaxation is characterized by multiply time scales, and in the long-time limit it is determined by the single particle relaxation process in a typical time scale $T^*$. For the bulk bands, we find $T^* \propto N^3/\gamma n^2 $ in the weak dissipation limit; and $T^* \propto \gamma N^3/ n^2$ in the strong dissipation limit, where $N$ is the chain length, $\gamma$ is the dissipation rate and $n$ is the band index. For the edge modes $T^* \propto 1/\gamma$, indicating of most vulnerable to dissipation in the long chain limit. These results are counter-intuitive because it means any weak dissipation can induce relaxation, while strong dissipation can induce weak relaxation. We find that these two limits correspond to two different physics, which are explained based on the first and second-order perturbation theory in an equivalent non-Hermitian model.Furthermore, we show that even in the long chain limit the relaxation may exhibit strong odd-even effect. These results shade new insight into the dynamics of topological qubits in environment.

Majorana Loop Stabilizer Codes for Error Mitigation in Fermionic Quantum Simulations

Fermion-to-qubit mappings that preserve geometric locality are especially useful for simulating lattice fermion models (e.g., the Hubbard model) on a quantum computer. They avoid the overhead associated with geometric non-local parity terms in mappings such as the Jordan-Wigner transformation and the Bravyi-Kitaev transformation. As a result, they often provide quantum circuits with lower depth and gate complexity. In such encodings, fermionic states are encoded in the common +1 eigenspace of a set of stabilizers, akin to stabilizer quantum error-correcting codes. Here, we discuss several known geometric locality-preserving mappings and their abilities to correct/detect single-qubit errors. We introduce a geometric locality-preserving map, whose stabilizers correspond to products of Majorana operators on closed paths of the fermionic hopping graph. We show that our code, which we refer to as the Majorana loop stabilizer code (MLSC) can correct all single-qubit errors on a 2-dimensional square lattice, while previous geometric locality-preserving codes can only detect single-qubit errors on the same lattice. Compared to existing codes, the MLSC maps the relevant fermionic operators to lower-weight qubit operators despite having higher code distance. Going beyond lattice models, we demonstrate that the MLSC is compatible with state-of-the-art algorithms for simulating quantum chemistry, and can offer those simulations the same error-correction properties without additional asymptotic overhead. These properties make the MLSC a promising candidate for error-mitigated quantum simulations of fermions on near-term devices.

Evaporation dynamics of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model

In this paper, we study the evaporation dynamics of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model, with an initial temperature $T_\chi$, by coupling it to a thermal bath with lower temperature $T_\psi<T_\chi$ modeled by a larger SYK model. The coupling between the small system and the bath is turned on at time $t=0$. Then the system begins to envolve and finally becomes thermalized. Using the Keldysh approach, we analyze the relaxation process of the system for different temperatures and couplings. For marginal or irrelevant coupling, after a short-time energy absorption, we find a smooth thermalization of the small system where the energy relaxes before the system become thermalized. The relaxation rate of effective temperature is found to be bounded by $T$, while the energy thermalization rate increases without saturation when increasing the coupling strength. On the contrary, for the relevant coupling case, both energy and effective temperature show oscillations. We find this oscillations frequency to be coincident with the excitation energy of a Majorana operator.