Since the development of boson sampling, there has been a quest to construct more efficient and experimentally feasible protocols to test the computational complexity of sampling from photonic states. In this paper, we interpret and extend the results presented previously [Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 170501 (2017)]. We derive an expression that relates the probability to measure a specific photon output pattern from a Gaussian state to the Hafnian matrix function and use it to design a Gaussian boson sampling protocol. Then, we discuss the advantages that this protocol has relative to other photonic protocols and the experimental requirements for Gaussian boson sampling. Finally, we relate it to the previously most general protocol, scattershot boson sampling [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 100502 (2014)].

Keywords: boson sampling, Gaussian states, squeezing

We present an alternative definition of discrete-time coined quantum walks convenient for capturing a rather broad spectrum of a walker's behavior on arbitrary graphs. It includes and covers both the geometry of possible walker's positions with interconnecting links and the prescribed rule in which directions the walker will move at each vertex. While the former allows for the analysis of inhomogeneous quantum walks on graphs with vertices of varying degree, the latter offers us to choose, investigate, and compare quantum walks with different shift operators. The synthesis of both key ingredients constitutes a well-suited playground for analyzing percolated quantum walks on a quite general class of graphs. Analytical treatment of the asymptotic behavior of percolated quantum walks is presented and worked out in details for the Grover walk on graphs with maximal degree 3. We find that for these walks with cyclic shift operators, the existence of an edge-3 coloring of the graph allows for nonstationary asymptotic behavior of the walk. For different shift operators, the general structure of localized attractors is investigated, which determines the overall efficiency of a source-to-sink quantum transport across a dynamically changing medium. As a simple nontrivial example of the theory, we treat a single-excitation transport on a percolated cube.

Keywords: quantum walks, percolation, trapping

Quantum information processing exploits all the features quantum mechanics offers. Among them there is the possibility to induce nonlinear maps on a quantum system by involving two or more identical copies of the given system in the same state. Such maps play a central role in distillation protocols used for quantum key distribution. We determine that such protocols may exhibit sensitive, quasi-chaotic evolution not only for pure initial states but also for mixed states, i.e., the complex dynamical behavior is not destroyed by small initial uncertainty. We show that the appearance of sensitive, complex dynamics associated with a fractal structure in the parameter space of the system has the character of a phase transition. The purity of the initial state plays the role of the control parameter, and the dimension of the fractal structure is independent of the purity value after passing the phase transition point. The critical purity coincides with the purity of a repelling fixed point of the dynamics, and we show that all the pre-images of states from the close neighborhood of pure chaotic initial states have purity larger than this. Initial states from this set can be considered as quasi-chaotic.

Keywords: chaos, complex maps, phase transition

We propose a probabilistic quantum protocol to realize a nonlinear transformation of qutrit states, which by iterative applications on ensembles can be used to distinguish two types of pure states. The protocol involves single-qutrit and two-qutrit unitary operations as well as post-selection according to the results obtained in intermediate measurements. We utilize the nonlinear transformation in an algorithm to identify a quantum state provided it belongs to an arbitrary known finite set. The algorithm is based on dividing the known set of states into two appropriately designed subsets, which can be distinguished by the nonlinear protocol. In most cases, this is accompanied by the application of some properly defined physical (unitary) operation on the unknown state. Then, applying the nonlinear protocol, one can decide which of the two subsets the unknown state belongs to, thus reducing the number of possible candidates. By iteratively continuing this procedure until a single possible candidate remains, one can identify the unknown state.

Keywords: quantum measurement, quantum control, quantum state identification

Markov processes play an important role in physics and in particular in the theory of open systems. In this paper we study the asymptotic evolution of trace-nonincreasing homogeneous quantum Markov processes (both types, discrete quantum Markov chains and continuous quantum Markov dynamical semigroups) equipped with a subinvariant faithful state in the Schrodinger and the Heisenberg picture. We derive a fundamental theorem specifying the structure of the asymptotics and uncover a rich set of transformations between attractors of quantum Markov processes in both pictures. Moreover, we generalize the structure theorem derived earlier for quantum Markov chains to quantum Markov dynamical semigroups showing how the internal structure of generators of quantum Markov processes determines attractors in both pictures. Based on these results we provide two characterizations of all asymptotic and stationary states, both strongly reminding in form the well-known Gibbs states of statistical mechanics. We prove that the dynamics within the asymptotic space is of unitary type, i.e. quantum Markov processes preserve a certain scalar product of operators from the asymptotic space, but there is no corresponding unitary evolution on the original Hilbert space of pure states. Finally simple examples illustrating the derived theory are given.

Keywords: steady state, fixed-points, semigroups, operations

We consider a special iterated quantum protocol with measurement-induced nonlinearity for qubits, where all pure initial states on the Bloch sphere can be considered chaotic. The dynamics is ergodic with no attractive fixed cycles. We show that initial noise radically changes this behavior. The completely mixed state is an attractive fixed point of the dynamics induced by the protocol. Our numerical simulations strongly indicate that initially mixed states all converge to the completely mixed state. The presented protocol is an example, where gaining information from measurements and employing it to control an ensemble of quantum systems enables us to create ergodicity which, in turn, is destroyed by any initial noise.

Keywords: post-selection, measurement, chaos, nonlinear quantum transformation

Measurements on a quantum particle unavoidably affect its state, since the otherwise unitary evolution of the system is interrupted by a nonunitary projection operation. To probe measurement-induced effects in the state dynamics using a quantum simulator, the challenge is to implement controlled measurements on a small subspace of the system and continue the evolution from the complementary subspace. A powerful platform for versatile quantum evolution is represented by photonic quantum walks because of their high control over all relevant parameters. However, measurement-induced dynamics in such a platform have not yet been realized. We implement controlled measurements in a discrete-time quantum walk based on time-multiplexing. This is achieved by adding a deterministic outcoupling of the optical signal to include measurements constrained to specific positions resulting in the projection of the walker's state on the remaining ones. With this platform and coherent input light, we experimentally simulate measurement-induced single-particle quantum dynamics. We demonstrate the difference between dynamics with only a single measurement at the final step and those including measurements during the evolution. To this aim, we study recurrence as a figure of merit, that is, the return probability to the walker's starting position, which is measured in the two cases. We track the development of the return probability over 36 time steps and observe the onset of both recurrent and transient evolution as an effect of the different measurement schemes, a signature which only emerges for quantum systems. Our simulation of the observed one-particle conditional quantum dynamics does not require a genuine quantum particle but is demonstrated with coherent light.

Keywords: quantum walks, recurrence, measurement

Boson sampling has emerged as a tool to explore the advantages of quantum over classical computers as it does not require universal control over the quantum system, which favors current photonic experimental platforms. Here, we introduce Gaussian Boson sampling, a classically hard-to-solve problem that uses squeezed states as a nonclassical resource. We relate the probability to measure specific photon patterns from a general Gaussian state in the Fock basis to a matrix function called the Hafnian, which answers the last remaining question of sampling from Gaussian states. Based on this result, we design Gaussian Boson sampling, a #P hard problem, using squeezed states. This demonstrates that Boson sampling from Gaussian states is possible, with significant advantages in the photon generation probability, compared to existing protocols.

Keywords: boson sampling, Gaussian states, squeezing

Quantum walks constitute a versatile platform for simulating transport phenomena on discrete graphs including topological material properties while providing a high control over the relevant parameters at the same time. To experimentally access and directly measure the topological invariants of quantum walks, we implement the scattering scheme proposed by Tarasinski et al. [Phys. Rev. A 89, 042327 (2014)] in a photonic time multiplexed quantum walk experiment. The tunable coin operation provides opportunity to reach distinct topological phases, and accordingly to observe the corresponding topological phase transitions. The ability to read-out the position and the coin state distribution, complemented by explicit interferometric sign measurements, allowed the reconstruction of the scattered reflection amplitudes and thus the computation of the associated bulk topological invariants. As predicted, we also find localized states at the edges between two bulks belonging to different topological phases. In order to analyze the impact of disorder, we have measured invariants of two different types of disordered samples in large ensemble measurements, demonstrating their constancy in one disorder regime and a continuous transition with increasing disorder strength for the second disorder sample.

Keywords: quantum walks, invariants

Sampling the distribution of bosons that have undergone a random unitary evolution is strongly believed to be a computationally hard problem. Key to outperforming classical simulations of this task is to increase both the number of input photons and the size of the network. We propose driven boson sampling, in which photons are input within the network itself, as a means to approach this goal. We show that the mean number of photons entering a boson sampling experiment can exceed one photon per input mode, while maintaining the required complexity, potentially leading to less stringent requirements on the input states for such experiments. When using heralded single-photon sources based on parametric down-conversion, this approach offers an similar to e-fold enhancement in the input state generation rate over scattershot boson sampling, reaching the scaling limit for such sources. This approach also offers a dramatic increase in the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to higher-order photon generation from such probabilistic sources, which removes the need for photon number resolution during the heralding process as the size of the system increases.

Keywords: quantum walks, driven walks, sampling

Sampling the distribution of bosons that have undergone a random unitary evolution is strongly believed to be a computationally hard problem. Key to outperforming classical simulations of this task is to increase both the number of input photons and the size of the network. We propose driven boson sampling, in which photons are input within the network itself, as a means to approach this goal. When using heralded single-photon sources based on parametric down-conversion, this approach offers an ∼e-fold enhancement in the input state generation rate over scattershot boson sampling, reaching the scaling limit for such sources. More significantly, this approach offers a dramatic increase in the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to higher-order photon generation from such probabilistic sources, which removes the need for photon number resolution during the heralding process as the size of the system increases.

Keywords: quantum walks, driven walks, sampling

Quantum walks are a well-established model for the study of coherent transport phenomena and provide a universal platform in quantum information theory. Dynamically influencing the walker's evolution gives a high degree of flexibility for studying various applications. Here, we present time-multiplexed finite quantum walks of variable size, the preparation of non-localized input states and their dynamical evolution. As a further application, we implement a state transfer scheme for an arbitrary input state to two different output modes. The presented experiments rely on the full dynamical control of a time-multiplexed quantum walk, which includes adjustable coin operation as well as the possibility to flexibly configure the underlying graph structures.

Keywords: quantum walks, dynamical control

We analyze the asymptotic scaling of persistence of unvisited sites for quantum walks on a line. In contrast to the classical random walk, there is no connection between the behavior of persistence and the scaling of variance. In particular, we find that for a two-state quantum walk persistence follows an inverse power law where the exponent is determined solely by the coin parameter. Moreover, for a one-parameter family of three-state quantum walks containing the Grover walk, the scaling of persistence is given by two contributions. The first is the inverse power law. The second contribution to the asymptotic behavior of persistence is an exponential decay coming from the trapping nature of the studied family of quantum walks. In contrast to the two-state walks, both the exponent of the inverse power-law and the decay constant of the exponential decay depend also on the initial coin state and its coherence. Hence, one can achieve various regimes of persistence by altering the initial condition, ranging from purely exponential decay to purely inverse power-law behavior.

Keywords: quantum walks, persistence

Coherent transport of excitations along chains of coupled quantum systems represents an interesting problem with a number of applications ranging from quantum optics to solar cell technology. A convenient tool for studying such processes are quantum walks. They allow us to determine all the process features in a quantitative way.Westudy the survival probability and the transport efficiency on a simple, highly symmetric graph represented by a ring. The propagation of excitation is modeled by a discrete-time (coined) quantum walk. For a two-state quantum walk, where the excitation (walker) has to leave its actual position to the neighboring sites, the survival probability decays exponentially and the transport efficiency is unity. The decay rate of the survival probability can be estimated using the leading eigenvalue of the evolution operator. However, if the excitation is allowed to stay at its present position, i.e. the propagation is modeled by a lazy quantum walk, then part of the wave-packet can be trapped in the vicinity of the origin and never reaches the sink. In such a case, the survival probability does not vanish and the excitation transport is not efficient. The dependency of the transport efficiency on the initial state is determined. Nevertheless, we show that for some lazy quantum walks dynamical, percolations of the ring eliminate the trapping effect and efficient excitation transport can be achieved.

Keywords: percolation; quantum walks, transport efficiency

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system has to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible; however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed.

Keywords: quantum chaos; iterative maps

Networks constitute efficient tools for assessing universal features of complex systems. In physical contexts, classical as well as quantum networks are used to describe a wide range of phenomena, such as phase transitions, intricate aspects of many-body quantum systems, or even characteristic features of a future quantum internet. Random quantum networks and their associated directed graphs are employed for capturing statistically dominant features of complex quantum systems. Here, we develop an efficient iterative method capable of evaluating the probability of a graph being strongly connected. It is proven that random directed graphs with constant edge-establishing probability are typically strongly connected, i.e., any ordered pair of vertices is connected by a directed path. This typical topological property of directed random graphs is exploited to demonstrate universal features of the asymptotic evolution of large random qubit networks. These results are independent of our knowledge of the details of the network topology. These findings suggest that other highly complex networks, such as a future quantum internet, may also exhibit similar universal properties.

Keywords: quantum networks; asymptotics, universality

Quantum optics in combination with integrated optical devices shows great promise for efficient manipulation of single photons. New physical concepts, however, can only be found when these fields truly merge and reciprocally enhance each other. Here we work at the merging point and investigate the physical concept behind a two-coupled-waveguide system with an integrated parametric down-conversion process. We use the eigenmode description of the linear system and the resulting modification in momentum conservation to derive the state generation protocol for this type of device. With this new concept of state engineering, we are able to effectively implement a two-in-one waveguide source that produces the useful two-photon NOON state without extra overhead such as phase stabilization or narrow-band filtering. Experimentally, we benchmark our device by measuring a two-photon NOON state fidelity of F=(84.2±2.6)% and observe the characteristic interferometric pattern directly given by the doubled phase dependence with a visibility of VNOON=(93.3±3.7)%.

Keywords: parametric down conversion; NOON states

Coherent evolution governs the behaviour of all quantum systems, but in nature it is often subjected to influence of a classical environment. For analysing quantum transport phenomena quantum walks emerge as suitable model systems. In particular, quantum walks on percolation structures constitute an attractive platform for studying open system dynamics of random media. Here, we present an implementation of quantum walks differing from the previous experiments by achieving dynamical control of the underlying graph structure. We demonstrate the evolution of an optical time-multiplexed quantum walk over six double steps, revealing the intricate interplay between the internal and external degrees of freedom. The observation of clear non-Markovian signatures in the coin space testifies the high coherence of the implementation and the extraordinary degree of control of all system parameters. Our work is the proof-of-principle experiment of a quantum walk on a dynamical percolation graph, paving the way towards complex simulation of quantum transport in random media.

Keywords: quantum walk; percolation

The analysis of a physical problem simplifies considerably when one uses a suitable coordinate system. We apply this approach to the discrete-time quantum walks with coins given by 2j + 1-dimensional Wigner rotation matrices (Wigner walks), a model which was introduced in Miyazaki et al. [Phys. Rev. A 76, 012332 (2007)]. First, we show that from the three parameters of the coin operator only one is physically relevant for the limit density of the Wigner walk. Next, we construct a suitable basis of the coin space in which the limit density of the Wigner walk acquires a much simpler form. This allows us to identify various dynamical regimes which are otherwise hidden in the standard basis description. As an example, we show that it is possible to find an initial state which reduces the number of peaks in the probability distribution from generic 2j + 1 to a single one. Moreover, the models with integer j lead to the trapping effect. The derived formula for the trapping probability reveals that it can be highly asymmetric and it deviates from purely exponential decay. Explicit results are given up to dimension 5.

Keywords: quantum walk; localization

Dynamical decoupling is a powerful method for protecting quantum information against unwanted interactions with the help of open-loop control pulses. Realistic control pulses are not ideal and may introduce additional systematic errors. We introduce a class of self-stabilizing pulse sequences capable of suppressing such systematic control errors efficiently in qubit systems. Embedding already known decoupling sequences into these self-stabilizing sequences offers powerful means to achieve robustness against unwanted external perturbations and systematic control errors. As these self-stabilizing sequences are based on single-qubit operations, they offer interesting perspectives for future applications in quantum information processing.

Keywords: dynamical decoupling; error correction

Systems evolving under the influence of competing two-and three-body interactions are of particular interest in exploring the stability of the equilibrium states of a strongly interacting many-body system. We present a solvable model based on qubit networks, which allows us to investigate the intricate influence of these couplings on the possible asymptotic equilibrium states. We study the asymptotic evolution of finite qubit networks under two- and three-qubit interactions. As representatives of three-qubit interactions we choose controlled unitary interactions (cu-interactions) with one and two control qubits. It is shown that networks with purely three-qubit interactions exhibit different asymptotic dynamics depending on whether we deal with interactions controlled by one or two qubits. However, when we allow three-qubit interactions next to two-qubit interactions, the asymptotics is dictated by two-qubit interactions only. Finally, we prove that the simultaneous presence of two types of three-qubit interactions results in the asymptotic dynamics characteristic for two-qubit cu-interactions.

Keywords: quantum networks; three-particle interactions

Discrete time quantum walks (DTQWs) are nontrivial generalizations of random walks with a broad scope of applications. In particular, they can be used as computational primitives, and they are suitable tools for simulating other quantum systems. DTQWs usually spread ballistically due to their quantumness. In some cases, however, they can remain localized at their initial state (trapping). The trapping and other fundamental properties of DTQWs are determined by the choice of the coin operator. We introduce and analyze an up to now uncharted type of walks driven by a coin class leading to strong trapping, complementing the known list of walks. This class of walks exhibit a number of exciting properties with the possible applications ranging from light pulse trapping in a medium to topological effects and quantum search.

Keywords: quantum walk; localization

State transfer across discrete quantum networks is one of the elementary tasks of quantum information processing. Its aim is the faithful placement of information into a specific position in the network. However, all physical systems suffer from imperfections, which can severely limit the transfer fidelity. We present selective dynamical decoupling schemes which are capable of stabilizing imperfect quantum state transfer protocols on the model of a bent linear qubit chain. The efficiency of the schemes is tested and verified in numerical simulations on a number of realistic cases. The simulations demonstrate that these selective dynamical decoupling schemes are capable of suppressing unwanted errors in quantum state transfer protocols efficiently.

Keywords: quantum state transfer; errors

Evolution operators of certain quantum walks possess, apart from the continuous part, also a point spectrum. The existence of eigenvalues and the corresponding stationary states lead to partial trapping of the walker in the vicinity of the origin. We analyze the stability of this feature for three-state quantum walks on a line subject to homogenous coin deformations. We find two classes of coin operators that preserve the point spectrum. These new classes of coins are generalizations of coins found previously by different methods and shed light on the rich spectrum of coins that can drive discrete-time quantum walks.

Keywords: quantum walk; localization

We introduce the concept of a driven quantum walk. This work is motivated by recent theoretical and experimental progress that combines quantum walks and parametric down-conversion, leading to fundamentally different phenomena. We compare these striking differences by relating the driven quantum walks to the original quantum walk. Next, we illustrate typical dynamics of such systems and show that these walks can be controlled by various pump configurations and phase matchings. Finally, we end by proposing an application of this process based on a quantum search algorithm that performs faster than a classical search.

Keywords: quantum walk; parametric down-conversion

We analyze two families of three-state quantum walks which show the localization effect. We focus on the role of the initial coin state and its coherence in controlling the properties of the quantum walk. In particular, we show that the description of the walk simplifies considerably when the initial coin state is decomposed in the basis formed by the eigenvectors of the coin operator. This allows us to express the limit distributions in a much more convenient form. Consequently, striking features which are hidden in the standard basis description are easily identified. Moreover, the dependence of moments of the position distribution on the initial coin state can be analyzed in full detail. In particular, we find that in the eigenvector basis the even moments and the localization probability at the origin depend only on incoherent combination of probabilities. In contrast, odd moments and localization outside the origin are affected by the coherence of the initial coin state.

Keywords: quantum walk; localization

Randomly breaking connections in a graph alters its transport properties, a model used to describe percolation. In the case of quantum walks, dynamic percolation graphs represent a special type of imperfections, where the connections appear and disappear randomly in each step during the time evolution. The resulting open system dynamics is hard to treat numerically in general. We shortly review the literature on this problem. We then present our method to solve the evolution on finite percolation graphs in the long time limit, applying the asymptotic methods concerning random unitary maps. We work out the case of one-dimensional chains in detail and provide a concrete, step-by-step numerical example in order to give more insight into the possible asymptotic behavior. The results about the case of the two-dimensional integer lattice are summarized, focusing on the Grover-type coin operator.

Keywords: quantum walk; percolation

Quantum walks on graphs can model physical processes and serve as efficient tools in quantum information theory. Once we admit random variations in the connectivity of the underlying graph, we arrive at the problem of percolation, where the long-time behaviour appears untreatable with direct numerical methods. We develop novel analytic methods based on the theory of random unitary operations which help us to determine explicitly the asymptotic dynamics of quantum walks on two-dimensional finite integer lattices with percolation. Based on this theory, we find new unexpected features of percolated walks like asymptotic position inhomogeneity or special directional symmetry breaking.

Keywords: percolation; quantum walks

High dimensional quantum states are of fundamental interest for quantum information processing. They give access to large Hilbert spaces and, in turn, enable the encoding of quantum information on multiple modes. One method to create such quantum states is parametric down-conversion (PDC) in waveguide arrays (WGAs) which allows for the creation of highly entangled photon pairs in controlled, easily accessible spatial modes, with unique spectral properties. In this paper we examine both theoretically and experimentally the PDC process in a lithium niobate WGA. We measure the spatial and spectral properties of the emitted photon pairs, revealing correlations between spectral and spatial degrees of freedom of the created photons. Our measurements show that, in contrast to prior theoretical approaches, spectrally dependent coupling effects have to be taken into account in the theory of PDC in WGAs. To interpret the results, we developed a theoretical model specifically taking into account spectrally dependent coupling effects, which further enables us to explore the capabilities and limitations for engineering the spatial correlations of the generated quantum states.

Keywords: parametric down-conversion; waveguide arrays

We show that with the addition of multiple walkers, quantum walks on a line can be transformed into lattice graphs of higher dimension. Thus, multi-walker walks can simulate single-walker walks on higher dimensional graphs and vice versa. This exponential complexity opens up new applications for present-day quantum walk experiments. We discuss the applications of such higher-dimensional structures and how they relate to linear optics quantum computing. In particular we show that multi-walker quantum walks are equivalent to the BOSONSAMPLING model for linear optics quantum computation proposed by Aaronson and Arkhipov. With the addition of control over phase-defects in the lattice, which can be simulated with entangling gates, asymmetric lattice structures can be constructed which are universal for quantum computation.

Keywords: Quantum; Walk; Complexity

The asymptotic dynamics of discrete quantum Markov chains generated by the most general physically relevant quantum operations is investigated. It is shown that it is confined to an attractor space in which the resulting quantum Markov chain is diagonalizable. A construction procedure of a basis of this attractor space and its associated dual basis of 1-forms is presented. It is applicable whenever a strictly positive quantum state exists which is contracted or left invariant by the generating quantum operation. Moreover, algebraic relations between the attractor space and Kraus operators involved in the definition of a quantum Markov chain are derived. This construction is not only expected to offer significant computational advantages in cases in which the dimension of the Hilbert space is large and the dimension of the attractor space is small, but it also sheds new light onto the relation between the asymptotic dynamics of discrete quantum Markov chains and fixed points of their generating quantum operations. Finally, we show that without any restriction our construction applies to all initial states whose support belongs to the so-called recurrent subspace.

We study theoretically the transfer of quantum information along bends in two-dimensional discrete lattices. Our analysis shows that the fidelity of the transfer decreases considerably as a result of interactions in the neighborhood of the bend. It is also demonstrated that such losses can be controlled efficiently by the inclusion of a defect. The present results are of relevance to various physical implementations of quantum networks, where geometric imperfections with finite spatial extent may arise as a result of bending, residual stress, etc.

Quantum walks obey unitary dynamics: they form closed quantum systems. The system becomes open if the walk suffers from imperfections represented as missing links on the underlying basic graph structure, described by dynamical percolation. Openness of the system's dynamics creates decoherence, leading to strong mixing. We present a method to analytically solve the asymptotic dynamics of coined, percolated quantum walks for a general graph structure. For the case of a circle and a linear graph we derive the explicit form of the asymptotic states. We find that a rich variety of asymptotic evolutions occur: not only the fully mixed state, but other stationary states; stable periodic and quasiperiodic oscillations can emerge, depending on the coin operator, the initial state, and the topology of the underlying graph.

The three-state Grover walk on a line exhibits the localization effect characterized by a non-vanishing probability of the particle to stay at the origin. We present two continuous deformations of the Grover walk which preserve its localization nature. The resulting quantum walks differ in the rate at which they spread through the lattice. The velocities of the left and right-traveling probability peaks are given by the maximum of the group velocity. We find the explicit form of peak velocities in dependence on the coin parameter. Our results show that localization of the quantum walk is not a singular property of an isolated coin operator but can be found for entire families of coins.

Multidimensional quantum walks can exhibit highly nontrivial topological structure, providing a powerful tool for simulating quantum information and transport systems. We present a flexible implementation of a two-dimensional (2D) optical quantum walk on a lattice, demonstrating a scalable quantum walk on a nontrivial graph structure. We realized a coherent quantum walk over 12 steps and 169 positions by using an optical fiber network. With our broad spectrum of quantum coins, we were able to simulate the creation of entanglement in bipartite systems with conditioned interactions. Introducing dynamic control allowed for the investigation of effects such as strong nonlinearities or two-particle scattering. Our results illustrate the potential of quantum walks as a route for simulating and understanding complex quantum systems.

We present an experimental implementation of a quantum walk in two dimensions, employing an optical fiber network. We simulated entangling operations and nonlinear multi-particle interactions revealing phenomena such as bound states. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America

We analyze a special class of 1-D quantum walks (QWs) realized using optical multi-ports. We assume non-perfect multi-ports showing errors in the connectivity, i.e. with a small probability the multi-ports can connect not to their nearest neighbor but to another multi-port at a fixed distance - we call this a jump. We study two cases of QW with jumps where multiple displacements can emerge at one timestep. The first case assumes time-correlated jumps (static disorder). In the second case, we choose the positions of jumps randomly in time (dynamic disorder). The probability distributions of position of the QW walker in both instances differ significantly: dynamic disorder leads to a Gaussian-like distribution, while for static disorder we find two distinct behaviors depending on the parity of jump size. In the case of even-sized jumps, the distribution exhibits a three-peak profile around the position of the initial excitation, whereas the probability distribution in the odd case follows a Laplace-like discrete distribution modulated by additional (exponential) peaks for long times. Finally, our numerical results indicate that by an appropriate mapping a universal functional behavior of the variance of the long-time probability distribution can be revealed with respect to the scaled average of jump size.

The dynamics of an ensemble of identically prepared two-qubit systems is investigated which is subjected to the iteratively applied measurements and conditional selection of a typical entanglement purification protocol. The resulting dynamics exhibits strong sensitivity to initial conditions. For one class of initial states two types of islands characterize the asymptotic limit. They correspond to a separable and a fully entangled two-qubit state, respectively, and their boundaries form fractal-like structures. In the presence of incoherent noise an additional stable asymptotic cycle appears.

The destruction of entanglement of open quantum systems by decoherence is investigated in the asymptotic long-time limit. For this purpose a general and analytically solvable decoherence model is presented which does not involve any weak-coupling or Markovian assumption. It is shown that two fundamentally different classes of entangled states can be distinguished and that they can be influenced significantly by two important environmental properties, namely, its initially prepared state and its size. Quantum states of the first class are fragile against decoherence so that they can be disentangled asymptotically even if coherences between pointer states are still present. Quantum states of the second type are robust against decoherence. Asymptotically they can be disentangled only if also decoherence is perfect. A simple criterion for identifying these two classes on the basis of two-qubit entanglement is presented.

The asymptotic dynamics of many-qubit quantum systems is investigated under iteratively and randomly applied unitary transformations. For a one-parameter family of unitary transformations, which entangle pairs of qubits, two main theorems are proved. They characterize completely the dependence of the resulting asymptotic dynamics on the topology of the interaction graph that encodes all possible qubit couplings. These theorems exhibit clearly which aspects of an interaction graph are relevant and which ones are irrelevant to the asymptotic dynamics. On the basis of these theorems, the local entropy transport between an open quantum system and its environment are explored for strong non-Markovian couplings and for different sizes of the environment and different interaction topologies. It is shown that although the randomly applied unitary entanglement operations cannot decrease the overall entropy of such a qubit network, a local entropy decrease or `cooling' of subsystems is possible for special classes of interaction topologies.

We investigate the impact of decoherence and static disorder on the dynamics of quantum particles moving in a periodic lattice. Our experiment relies on the photonic implementation of a one-dimensional quantum walk. The pure quantum evolution is characterized by a ballistic spread of a photon's wave packet along 28 steps. By applying controlled time-dependent operations we simulate three different environmental influences on the system, resulting in a fast ballistic spread, a diffusive classical walk, and the first Anderson localization in a discrete quantum walk architecture.

Quantum walks on a line with a single particle possess a classical analogue. Involving more walkers opens up the possibility of studying collective quantum effects, such as many-particle correlations. In this context, entangled initial states and the indistinguishability of the particles play a role. We consider the directional correlations between two particles performing a quantum walk on a line. For non-interacting particles, we find analytic asymptotic expressions and give the limits of directional correlations. We show that by introducing delta-interaction between the particles, one can exceed the limits for non-interacting particles.

We present a general formalism to the problem of perfect state transfer (PST), where the state involves multiple excitations of the quantum network. A key feature of our formalism is that it allows for inclusion of nontrivial interactions between the excitations. Hence, it is perfectly suited to addressing the problem of PST in the context of various types of physical realizations. The general formalism is also flexible enough to account for situations where multiple excitations are “focused” onto the same site.

We present a flexible and robust system for implementing one-dimensional coined quantum walks. A recursion loop in the optical network together with a translation of the spatial into the time domain ensures the possible increment of the step number without need of additional optical elements. An intrinsic phase stability assures a high degree of coherence and hence guarantees a good scalability of the system. We performed a quantum walk over 27 steps and analyzed the 54 output modes. Furthermore, we estimated that up to 100 steps can be realized with only minor changes in the used components.

Keywords: Quantum walk; Quantum simulations

We examine the physical implementation of a discrete time quantum walk with a four-dimensional coin. Our quantum walker is a photon moving repeatedly through a time delay loop, with time being our position space. The quantum coin is implemented using the internal states of the photon: the polarization and two of the orbital angular momentum states. We demonstrate how to implement this physically and what components would be needed. We then illustrate some of the results that could be obtained by performing the experiment.

We investigate the entanglement produced by a multi-path interferometer that is composed of two symmetric multiports, with phase shifts applied to the output of the first multiport. Particular attention is paid to the case when we have a single photon entering the interferometer. For this situation we derive a simple condition that characterizes the types of entanglement that one can generate. We then show how one can use the results from the single-photon case to determine what kinds of multi-photon entangled states one can prepare using the interferometer.

Quantum walks have emerged as an interesting alternative to the usual circuit model for quantum computing. While still universal for quantum computing, the quantum walk model has very different physical requirements, which lends itself more naturally to some physical implementations, such as linear optics. Numerous authors have considered walks with one or two walkers, on one-dimensional graphs, and several experimental demonstrations have been performed. In this paper, we discuss generalizing the model of discrete time quantum walks to the case of an arbitrary number of walkers acting on arbitrary graph structures. We present a formalism that allows for the analysis of such situations, and several example scenarios for how our techniques can be applied. We consider the most important features of quantum walks-measurement, distinguishability, characterization and the distinction between classical and quantum interference. We also discuss the potential for physical implementation in the context of linear optics, which is of relevance to present-day experiments.

The quantum mechanical generalisation of random walks (called Quantum Walks) present us with a broader spectrum of possibilities compared to their classical counterparts. The aim of the presented study is to explore a new portion of this area by incorporating a new step in the process of the Quantum Walk unique to quantum mechanics: the measurement. Our focus lies in the characterising number of the recurrence behaviour of the walk (Polya-number). We observe the effect of the standard projective measurement, a yes-no measurement on the origin and the effect of different measurement schemes (periodic and random) on the definition and the numeric value of the Polya-number.

We analyze the asymptotic dynamics of quantum systems resulting from large numbers of iterations of random unitary operations. Although, in general, these quantum operations cannot be diagonalized it is shown that their resulting asymptotic dynamics is described by a diagonalizable superoperator. We prove that this asymptotic dynamics takes place in a typically low dimensional attractor space which is independent of the probability distribution of the unitary operations applied. This vector space is spanned by all eigenvectors of the unitary operations involved which are associated with eigenvalues of unit modulus. Implications for possible asymptotic dynamics of iterated random unitary operations are presented and exemplified in an example involving random controlled-not operations acting on two qubits.

Keywords: random unitary map; asymptotic evolution; iterations; attractor; open dynamics

Given a source of two coherent state superpositions with small separation in a travelling wave optical setting, we show that by interference and balanced homodyne measurement it is possible to conditionally prepare a symmetrically placed superposition of coherent states around the origin of the phase space. The separation of coherent states in the superposition will be amplified during the process.

Recurrence of a random walk is described by the Polya number. For quantum walks, recurrence is understood as the return of the walker to the origin, rather than the full revival of its quantum state. Localization for two-dimensional quantum walks is known to exist in the sense of non-vanishing probability distribution in the asymptotic limit. We show, on the example of the 2D Grover walk, that one can exploit the effect of localization to construct stationary solutions. Moreover, we find full revivals of a quantum state with a period of two steps. We prove that there cannot be longer cycles for a four-state quantum walk. Stationary states and revivals result from interference, which has no counterpart in classical random walks.

We analyze the role of dimensionality in the time evolution of discrete-time quantum walks through the example of the three-state walk on a two-dimensional triangular lattice. We show that the three-state Grover walk does not lead to trapping (localization) or recurrence to the origin, in sharp contrast to the Grover walk on the two-dimensional square lattice. We determine the power-law scaling of the probability at the origin with the method of stationary phase. We prove that only a special subclass of coin operators can lead to recurrence, and there are no coins that lead to localization. The propagation for the recurrent subclass of coins is quasi-one dimensional.

We present the first robust implementation of a coined quantum walk over five steps using only passive optical elements. By employing a fiber network loop we keep the amount of required resources constant as the walker's position Hilbert space is increased. We observed a non-Gaussian distribution of the walker's final position, thus characterizing a faster spread of the photon wave packet in comparison to the classical random walk. The walk is realized for many different coin settings and initial states, opening the way for the implementation of a quantum-walk-based search algorithm.

We investigate multi-boson interference. A Hamiltonian is presented that treats pairs of bosons as a single composite boson. This Hamiltonian allows two pairs of bosons to interact as if they were two single composite bosons. We show that this leads to the composite bosons exhibiting novel interference effects, such as Hong-Ou-Mandel interference. We then investigate generalisations of the formalism to the case of interference between two general composite bosons. Finally, we show how one can realise interference between composite bosons in the two-atom Dicke model.

Keywords: interference of bosons; quantum optics; Hong-Ou-Mandel effect

Perfect state transfer (PST) is discussed in the context of passive quantum networks with logical bus topology, where many logical nodes communicate using the same shared media without any external control. The conditions under which a number of point-to-point PST links may serve as building blocks for the design of such multinode networks are investigated. The implications of our results are discussed in the context of various Hamiltonians that act on the entire network and are capable of providing PST between the logical nodes of a prescribed set in a deterministic manner.

Keywords: information theory; quantum communication; topology

We discuss quantum information processing with trapped electrons. After recalling the operation principle of planar Penning traps, we sketch the experimental conditions to load, cool and detect single electrons. Here we present a detailed investigation of a scalable scheme including feasibility studies and the analysis of all important elements, relevant for the experimental stage. On the theoretical side, we discuss different methods to couple electron qubits. We estimate the relevant qubit coherence times and draw implications for the experimental setting. A critical assessment of quantum information processing with trapped electrons concludes the paper.

We investigate the asymptotic dynamics of quantum networks under repeated applications of random unitary operations. It is shown that in the asymptotic limit of large numbers of iterations this dynamics is generally governed by a typically low dimensional attractor space. This space is determined completely by the unitary operations involved and it is independent of the probabilities with which these unitary operations are applied. Based on this general feature analytical results are presented for the asymptotic dynamics of arbitrarily large cyclic qubit networks whose nodes are coupled by randomly applied controlled-NOT operations.

Recurrence of quantum walks on lattices can be characterized by the generalized Polya number. Its value reflects the difference between a classical and a quantum system. The dimension of the lattice is not a unique parameter in the quantum case; both the coin operator and the initial quantum state of the coin influence the recurrence in a nontrivial way. In addition, the definition of the Polya number involves measurement of the system. Depending on how measurement is included in the definition, the recurrence properties vary. We show that in the limiting case of frequent, strong measurements, one can approach the classical dynamics. Comparing various cases, we have found numerical indication that our previous definition of the Polya number provides an upper limit.

The Polya number of a classical random walk on a regular lattice is known to depend solely on the dimension of the lattice. For one and two dimensions it equals one, meaning unit probability of returning to the origin. This result is extremely sensitive to the directional symmetry, and any deviation from the equal probability of travelling in each direction results in a change of the character of the walk from recurrent to transient. Applying our definition of the Polya number to quantum walks on a line we show that the recurrence character of quantum walks is more stable against bias. We determine the range of parameters for which biased quantum walks remain recurrent. We find that there exist genuine biased quantum walks that are recurrent.

We examine the operation of a device for a public quantum key distribution network. The recipients attempt to determine whether or not their individual key copies, which are a sequence of coherent states, are identical. To quantify the success of the protocol we use a fidelity-based figure of merit and describe a method for increasing this in the presence of noise and imperfect detectors. We show that the fidelity may be written as the product of two factors: one that depends on the properties of the device setup and another that depends on the detectors used. We then demonstrate the effect various parameters have on the overall effective operation of the device.

Keywords: cryptographic protocols; quantum cryptography

We study a class of nonlinear Hamiltonians, with applications in quantum optics. The interaction terms of these Hamiltonians are generated by taking a linear combination of powers of a simple `beam splitter' Hamiltonian. The entanglement properties of the eigenstates are studied. Finally, we show how to use this class of Hamiltonians to perform special tasks such as conditional state swapping, which can be used to generate optical cat states and to sort photons.

Keywords: quantum optics; nonlinear optics; quantum information

Shenvi, Kempe, and Whaley's quantum random-walk search (SKW) algorithm [Phys. Rev. A 67, 052307 (2003)] is known to require O(root N) number of oracle queries to find the marked element, where N is the size of the search space. The overall time complexity of the SKW algorithm differs from the best achievable on a quantum computer only by a constant factor. We present improvements to the SKW algorithm which yield a significant increase in success probability, and an improvement on query complexity such that the theoretical limit of a search algorithm succeeding with probability close to one is reached. We point out which improvement can be applied if there is more than one marked element to find.

The Polya number characterizes the recurrence of a random walk. We apply the generalization of this concept to quantum walks [M. Stefanak et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 020501 (2008)] which is based on a specific measurement scheme. The Polya number of a quantum walk depends, in general, on the choice of the coin and the initial coin state, in contrast to classical random walks where the lattice dimension uniquely determines it. We analyze several examples to depict the variety of possible recurrence properties. First, we show that for the class of quantum walks driven by Hadamard tensor-product coins, the Polya number is independent of the initial conditions and the actual coin operators, thus resembling the property of the classical walks. We provide an estimation of the Polya number for this class of quantum walks. Second, we examine the two-dimensional Grover walk, which exhibits localization and thus is recurrent, except for a particular initial state for which the walk is transient. We generalize the Grover walk to show that one can construct in arbitrary dimensions a quantum walk which is recurrent. This is in great contrast with classical walks which are recurrent only for the dimensions d=1,2. Finally, we analyze the recurrence of the 2D Fourier walk. This quantum walk is recurrent except for a two-dimensional subspace of the initial states. We provide an estimation of the Polya number in its dependence on the initial state.

Complex chaos is specified by an iterated mapping on complex numbers. It has recently been found in the dynamics of qubits where each time step is conditioned on a measurement result on part of the system. We analyse the simplest case of one qubit dynamics with one complex parameter in some detail. We point out that two attractive cycles can exist and provide examples how the fractal like Julia set divides the areas of corresponding initial states. We show how to determine the set of parameters for which one, two or no stable fixed cycles exists and provide the numerically calculated images of the sets. The results can be relevant for the quantum state purification protocol based on the similar dynamics of two or more qubits and in general for any protocol based on conditioned nonlinear dynamics where truly chaotic behavior may occur.

Keywords: quantum chaos; complex chaos; purification

Two possible applications of random decoupling are discussed. Whereas so far decoupling methods have been considered merely for quantum memories, here it is demonstrated that random decoupling is also a convenient tool for stabilizing quantum algorithms. Furthermore, a decoupling scheme is presented which involves a random decoupling method compatible with detected-jump error correcting quantum codes. With this combined error correcting strategy it is possible to stabilize quantum information against both spontaneous decay and static imperfections of a qubit-based quantum information processor in an efficient way.

We analyze the recurrence probability (Polya number) for d-dimensional unbiased quantum walks. A sufficient condition for a quantum walk to be recurrent is derived. As a by-product we find a simple criterion for localization of quantum walks. In contrast with classical walks, where the Polya number is characteristic for the given dimension, the recurrence probability of a quantum walk depends in general on the topology of the walk, choice of the coin and the initial state. This allows us to change the character of the quantum walk from recurrent to transient by altering the initial state.

The presence of complex chaos in iterative apphcations of selective dynamics on quantum systems is a novel form of quantum chaos with true sensitivity to initial conditions. Techniques for the study of pure states are extended to the two-qubit case(1).

Keywords: complex chaos; quantum chaos; purification protocol

We analyze the realization of a quantum-walk search algorithm in a passive, linear optical network. The specific model enables us to consider the effect of realistic sources of noise and losses on the search efficiency. Photon loss uniform in all directions is shown to lead to the rescaling of search time. Deviation from directional uniformity leads to the enhancement of the search efficiency compared to uniform loss with the same average. In certain cases even increasing loss in some of the directions can improve search efficiency. We show that while we approach the classical limit of the general search algorithm by introducing random phase fluctuations, its utility for searching is lost. Using numerical methods, we found that for static phase errors the averaged search efficiency displays a damped oscillatory behavior that asymptotically tends to a nonzero value.

We present exact solutions for two nonlinear models each of which describes parametric down conversion of photons as well as the Kerr effect. The Hamiltonians for these models are related to the dual Hahn finite orthogonal polynomials. Explicit expressions are obtained for the spectra and for the eigenvectors of the Hamiltonians. A discussion of the physical characteristics of the systems is presented.

We give a scheme for a physical implementation of the programmable state discriminator that unambiguously discriminates between two unknown qubit states with optimal probability of success. One copy of each of the unknown states is provided as input, or program, for the two program registers, and the data state, which is guaranteed to be prepared in one of the program states, is fed into the data register of the device. This device will then tell us, in an optimal way, which of the templates stored in the program registers the data state matches. The implementation is based on Neumark's theorem. We introduce a single qubit as ancilla and a unitary operator that entangles the system with the ancilla in such a way that projective measurements performed in the computational basis of the system plus ancilla transform the initial system states according to the optimal positive-operator-valued measure.

A general formalism of the problem of perfect state transfer is presented. We show that there are infinitely many Hamiltonians that may provide a solution to this problem. In a first attempt to give a classification of them we investigate their possible forms and the related dynamics during the transfer. Finally, we show how the present formalism can be used for the engineering of perfect quantum wires of various topologies and coupling configurations.

A six-qubit quantum network consisting of conditional unitary gates is presented which is capable of implementing a large class of covariant two-qubit quantum operations. Optimal covariant NOT operations for one- and two-qubit systems are special cases contained in this class. The design of this quantum network exploits basic algebraic properties which also shed light onto these covariant quantum processes.

We study the motion of two non-interacting quantum particles performing a random walk on a line and analyse the probability that the two particles are detected at a particular position after a certain number of steps (meeting problem). The results are compared to the corresponding classical problem and differences are pointed out. Analytic formulae for the meeting probability and its asymptotic behaviour are derived. The decay of the meeting probability for distinguishable particles is faster than in the classical case, but not quadratically. Entangled initial states and the bosonic or fermionic nature of the walkers are considered.

We analyze the consequences of iterative measurement-induced nonlinearity on the dynamical behavior of qubits. We present a one-qubit scheme where the equation governing the time evolution is a complex-valued nonlinear map with one complex parameter. In contrast to the usual notion of quantum chaos, exponential sensitivity to the initial state occurs here. We calculate analytically the Lyapunov exponent based on the overlap of quantum states, and find that it is positive. We present a few illustrative examples of the emerging dynamics.

When comparing quantum states to each other, it is possible to obtain an unambiguous answer, indicating that the states are definitely different, already after a single measurement. In this paper we investigate comparison of coherent states, which is the simplest example of quantum state comparison for continuous variables. The method we present has a high success probability, and is experimentally feasible to realize as the only required components are beam splitters and photon detectors. An easily realizable method for quantum state comparison could be important for real applications. As examples of such applications we present a “lock and key” scheme and a simple scheme for quantum public key distribution.

The structure is investigated of all completely positive quantum operations that transform pure two-qubit input states of a given degree of entanglement in a covariant way. Special cases thereof are quantum NOT operations which transform entangled pure two-qubit input states of a given degree of entanglement into orthogonal states in an optimal way. Based on our general analysis all covariant optimal two-qubit quantum NOT operations are determined. In particular, it is demonstrated that only in the case of maximally entangled input states can these quantum NOT operations be performed perfectly.

We analyse the dynamics of single- and two-particle states in Ising-type networks. The mutual entanglement is quantified using the concept of concurrence. We derive explicit expressions for the concurrence for single and two-particle initial states in arbitrary passive networks and specify the result for Ising-type networks. We show how to design a network to prepare a prescribed pattern of entanglement for one excitation and study the maximum attainable entanglement for passive optical networks in general. The effect of network randomization on the average entanglement is also studied.

Unknown unitary transforms may be compared to each other in a way which makes it possible to obtain an unambiguous answer, indicating that the transforms are different, already after a single application of each transform. Quantum comparison strategies may be useful for example if we want to test the performance of individual gates in a quantum information or quantum computing network. It is then possible to check for errors by comparing the elements to a master copy of the gate, instead of performing a complete tomography of the gate. In this paper we propose a versatile linear optical implementation based on the Franson interferometer with short and long arms. A click in the wrong output port unambiguously determines that the tested gate is faulty. This set-up can also be used for a variety of other tasks, such as confirming that the two transforms do not commute or do not anticommute.

We investigate the problem of copying pure two-qubit states of a given degree of entanglement in an optimal way. Completely positive covariant quantum operations are constructed which maximize the fidelity of the output states with respect to two separable copies. These optimal copying processes hint at the intricate relationship between fundamental laws of quantum theory and entanglement.

We consider N quantum systems initially prepared in pure states and address the problem of unambiguously comparing them. One may ask whether or not all N systems are in the same state. Alternatively, one may ask whether or not the states of all N systems are different. We investigate the possibility of unambiguously obtaining this kind of information. It is found that some unambiguous comparison tasks are possible only when certain linear independence conditions are satisfied. We also obtain measurement strategies for certain comparison tasks which are optimal under a broad range of circumstances, in particular when the states are completely unknown. Such strategies, which we call universal comparison strategies, are found to have intriguing connections with the problem of quantifying the distinguishability of a set of quantum states and also with unresolved conjectures in linear algebra. We finally investigate a potential generalization of unambiguous state comparison, which we term unambiguous overlap filtering.

We investigate how to determine whether the states of a set of quantum systems are identical or not. This paper treats both error-free comparison, and comparison where errors in the result are allowed. Error-free comparison means that we aim to obtain definite answers, which are known to be correct, as often as possible. In general, we will also have to accept inconclusive results, giving no information. To obtain a definite answer that the states of the systems are not identical is always possible, whereas in the situation considered here, a definite answer that they are identical will not be possible. The optimal universal error-free comparison strategy is a projection onto the totally symmetric and the different non-symmetric subspaces, invariant under permutations and unitary transformations. We also show how to construct optimal comparison strategies when allowing for some errors in the result, minimizing either the error probability, or the average cost of making an error. We point out that it is possible to realize universal error-free comparison strategies using only linear elements and particle detectors, albeit with less than ideal efficiency. Also minimum-error and minimum-cost strategies may sometimes be realized in this way. This is of great significance for practical applications of quantum comparison.

We analyse the problem of comparing unitary transformations. The task is to decide, with minimal resources and maximal reliability, whether two given unitary transformations are identical or different. It is possible to make such. comparisons without obtaining any information about the individual transformations. Different comparison strategies are presented and compared with respect to their efficiency. With an interferometric setup, it is possible to compare two unitary transforms using only one test particle. Another strategy makes use of a two-particle singlet state. This strategy is more efficient than using a non-entangled two-particle test state, thus demonstrating the benefit of entanglement. Generalizations to higher.-dimensional transforms and to more than two transformations are made.

Can we establish whether or not two quantum systems have been prepared in the same state? We investigate the possibility of universal unambiguous state comparison. We show that it is impossible to conclusively identify two pure unknown states as being identical, and construct the optimal measurement for conclusively identifying them as being different. We then derive optimal strategies for state comparison when the state of each system is one of two known states. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: quantum mechanics; quantum information; quantum measurement

Entanglement is a powerful resource for processing quantum information. In this context pure, maximally entangled states have received considerable attention. In the case of bipartite qubit-systems the four orthonormal Bell-states are of this type. One of these Bell states, the singlet Bell-state, has the additional property of being antisymmetric with respect to particle exchange. In this contribution we discuss possible generalizations of this antisymmetric Bell-state to cases with more than two particles and with single-particle Hilbert spaces involving more than two dimensions. We review basic properties of these totally antisymmetric states. Among possible applications of this class of states we analyze a new quantum key sharing protocol and methods for comparing quantum states.

We study the dynamics of atomic waves in a two-dimensional light crystal formed by two crossed standing laser fields. The longitudinal modulation of the crystal with the Doppler frequency significantly influences the transversal spatial modulation of the atomic wave. Near the doppleron resonance the atomic density shows a fractional space period. In this case a normally incident wave gives rise to an almost perfect conversion into the first momentum components and the light crystal acts as a highly efficient beamsplitter. The crossing angle, determining the Doppler frequency, is the easy-to-control parameter of the system.

Keywords: atom optics; Bragg diffraction; population conversion

We investigate the effect of phase randomness in Ising-type quantum networks. These networks model a large class of physical systems. They describe micro- and nanostructures or arrays of optical elements such as beam splitters (interferometers) or parameteric amplifiers. Most of these stuctures are promising candidates for quantum information processing networks. We demonstrate that such systems exhibit two very distinct types of behavior. For certain network configurations (parameters), they show quantum localization similar to Anderson localization whereas classical stochastic behavior is observed in other cases. We relate these findings to the standard theory of quantum localization.

Within the class of all possible universal (covariant) two-particle quantum processes in arbitrary dimensional Hilbert spaces those universal quantum processes are determined whose output states optimize the recently proposed entanglement measure of Vidal and Werner. It is demonstrated that these optimal entanglement processes belong to a one-parameter family of universal entanglement processes whose output states do not contain any separable components. It is shown that these optimal universal entanglement processes generate antisymmetric output states and, with the single exception of qubit systems, they preserve information about the initial input state.

Keywords: Entanglement; universal quantum processes; quantum cloning

A new purification scheme is proposed which applies to arbitrary dimensional bipartite quantum systems. It is based on the repeated application of a special class of nonlinear quantum maps and a single, local unitary operation. This special class of nonlinear quantum maps is generated in a natural way by a Hermitian generalized XOR-gate. The proposed purification scheme offers two major advantages, namely it does not require local depolarization operations at each step of the purification procedure and it purifies more efficiently than other known purification schemes.

Using the truncated Wigner function approach and the Bloembergen solutions for nondegenerate down-conversion we calculate the conversion efficiency of spontaneous parametric down-conversion. In addition we determine higher moments of the pump and signal photon number. We find the upper bound for the efficiency of energy transfer and give a physically intuitive explanation for its existence. The depletion of the pump mode is immediately characterized by a strong destruction of its coherence.

Keywords: nonlinear optics; parametric down-conversion; process efficiency

The wavepacket dynamics of (non-stationary) rotational quantum states of the C(60) molecule are investigated. It is demonstrated that the icosahedral symmetry of this molecule gives rise to a variety of peculiar coherence phenomena which are characteristic for this specific discrete symmetry group. On the one hand, the dynamics of these wavepackets reflects the underlying classical dynamics on the associated manifold of group space. On the other hand, these dynamics also exhibit characteristic quantum features such as the appearance of fractional revivals, of quantum tunnelling between different classically accessible regions of the associated manifold of group space and of cat-like quantum states which are generated in the course of the time evolution.

We derive Hamiltonians for quantum networks of Ising-type structure. These networks can be composed of simple optical elements such as beam splitters or parameteric amplifiers, similar structures appear also in a variety of systems with many intersecting energy levels. We give exact forms for the Hamiltonians and discuss their implications in certain limits.

We study the dynamics of atomic waves in longitudinally modulated light crystals using an effective complex potential with time (space) dependent detuning. In the weak coupling regime we predict a sharp asymmetry of the scattering probability near the Bragg angle. In the strong coupling case we introduce the concept of a light crystal with “complex kick.” We have found that the initially blue detuned crystal is much more transparent for atomic waves. Moreover, the probability distribution of the outgoing wave shows carpetlike interference structure.

When an atom diffracts in intense standing light, the periodic potential can be too strong for known solutions of the Schrodinger equation. We present general solutions of Schrodinger's equation in strong sinusoidal media, thus generalizing dynamical diffraction theory. The solutions exhibit rich generalizations of the pendellosung phenomena. [S1050-2947(99)01203-2].

We study some of the mathematical properties of quantum networks with Ising-type nearest-neighbour structure. Based on the formal properties the physical behaviour of the network, such as destructive and constructive interference, is discussed.

Keywords: Ising model; linear quantum networks

We find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of two nonlinear Hamiltonians describing the interaction between a two-level system and a quantized linear harmonic oscillator. In the first case we obtain exact isolated solutions for the Hamiltonian used as a model of an ion in a harmonic trap and interacting with a laser field, not restricted to the Lamb-Dicke limit. After projecting these eigenstates onto one of the levels of the two-level system the oscillator state is described by a finite superposition of Fock states. In the second case me consider a Hamiltonian, with a squeeze operator in the interaction part. We give perturbation results in the weak-coupling limit and results obtained by numerical diagonalization for the strong coupling limit. Non-classical results are pointed out also in this case.

We study sufficient conditions for the applicability of the classical parametric approximation in three-wave interactions when the pump intensity is very large compared to signal and idler intensity. To derive such conditions we express the exact classical solutions given by Jacobian elliptic functions in terms of hyperbolic functions. Thereby the first minimum of the pump intensity is correctly described but the periodicity is lost. We derive new approximations for the initial conditions using pump coordinate scaling and find the interval that defines complete pump depletion. We show that the classical parametric approximation with a fixed and sharp pump amplitude and phase can be used for an increasing fraction of this interval if the pump intensity is made to grow. By choosing higher and higher pump intensities the nonlinearity is shifted to the end of that interval. As an instructive example for the application of these findings the generation of two-mode squeezing is briefly considered. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

We discuss the usefulness of the Wigner function description via classical trajectories in the example of the three-wave interaction with a strong coherent pump.

We study the interaction of a small number of resonant two-level atoms in a cavity coupled to a quasi-continuum of cavity modes. During the interaction we induce externally a phase step to one of the atoms. As a result an enhancement in the photon emission to the field is observed. The phase step is obtained by a pulse which causes the atom to be off-resonance for a short lime interval. The effect is strongest in cases where the number of atoms is small. The enhancement is not restricted to a small parameter range but should be observable in many systems even though the pi phase shift gives the best enhancement.

The reconstruction of the complete quantum state of a pure-state two-mode field is shown to be possible by the photon-chopping method, that is, by spreading the signal with balanced multiports over an array of detectors and by measuring coincidences. In particular, correlations between the two modes can be detected with high efficiency.

We analyze the recently proposed method [H. Paul et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 2464 (1996)] for reconstructing the quantum state of a light field from multiple coincidences measured at the outputs of a passive multiport. We show that applying a large multiport the reconstruction of a pure state becomes possible using avalanche photodiode-type detectors. The presented simulations show that the photon chopping scheme is appropriate for the indirect measurement of the photon statistics of a weak nonclassical signal. [S1050-2947(97)07507-0].

We discuss the degree of entanglement for symmetric passive optical networks. As a measure of the entanglement we use the information entropy and compare our results for a general number N of inputs with the known results for a two-mode beam splitter. Special cases of interest are pointed out.

We investigate systems of few harmonic oscillators with mutual nonlinear coupling. Using classical trajectories-the solutions of Hamiltonian equations of motion for a given nonlinear system-we construct the approximate quasiprobability distribution function in phase space that enables a quantum description. The nonclassical effects (quantum noise reduction) and their scaling laws can be so studied for high excitation numbers. In particular, the harmonic oscillators represent modes of the electromagnetic field and the Hamiltonians under consideration describe representative nonlinear optical processes (multiwave mixings). The range of the validity of the approximation for Wigner and Husimi functions evolved within the classical Liouville equation is discussed for a diverse class of initial conditions, including those without classical counterparts, e.g., Fock states.

We show that for experimental arrangements with few nonvacuum inputs the fully symmetric multiport can be replaced by a simpler partially symmetric multiport. This device is equivalent to a beam splitter arrangement where the number of necessary beam splitters increases linearly with increasing number of inputs, that is it is considerably simpler to realize owning to the smaller number of components needed.

We study the interaction of three modes in phi((2)) media in the classical as well as in the quantum picture. We show that it is possible to distinguish two basic forms of phase-space motion depending on the value of the integral of motion Gamma in the classical formulation or the (initial) mean value of the interaction Hamiltonian in the quantum formulation. The quantum and classical pictures are compared using a simulation of the Husimi Q function via classical trajectories for an ensemble of phase-space points. The very good correspondence between the two pictures is shown to last for a significant interaction time and can be investigated for arbitrary initial intensities.

We propose the use of a balanced 2N-port as a technique to measure the pure quantum state of a single-mode light field. In our scheme the coincidence signals of simple, realistic photodetectors are recorded at the output of the 2N-port. We show that applying different arrangements both the modulus and the phase of the coefficients in a finite superposition state can be measured. In particular, the photon statistics can be so measured with currently available devices.

We analyze the dynamics of an excited two-level atom in the presence of other deexcited atoms in a cavity. We show, that due to an instantaneous phase shift experienced by one of the atoms, the probability for emitting a photon into the cavity can be increased. In the special case of only two atoms in the cavity we show that the system with certainty can release a photon that is otherwise partially trapped.

We discuss the symmetric multiport and show in a constructive way how it can be decomposed into a set of beam splitters. Based on the decomposition we estimate the number of beam splitters needed. It is shown that for more than three input ports the number of beam splitters needed is less than the number indicated by the standard decomposition scheme.

We consider the classical and quantum-mechanical processes of three-wave interactions in different phase regimes and present numerical calculations for the quantum case, where all three modes are sizably excited from the beginning. These excitations are coherent so that various important phase regimes can be adjusted. In addition, one mode can also be prepared in a squeezed or Kerr state. The classical solutions are well known and are briefly summarized, but certain phase regimes are classically unexplored and we show here that they give interesting and surprising results. In the out-of-phase regime (where the photon numbers do not change in the first order of time) we get, with an initial Kerr state, strongly sub-Poissonian photon statistics in the signal after a short interaction time. This effect is limited by the classically described phase shifts that are present even in the parametric approximation. This nonclassical phenomenon (due to the Kerr state) helps us to understand similar nonclassical effects generated by entangled states of the pump and signal during sum-frequency generation.

We consider the simultaneous measurement of two conjugate variables by coupling the system of interest to two independent probe modes. Our model consists of linearly coupled boson modes that can be realized by quantum optical fields in the rotating-wave approximation. We approach the setup both as a device to extract observable information and to prepare an emerging quantum state. The initial states of the probe modes and the coupling are utilized to optimize the operation in the various regimes. In contrast to the Arthurs and Kelly ideal scheme [Bell. Syst. Tech. J. 44, 725 (1965)], our more realistic coupling does not allow perfect operation but the ideal situations can be approximated closely. We discuss the conditions for maximum information transfer to the probe modes, information extraction with minimum disturbance of the system mode, and optimal state preparation for subsequent measurements. The minimum disturbance operation can be made to approximate a nondemolition measurement, especially when the information is carried in one quadrature component only. In the preparation mode, we find that the recording accuracy of the probe signals plays an essential role. We restrict the discussion to the first and second moments only, but the method can easily be generalized to any situation, Choosing all modes to be in squeezed coherent states originally, we can carry out analytical considerations; other cases can be treated numerically. The results are presented and discussed in detail as the paradigm of a class of realizable measurements.

We discuss the theory of extracting an interaction Hamiltonian from a preassigned unitary transformation of quantum states. Such a procedure is of significance in quantum computations and other optical information processing tasks. We particularize the problem to the construction of totally symmetric 2N peas as introduced by Zeilinger and his collaborators [A. Zeilinger, M. Zukowski, M. A. Home, H. J. Bernstein, and D. M. Greenberger, in Fundamental Aspects of Quantum Theory, edited by J. Anandan and J. J. Safko (World Scientific, Singapore, 1994)]. These are realized by the discrete Fourier transform,which simplifies the construction of the Hamiltonian by known methods of Linear algebra. The Hamiltonians found are discussed and alternative realizations of the Zeilinger class transformations are presented. We briefly discuss the applicability of the method to more general devices.

We present for the first time numerical and analytical calculations for the nonlinear interaction of three quantized waves all sizably excited from the beginning and having different phase relations. With a Kerr-state ansatz for the signal we get strongly sub-Poissonian photon statistics and conclude on similar effects by initially entangled states.

We define multimode (entangled) coherent states as properly chosen linear superpositions of suitable composition states. Our definition is equivalent to the definition of coherent states as eigenvectors of a corresponding generalized annihilation operator. In certain limit cases we discuss the statistical properties of the states defined.

We analyze a simple Hamiltonian model for a passive multiport. We show that such a model can be made symmetric with respect to the outputs for certain (interaction) times up to a certain number of input-output ports. The limit of infinitely many input-output channels is discussed.

We report on the time evolution of the Wehrl entropy in a Kerr-like medium. We show that the Wehrl entropy gives a clear signature for the formation of finite superpositions of coherent states (cat-like states). In addition, the actual value of the Wehrl entropy at the time of a superposition formation gives the number of coherent components taking part in the superposition.

We study the nondegenerate two-photon down conversion described by a quantum trilinear Hamiltonian. The idler mode is initially prepared in the vacuum while the pump (laser) and the signal mode are prepared in coherent states which at high intensities resemble classical inputs. Such setup with a coherent signal mode allows us to scan the dynamics from the regime of the down conversion (empty signal) up to the frequency conversion (highly excited signal). The analysis concentrates on the entanglement properties of the modes which are compared with their other statistical properties such as squeezing and antibunching to give a more complete characterization of the modes. We show that the single mode nonclassical effects (squeezing and antibunching) disappear when an initial signal intensity highly exceeds that of the pump. In this regime the numerical results are confirmed by approximate analytical calculations. We point out that initially comparable intensities of the signal and pump mode lead to the effect of the `'spontaneous disentanglement” of the signal mode from others and to the production of its squeezed and sub-Poissonian state which is pure to a good approximation.

Applying a result of Vogel and Risken [Phys. Rev. A 40, 2847 (1989)] to quantum-oscillator states with random phase, we found surprisingly simple integral relations between the Wiper function and the quadrature distribution. In particular, we have shown that the balance of increasing and decreasing sections of the quadrature distribution decides the sign of the Wiper function.

We analyze the phase properties of a strong cavity field interacting with an ensemble of initially excited N two-level atoms. Using the Pegg-Barnett phase formalism [Phys. Rev. A 39, 1665 (1989)], we calculate the phase probability distribution as well as the phase variance. The phase probability density exhibits a (N + 1)-peak structure at the initial stages of the evolution. The phase variance is used to illustrate the progressive randomization of the phase on the long-time evolution. The difference in the phase dynamics for the N even and the N odd case is pointed out.

Using the asymptotic form of the density matrix the role of the nondiagonal elements of the density matrix is estimated in the lossless micromaser model based on the Jaynes-Cummings model with intensity dependent coupling constant. It is shown that a certain type of a (almost pure) multiphoton state can be generated in this system.

We present phase properties of a field mode interacting with two two-level atoms using the Pegg and Barnett formalism. We derive analytical and approximate expressions for the phase probability distribution, and calculate the mean value of the phase and their fluctuations. A discussion with respect to the coupling constant of the atoms is given.

We study the entanglement of the cavity field mode to the ensemble of two-level atoms when their interaction is ruled by the Dicke model. Our investigation is focused mainly on initial states with fully excited atomic system and an intense cavity field mode. We give an analysis of the entanglement on the short as well as the long time scale. We derive limit expressions for the entanglement for the first moments of the evolution where the entanglement reaches constant value. We show that in the early moments of the evolution an almost pure state can be generated under suitable conditions when the intensity of the field is approximately N. On the long time scale we point out the appearance of a clear decrease of the entanglement associated with the collapse-revival phenomenon of the mean photon number in this model. The bifurcation of initially a gaussian Q-function of the field mode into N + 1 peaks of different weight factors is shown. Finally the results known for the Jaynes-Cummings model are compared with the obtained results.

We analyse the collapse-revival phenomenon in the process of k-photon down conversion with quantized pump for initial Fock states. We give an explanation for the appearance of the revivals by analysing the decomposition of the initial state into the interaction Hamiltonian eigenvectors. A quantitative estimation of the revival times is given as well.

We analyze the statistical properties of the two-mode SU(2) coherent states associated with the process of k-photon down conversion with quantized pump. We show that the modes exhibit sub-Poissonian photon statistics, anticorrelation and in some particular cases also squeezing. The influence of various initial number states on this effects is analyzed in detail.

We study entanglement between field modes in the process of nondegenerate two-photon down-conversion with quantized pump. We show that due to the quantum nature of the dynamics, strong entanglement between the pump and the signal-idler subsystems can be observed. We find that the higher the initial intensity of the pump mode the stronger the entanglement between the pump and the signal-idler subsystem is established during the first instants of the time evolution. We also show that the signal and the idler modes are strongly entangled (correlated). This entanglement is much stronger than the entanglement between the pump and the signal-idler subsystem. Correlation between the signal and the idler modes leads to a high degree of two-mode squeezing, which can be observed during the first instants of the time evolution when the pump mode is still approximately in a pure state. On the other hand, the back action of the signal-idler subsystem on the pump mode leads to a strong single-mode squeezing of the pump mode. At the time interval during which squeezing of the pump mode can be observed the pump mode is far from being in the minimum uncertainty state. We also analyze the longtime behavior of the quantum-optical system under consideration and we show that the interesting collapse-revival effect in the time evolution of the mean photon number and of the purity parameters of field modes can be observed. Finally, we show that the degree of entanglement between modes in the nondegenerate quantum-optical down-conversion strongly depends on the initial state of the system.

We show that multiphoton coherent states can be expressed as linear quantum superpositions of a finite number of generalized coherent states. Quantum interferences between component states lead to appearance of non-classical effects such as oscillations in the photon number distribution, quadrature squeezing, SU(1, 1) squeezing and others.

We study the phase properties of two quantized modes within the model of a two-mode coupler with intensity-dependent coupling. The dynamics of the system is solved numerically as an approximate analytical solution is available only for the initial moments of the time evolution. The phase properties are discussed on the basis of the joint phase distribution. Other quantities of the particular modes (measure of entropy and photon-number distribution) are presented to support the conclusions reached on the basis of the joint phase distribution. The obtained results are compared with the known results for the closely related model of an ordinary linear coupler.

We study the phase properties of the field modes in the process of k-photon down conversion with quantized pump using the Peggy-Barnett phase formalism. The dynamics of the system is solved numerically via the diagonalization of the interaction hamiltonian. The behavior in the short and long time limit is discussed and compared to previous results related to the treated problem. In order to understand our results an exactly soluble model of the linearized k-photon down conversion is presented.

We calculate numerically the time evolution of the mean photon number in the process of k-photon down conversion process with quantized pump. The pump mode was supposed to be initially in a superposition of number states and the down converted mode in a number state. We analysed in some detail the influence of the initial field statistics of the pump mode as well as the presence of non-vacuum number states in the down converted mode on the appearance of collapses and revivals.

We study the phase properties of the two field modes within the frame of the process of kth harmonic generation with a quantized fundamental mode. Using the Pegg-Barnett phase formalism the joint phase distribution is calculated numerically. It is shown that in the initial moments of the evolution the degree of the process k does not affect significantly the phase distribution.

We consider a trilinear Hamiltonian in boson operators describing various physical processes such as frequency conversion, Raman or Brillouin scattering, or the interaction of N two-level atoms with a single-mode radiation field. Due to the fact that two independent integrals of motion can be found, the solution of the dynamics of the system is reduced to the diagonalization of a finite matrix (as was already shown by Walls and Barakat [Phys. Rev. A 1, 446 (1970)]). Performing a numerical diagonalization, we analyze the statistical properties of the field modes (sub-Poissonian statistics, anticorrelation, squeezing). We also pay attention to the appearance of collapses and revivals in the mean photon number of the modes. The relation of this model to the model of two coupled modes with an intensity-dependent coupling constant is pointed out.

The squeezing properties in terms of SU(1, 1) and SU(2) operators for the case of trilinear processes are studied. The initial state of the system is supposed to be a coherent state in one of the modes and number states in the remaining modes. It is pointed out that in several cases a considerable amount of squeezing can be achieved. Due to the common mathematical structure the case of a two-mode coupler with intensity dependent coupling is also analysed.

We investigate the spectrum of light emitted by a two-level atom interacting with another two-level atom inside an ideal cavity within the frame of generalized Jaynes-Cummings model. The influence of various ratios of the coupling constants of the atoms to the field on the spectrum of the emitted light is studied in detail for the case when the atoms are supposed to be initially in the excited state and the field in a Fock state as well as their superposition.

We solve numerically the dynamics of a system related to the problem of k-photon down-conversion with a quantized pump. We analyze in detail the statistical properties of the field modes. We show that the fields exhibit sub-Poissonian statistics and anticorrelation. The influence of different initial Fock states as well as their coherent superpositions on the field statistics and squeezing of the modes is analyzed in detail.

We analyze the collapse and revival phenomenon in the energy exchange of two field modes initially prepared in a Fock state, as well as their coherent superposition in the process of k-photon down-conversion with quantized pump. The influence of the presence of a Kerr-like medium is discussed.

We consider a generalization of the Jaynes-Cummings model when the cavity is supposed to be filled with a Kerr-like medium. This non-linearity induced by the Kerr-like medium leads to an inhibited decay of the initially excited atom. In the present paper we analyse the influence of the quality of the cavity and the influence of a thermofield on the collapses and revivals of the atomic inversion.

We have investigated the spectrum of light emitted by a single atom interacting with a single mode of the radiation field in an ideal cavity filled with a Kerr-like medium. It is shown that owing to the Kerr-like nonlinearity in the system the spectrum of the emitted light exhibits a single-peaked structure for sufficiently high intensities of the initial coherent field instead of the triplet structure in the case of the standard Jaynes-Cummings model.

We investigate the dynamics of the Jaynes-Cummings model with the cavity field initially prepared in the displaced number state. The time evolution of the atomic population inversion, squeezing of the cavity field and the emission spectra from the two-level atom are studied.

On the basis of the work of d'Ariano and coworkers we introduce a new type of multiphoton states. We analyse amplitude k-th power squeezing of the multiphoton states. In particular, we show that even if the multiphoton states do not exhibit ordinary squeezing they can be amplitude k-th power squeezed.

Keywords: QUANTUM THEORY; QUANTUM MECHANICS; NONCLASSICAL PHOTON STATES (INCLUDING ANTIBUNCHED; SQUEEZED; SUB-POISSONIAN)