Two-dimensional Hilbert Space Research Articles

Path summation and von Neumann–like quantum measurements

We demonstrate how a general von Neumann\char21{}like measurement can be analyzed in terms of histories (paths) constructed for the measured variable $A$. The Schr\odinger state of a system in a Hilbert space of arbitrary dimensionality is decomposed into a set of substates, each of which corresponds to a particular detailed history of the system. The coherence between the substates may then be destroyed by meter(s) to a degree determined by the nature and the accuracy of the measurement(s) which may be of von Neumann, finite-time, or continuous type. The cases of a particle described by Feynman paths in the coordinate space and a qubit in a two-dimensional Hilbert space are studied in some detail.

Minimum-error discrimination among mirror-symmetric mixed quantum states

We provide an exact solution of finding the optimum measurement strategy for distinguishing three mixed quantum states with mirror symmetry. The signal states reside in two-dimensional Hilbert space. By mirror symmetry, two of the three states have the same prior probabilities and transform into each other under the mirror symmetry. We find that the optimum measurement strategy may consist of three, two, or a single nonzero probability operator measure elements depending upon the prior probabilities of the quantum signals.

Critical error rate of quantum-key-distribution protocols versus the size and dimensionality of the quantum alphabet

A quantum-information analysis of how the size and dimensionality of the quantum alphabet affect the critical error rate of the quantum-key-distribution (QKD) protocols is given on an example of two QKD protocols---the six-state and \ensuremath{\infty}-state (i.e., a protocol with continuous alphabet) ones. In the case of a two-dimensional Hilbert space, it is shown that, under certain assumptions, increasing the number of letters in the quantum alphabet up to infinity slightly increases the critical error rate. Increasing additionally the dimensionality of the Hilbert space leads to a further increase in the critical error rate.

Geometry of homogeneous polynomials on two-dimensional real Hilbert spaces

We describe a method which characterises extreme points of the unit ball of the space of homogeneous polynomials of degrees 3 and 4 on two-dimensional Hilbert spaces and provides classes of examples of extreme and smooth polynomials of an arbitrary degree n.

Quantum Measurement with a Positive Operator-Valued Measure

In the quantum theory of measurement, the positive operator-valued measure (POVM) is an important concept, and its implementation can be useful. Following a brief review of the mathematics of POVMs in quantum theory, a particular implementation of a POVM for use in the measurement of nonorthogonal photon polarization states is reviewed. The two-dimensional Hilbert space of the POVM implementation can be embedded in the three-dimensional Hilbert space of an ordinary projective-valued measure. Also, analytical expressions can be obtained for the maximum Renyi information loss from the device to a disturbing probe.

Accurate control of Josephson phase qubits

A quantum bit is a closed two-dimensional Hilbert space, but often experimental systems have three or more energy levels. In a Josephson phase qubit the energy differences between successive levels differ by only a few percent, and hence care must be taken to isolate the two desired levels from the remaining Hilbert space. Here we show via numerical simulations how to restrict operations to the qubit subspace of a three-level Josephson junction system requiring shorter time duration and suffering less error compared with traditional methods. This is achieved by employing amplitude modulated pulses as well as carefully designed sequences of square wave pulses. We also show that tunneling out of higher lying energy levels represents a significant source of decoherence that can be reduced by tuning the system to contain four or more energy levels.

Strategies to measure a quantum state

We consider the problem of determining the mixed quantum state of a large but finite number of identically prepared quantum systems from data obtained in a sequence of ideal (von Neumann) measurements, each performed on an individual copy of the system. In contrast to previous approaches, we do not average over the possible unknown states but work out a “typical” probability distribution on the set of states, as implied by the experimental data. As a consequence, any measure of knowledge about the unknown state and thus any notion of “best strategy” (i.e., the choice of observables to be measured, and the number of times they are measured) depend on the unknown state. By learning from previously obtained data, the experimentalist re-adjusts the observable to be measured in the next step, eventually approaching an optimal strategy. We consider two measures of knowledge and exhibit all “best” strategies for the case of a two-dimensional Hilbert space. Finally, we discuss some features of the problem in higher dimensions and in the infinite dimensional case.

An optimal entropic uncertainty relation in a two-dimensional Hilbert space

We derive an optimal entropic uncertainty relation for an arbitrary pair of observables in a two-dimensional Hilbert space. Such a result, for the simple case we are considering, definitively improves all the entropic uncertainty relations which have appeared in the literature.

Optimal entropic uncertainty relation for successive measurements in quantum information theory

We derive an optimal bound on the sum of entropic uncertainties of two or more observables when they are sequentially measured on the same ensemble of systems. This optimal bound is shown to be greater than or equal to the bounds derived in the literature on the entropic uncertainties of two observables which are measured on distinct but identically prepared ensembles of systems. In the case of a two-dimensional Hilbert Space, the optimal bound for successive measurements of two spin components, is seen to be strictly greater than the optimal bound for the case when they are measured on distinct ensembles, except when the spin components are mutually parallel or perpendicular.

Quantum measurement with a positive operator-valued measure

In the quantum theory of measurement, the positive operator-valued measure (POVM) is an important concept, and its implementation can be useful. A POVM consists of a set of non-negative quantum-mechanical Hermitian operators that add up to the identity. The probability that a quantum system is in a particular state is given by the expectation value of the POVM operator corresponding to that state. Following a brief review of the mathematics and mention of the history of POVMs in quantum theory, a particular implementation of a POVM for use in the measurement of nonorthogonal photon polarization states is reviewed. The implementation consists simply of a Wollaston prism, a mirror, two beam splitters, a polarization rotator and three phototubes arranged in an interferometric configuration, and it is shown analytically that the device faithfully represents the POVM. Based on Neumark's extension theorem, the two-dimensional Hilbert space of the POVM implementation can be embedded in the three-dimensional Hilbert space of an ordinary projective-valued measure. Also, analytical expressions are given for the maximum Renyi information loss from the device to a disturbing probe, and for the error and inconclusive rates induced by the probe. Various aspects of the problem of probe optimization are elaborated.

Minimum-error discrimination between three mirror-symmetric states

We present the optimal measurement strategy for distinguishing between three quantum states exhibiting a mirror symmetry. The three states live in a two-dimensional Hilbert space, and are thus overcomplete. By mirror symmetry we understand that the transformation {|+> -> |+>, |-> -> -|->} leaves the set of states invariant. The obtained measurement strategy minimizes the error probability. An experimental realization for polarized photons, realizable with current technology, is suggested.

A K-dependent adiabatic approximation to the Renner–Teller effect for triatomic molecules

A K-dependent adiabatic approach is suggested to study the Renner–Teller effect in triatomic molecules using a two-dimensional Hilbert space approximation in the electronic degree of freedom. The theory is developed in hyperspherical coordinates, and approximately includes the electronic spin–orbit interaction. The adiabatic Hamiltonians are expressed in terms of a K-dependent effective potential energy surface. Eigenpairs are calculated by solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation, which is represented in a mixed grid/basis set. The method is applied to the Ã←X̃ band system of bromomethylene (H/DCBr). The results obtained show that the Renner–Teller effect in this molecule is pronounced, particularly in the excited à 1A″ state. The results are compared to recent experimental measurements and good agreement is found.

Geometry of Three-Homogeneous Polynomials on Real Hilbert Spaces

Let H be a two-dimensional real Hilbert space. We give a characterisation of the extreme and the smooth points of the unit ball of the space of three-homogeneous polynomials on H in terms of the coefficients of the polynomial. We also determine the smooth points of the unit ball of the predual of the space of three-homogeneous polynomials.

State estimation for large ensembles

We consider the problem of estimating the state of a large but finite numberN of identical quantum systems. As N becomes large the problem simplifies dramatically. The only relevant measure of the quality of estimation becomes the mean quadratic error matrix. Here we present a bound on this quantity: a quantum Cramer-Rao inequality. This bound succinctly expresses how in the quantum case one can trade information about one parameter for information about another. The bound holds for arbitrary measurements on pure states, but only for separable measurements on mixed states—a striking example of nonlocality without entanglement for mixed but not for pure states. Cramer-Rao bounds are generally only derived for unbiased estimators. Here we give a version of our bound for biased estimators, and a simple asymptotic version for large N. Finally we prove that when the unknown state belongs to a two-dimensional Hilbert space our quantum Cramer-Rao bound can always be attained, and we provide an explicit measurement strategy that attains it. Thus we have a complete solution to the problem of estimating as efficiently as possible the unknown state of a large ensemble of qubits in the same pure state. The same is true for qubits in the same mixed state if one restricts oneself to separable measurements, but nonseparable measurements allow dramatic increase of efficiency. Exactly how much increase is possible is a major open problem.

Fidelity and Leakage of Josephson Qubits

The unit of quantum information is the qubit, a vector in a two-dimensional Hilbert space. On the other hand, quantum hardware often operates in two-dimensional subspaces of vector spaces of higher dimensionality. The presence of higher quantum states may affect the accuracy of quantum information processing. In this Letter we show how to cope with quantum leakage in devices based on small Josephson junctions. While the presence of higher charge states of the junction reduces the fidelity during gate operations we demonstrate that errors can be minimized by appropriately designing and operating the gates.

Algebraic Bethe ansatz for integrable Kondo impurities in the one-dimensional supersymmetric t- J model

An integrable Kondo problem in the one-dimensional supersymmetric t- J model is studied by means of the boundary supersymmetric quantum inverse scattering method. the boundary K matrices depending on the local moments of the impurities are presented as a nontrivial realization of the graded reflection equation algebras in a two-dimensional impurity Hilbert space. Further, the model is solved by using the algebraic Bethe ansatz method and the Bethe ansatz equations are obtained.

Integrable Kondo impurities in the one-dimensional supersymmetric extended Hubbard model

An integrable Kondo problem in the one-dimensional supersymmetric extended Hubbard model is studied by means of the boundary graded quantum inverse scattering method. The boundary $K$ matrices depending on the local moments of the impurities are presented as a nontrivial realization of the graded reflection equation algebras in a two-dimensional impurity Hilbert space. Further,the model is solved by using the algebraic Bethe ansatz method and the Bethe ansatz equations are obtained.

Optimal copying of one quantum bit

A quantum copying machine producing two (in general non-identical) copies of an arbitrary input state of a two-dimensional Hilbert space (qubit) is studied using a quality measure based on distinguishability of states, rather than fidelity. The problem of producing optimal copies is investigated with the help of a Bloch sphere representation, and shown to have a well-defined solution, including cases in which the two copies have unequal quality, or the quality depends upon the input state (is ``anisotropic'' in Bloch sphere language), or both. A simple quantum circuit yields the optimal copying machine. With a suitable choice of parameters it becomes an optimal eavesdropping machine for some versions of quantum cryptography, or reproduces the Buzek and Hillery result for isotropic copies.

Optimal entropic uncertainty relation in two-dimensional Hilbert space

The exact lower bound on the sum of the information entropies is obtained for arbitrary pairs of observables in two-dimensional Hilbert space. The result coincides with that given by Garrett and Gull for the particular case of real transformation matrices and state vectors. A weaker analytical bound is also obtained.

Choice of consistent family, and quantum incompatibility

In consistent history quantum theory, a description of the time development of a quantum system requires choosing a framework or consistent family, and then calculating probabilities for the different histories which it contains. It is argued that the framework is chosen by the physicist constructing a description of a quantum system on the basis of questions he wishes to address, in a manner analogous to choosing a coarse graining of the phase space in classical statistical mechanics. The choice of framework is not determined by some law of nature, though it is limited by quantum incompatibility, a concept which is discussed using a two-dimensional Hilbert space (spin half particle). Thus certain questions of physical interest can only be addressed using frameworks in which they make (quantum mechanical) sense. The physicist's choice does not influence reality, nor does the presence of choices render the theory subjective. On the contrary, predictions of the theory can, in principle, be verified by experimental measurements. These considerations are used to address various criticisms and possible misunderstandings of the consistent history approach, including its predictive power, whether it requires a new logic, whether it can be interpreted realistically, the nature of ``quasiclassicality'', and the possibility of ``contrary'' inferences.