One-dimensional Discrete-time Quantum Walks Research Articles

Revisiting one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks with general coin

Quantum walk (QW) is the quantum analog of the random walk. QW is an integral part of the development of numerous quantum algorithms. Hence, an in-depth understanding of QW helps us to grasp the quantum algorithms. We revisit the one-dimensional discrete-time QW and discuss basic steps in detail by incorporating the most general coin operator, constant in both space and time, and a localized initial state using numerical modeling. We investigate the impact of each parameter of the general coin operator on the probability distribution of the quantum walker. We show that by tuning the parameters of the general coin, one can regulate the probability distribution of the walker. We provide an algorithm for the one-dimensional quantum walk driven by the general coin operator. The study on general coin operators also includes the popular coins — Hadamard, Grover, and Fourier.

Noise-induced Parrondo's paradox in discrete-time quantum walks.

Parrondo's paradox refers to the apparently paradoxical effect whereby two or more dynamics in which a given quantity decreases are combined in such a way that the same quantity increases in the resulting dynamics. We show that noise can induce Parrondo's paradox in one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks with deterministic periodic as well as aperiodic sequences of two-state quantum coins where this paradox does not occur in the absence of noise. Moreover, we show how the noise-induced Parrondo's paradox affects the time evolution of quantum entanglement for such quantum walks.

Generalized Quantum Measurements on a Higher-Dimensional System via Quantum Walks.

Quantum measurements play a fundamental role in quantum mechanics. Especially, generalized quantum measurements provide a powerful and versatile tool to extract information from quantum systems. However, how to realize them on an arbitrary higher-dimensional quantum system remains a challenging task. Here we propose a simple recipe for the implementation of a general positive-operator valued measurement (POVM) on a higher-dimensional quantum system via a one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walk with a two-dimensional coin. Furthermore, using single photons and linear optics, we realize experimentally a symmetric, informationally complete (SIC) POVM on a three-dimensional system with high fidelity. As an application, we realize a qutrit state tomography with SIC-POVM and confirm that the infidelity scaling achieved by the qutrit SIC-POVM is as good as that based on mutually unbiased bases. Our study paves the way to explore physics and information in higher-dimensional quantum systems and finds applications in various quantum information processing tasks that rely on generalized quantum measurements.

Discrete-time quantum walk dispersion control through long-range correlations.

We investigate the evolution dynamics of inhomogeneous discrete-time one-dimensional quantum walks displaying long-range correlations in both space and time. The associated quantum coin operators of internal states are built to exhibit random inhomogeneity distribution of long-range correlations embedded in the time evolution protocol through a fractional Brownian motion with spectrum following a power-law behavior, S(k)∼1/k^{ν}. From extensive numerical simulations with averages over a large number of independent realizations of the phases of quantum coins, the power-law correlated disorder encoded in the coin phases is shown to give rise to a wide variety of spreading patterns of the qubit states, from localized to subdiffusive, diffusive, and superdiffusive (including ballistic) behavior, depending on the relative strength of the parameters driving the correlation degree. Dispersion control is possible in one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks by tuning the long-range correlation properties assigned to the inhomogeneous quantum coin operator.

Parrondo's paradox in quantum walks with three coins

Parrondo's paradox refers to the apparently paradoxical effect whereby a certain combination of biased random walks displays a counterintuitive reversal of the bias direction. We show that Parrondo's paradox can occur not only in the case of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks with a deterministic sequence of two quantum coins but also in the case of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks with a deterministic sequence of three quantum coins. Moreover, we show how Parrondo's paradox affects the time evolution of quantum entanglement for such quantum walks.

Multiparameter quantum metrology with discrete-time quantum walks

We address multi-parameter quantum estimation for one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks and its applications to quantum metrology. We use the quantum walker as a probe for unknown parameters encoded on its coin degrees of freedom. We find an analytic expression of the quantum Fisher information matrix for the most general coin operator, and show that only two out of the three coin parameters can be accessed. We also prove that the resulting two-parameter coin model is asymptotically classical i.e. the Uhlmann curvature vanishes. Finally, we apply our findings to relevant case studies, including the simultaneous estimation of charge and mass in the discretized Dirac model.

Quantum circuits for the realization of equivalent forms of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks on near-term quantum hardware

Quantum walks are a promising framework for developing quantum algorithms and quantum simulations. They represent an important test case for the application of quantum computers. Here we present different forms of discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs) and show their equivalence for physical realizations. Using an appropriate digital mapping of the position space on which a walker evolves to the multiqubit states of a quantum processor, we present different configurations of quantum circuits for the implementation of DTQWs in one-dimensional position space. We provide example circuits for a five-qubit processor and address scalability to higher dimensions as well as larger quantum processors.

Quantum corralling

We propose a robust and efficient way to store and transport quantum information via one-dimensional discrete time quantum walks. We show how to attain an effective dispersionless wave packet evolution using only two types of local unitary operators (quantum coins or gates), properly engineered to act at predetermined times and at specific lattice sites during the system's time evolution. In particular, we show that a qubit initially localized about a Gaussian distribution can be almost perfectly confined during long times or sent hundreds lattice sites away from its original location and later almost perfectly reconstructed using only Hadamard and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{x}$ gates.

One-dimensional quantum walks with a time and spin-dependent phase shift

We investigate the role of a time and spin-dependent phase shift on the evolution of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks. By employing Floquet engineering a time and spin-dependent phase shift (ϕ) is stroboscopically imprinted onto the walker's wave function at the end of each step of the walk. For a quantum walk driven by the standard protocol and with rational values of the phase factor, i.e., ϕ/2π=p/q we show with our numerical simulations that revivals with equal periods occur in the probability distribution of the walk. In the split-step quantum walk we employ two different coin operators which are parametrized by a parameter δθ. By making use of δθ as a control parameter we demonstrate that for ϕ/2π=p/q the walk exhibits three major types of dynamics: ballistic spreading, revivals, and localization. For an irrational value of ϕ/2π our results show revivals with unpredictable periods, and the walker remains localized in a small region of the lattice. Furthermore, in view of an experimental realization we investigate the robustness of revivals against noise in the phase shift. Our results show that signatures of revivals persist for smaller values of the noise parameter while these vanish for larger values. Our work is important in the context of quantum computation and simulation with quantum walks where different types of the walk dynamics can be engineered by making use of the time and spin-dependent phases shift, and the coin parameter as control knobs.

Entropy analysis of the discrete-time quantum walk under bit-flip noise channel

We study the behavior of tunable one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) in the presence of decoherence modeled by the flip-bit noise channel. By varying the noise intensity, we obtain a wide range of probability distributions of noisy walks, which can be loosely characterized as pure quantum walk, quantum-like walk, semi-classical like walk, and classical-like walk. We show the maximum Shannon entropy of the walk is not obtained under maximum decoherence, but instead at a lower degree of decoherence. This result may be useful for the implementation of quantum error correction, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication protocol, where one might expect the qubit internal state to be flipped due to noise.

Scaling exponent analysis and fidelity of the tunable discrete quantum walk in the noisy channel

We studied the behavior of tunable one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) in the presence of decoherence, modeled as a noisy quantum channel with bit-flip, phase-flip, and general amplitude damping effects. The fidelity of the walker based on the angle parametrized coin operator is examined for different tunable conditions. DTQW with bit-flip and phase-flip or dephasing gave rise to the symmetrical probability density function profile while showing different convergence characteristics on their variance behavior. Meanwhile under decoherence with the general amplitude channel, the walker exhibits the non-symmetric profile of probability density function while retaining faster spread than a normal walk under extreme decoherence which is captured by their scaling exponent. These indicate the existence of the broad class of transport behavior of the walker. We showed that the fidelity of the walker can be optimized by adjusting the parameter of the coin rotation angle θ. This work may be useful for the optimization or better control of the quantum walk under noisy channels.

Quantum simulation of quantum relativistic diffusion via quantum walks

Two models are first presented, of a one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) with temporal noise on the internal degree of freedom (i.e., the coin): (i) a model with both a coin-flip and a phase-flip channel, and (ii) a model with random coin unitaries. It is then shown that both these models admit a common limit in the spacetime continuum, namely, a Lindblad equation with Dirac-fermion Hamiltonian part and, as Lindblad jumps, a chirality flip and a chirality-dependent phase flip, which are two of the three standard error channels for a two-level quantum system. This, as one may call it, Dirac Lindblad equation, provides a model of quantum relativistic spatial diffusion, which is evidenced both analytically and numerically. This model of spatial diffusion has the intriguing specificity of making sense only with original unitary models which are relativistic in the sense that they have chirality, on which the noise is introduced: the diffusion arises via the by-construction (quantum) coupling of chirality to the position. For a particle with vanishing mass, the model of quantum relativistic diffusion introduced in the present work, reduces to the well-known telegraph equation, which yields propagation at short times, diffusion at long times, and exhibits no quantumness. Finally, the results are extended to temporal noises which depend smoothly on position.

Weak Disorder Enhancing the Production of Entanglement in Quantum Walks

We find out a few ways to improve the realization of entanglement between the internal (spin) and external (position) degrees of freedom of a quantum particle, through the insertion of disordered time steps along a one-dimensional discrete time quantum walk. The disorder is introduced by a randomly chosen quantum coin obtained from a uniform distribution among infinite quantum coins or only between Hadamard and Fourier coins for all the time steps. We can also decrease the amount of disorder by alternating disordered and ordered time steps along a quantum walk or by establishing a probability $p<0.5$ to pick a Fourier coin instead of a Hadamard one for each time step. Our results show that both scenarios lead to maximal entanglement outperforming the ordered quantum walks. However, these last scenarios are more efficient to create entanglement, once they achieve high entanglement rates in fewer time steps than the former ones. In order to compare distinct disordered cases, we perform an average entanglement calculation along the time by averaging over a large set of initial spin states starting from local and Gaussian position states. Some transient behaviors from order to disorder in quantum walks are also evaluated and discussed. Experimental remarks based on available experimental platforms are made.

Quantum walk as generalized evolution and measurement device

We show that arbitrary quantum evolution, both unitary and non-unitary ones, can be efficiently realized via one-dimensional quantum walk. This is done based on the equivalence between quantum evolution and positive-operated valued measurements, and an algorithm of properly controlling one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walk to realize arbitrary positive-operated valued measurements. Furthermore, our method based on one-dimensional quantum walk can be easily generalized to other platforms Our method enriches technics for quantum information processes, and the applications of quantum walk.

Absence of wave operators for one-dimensional quantum walks

We show that there exist pairs of two time evolution operators which do not have wave operators in a context of one-dimensional discrete time quantum walks. As a consequence, the borderline between short range type and long range type is decided.

Connecting velocity and entanglement in quantum walks

We investigate the relation between transport properties and entanglement between the internal (spin) and external (position) degrees of freedom in one-dimensional discrete time quantum walks. We obtain closed-form expressions for the long-time position variance and asymptotic entanglement of quantum walks whose time evolution is given by any balanced quantum coin, starting from any initial qubit and position states following $\delta$-like (local) and Gaussian distributions. We find out that the knowledge of the limit velocity of the walker together with the polar angle of the initial qubit provide the asymptotic entanglement for local states, while this velocity with the quantum coin phases give it for highly delocalized states.

Relativistic properties and invariants of the Du Fort–Frankel scheme for the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation

The Du Fort–Frankel scheme for the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is shown to be equivalent, under a time-dependent unitary transformation, to the Ablowitz–Kruskal–Ladik scheme for the Klein–Gordon equation. The Schrödinger equation describes a non-relativistic quantum particle, while the Klein–Gordon equation describes a relativistic particle. The conditional convergence of the Du Fort–Frankel scheme to solutions of the Schrödinger equation arises because solutions of the Klein–Gordon equation only approximate solutions of the Schrödinger equation in the non-relativistic limit. The time-dependent unitary transformation is the discrete analog of the transformation that arises from seeking a non-relativistic limit using the interaction picture of quantum mechanics to decompose the Klein–Gordon Hamiltonian into the relativistic rest energy and a remainder. The Ablowitz–Kruskal–Ladik scheme is in turn decomposed into a quantum lattice gas automaton for the one-dimensional Dirac equation, which is also the one-dimensional discrete time quantum walk. This relativistic interpretation clarifies the origin of the known discrete invariant of the Du Fort–Frankel scheme as expressing conservation of probability for the 2-component wavefunction in the one-dimensional Dirac equation under discrete unitary evolution. It also leads to a second invariant, the matrix element of the evolution operator, whose imaginary part gives a discrete approximation to the expectation of the non-relativistic Schrödinger Hamiltonian.

Discrete-time quantum walks generated by aperiodic fractal sequence of space coin operators

Properties of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs) are sensitive to the presence of inhomogeneities in the substrate, which can be generated by defining position-dependent coin operators. Deterministic aperiodic sequences of two or more symbols provide ideal environments where these properties can be explored in a controlled way. Based on an exhaustive numerical study, this work discusses a two-coin model resulting from the construction rules that lead to the usual fractal Cantor set. Although the fraction of the less frequent coin [Formula: see text] as the size of the chain is increased, it leaves peculiar properties in the walker dynamics. They are characterized by the wave function, from which results for the probability distribution and its variance, as well as the entanglement entropy, were obtained. A number of results for different choices of the two coins are presented. The entanglement entropy has shown to be very sensitive to uncovering subtle quantum effects present in the model.

Detecting topological invariants and revealing topological phase transitions in discrete-time photonic quantum walks

We experimentally investigate topological phenomena in one-dimensional discrete-time photonic quantum walks using a combination of methods. We first detect winding numbers of the quantum walk by directly measuring the average chiral displacement, which oscillates around quantized winding numbers for finite-step quantum walks. Topological phase transitions can be identified as changes in the center of oscillation of the measured chiral displacement. The position of topological phase transition is then confirmed by measuring the moments of the walker probability distribution. Finally, we observe localized edge states at the boundary of regions with different winding numbers. We also confirm the robustness of edge states against chiral-symmetry-preserving disorder.

Quantum state engineering using one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks

Quantum state preparation in high-dimensional systems is an essential requirement for many quantum-technology applications. The engineering of an arbitrary quantum state is, however, typically strongly dependent on the experimental platform chosen for implementation, and a general framework is still missing. Here we show that coined quantum walks on a line, which represent a framework general enough to encompass a variety of different platforms, can be used for quantum state engineering of arbitrary superpositions of the walker's sites. We achieve this goal by identifying a set of conditions that fully characterize the reachable states in the space comprising walker and coin, and providing a method to efficiently compute the corresponding set of coin parameters. We assess the feasibility of our proposal by identifying a linear optics experiment based on photonic orbital angular momentum technology.