How much is a quantum controller controlled by the controlled system?

We consider unitary transformations on a bipartite system A x B. To what extent entails the ability to transmit information from A to B the ability to transfer information in the converse direction? We prove a dimension-dependent lower bound on the classical channel capacity C(A<--B) in terms of the capacity C(A-->B) for the case that the bipartite unitary operation consists of controlled local unitaries on B conditioned on basis states on A. This can be interpreted as a statement on the strength of the inevitable backaction of a quantum system on its controller. If the local operations are given by the regular representation of a finite group G we have C(A-->B)=log |G| and C(A<--B)=log N where N is the sum over the degrees of all inequivalent representations. Hence the information deficit C(A-->B)-C(A<--B) between the forward and the backward capacity depends on the "non-abelianness" of the control group. For regular representations, the ratio between backward and forward capacities cannot be smaller than 1/2. The symmetric group S_n reaches this bound asymptotically. However, for the general case (without group structure) all bounds must depend on the dimensions since it is known that the ratio can tend to zero.Comment: 17 pages, references added, results slightly improve

Decoherence and the conditions for the classical control of quantum systems

We find the conditions for one quantum system to function as a classical controller of another quantum system: the controller must be an open system and rapidly diagonalised in the basis of the controller variable that is coupled to the controlled system. This causes decoherence in the controlled system that can be made small if the rate of diagonalisation is fast. We give a detailed example based on the quantum optomechanical control of a mechanical resonator. The resulting equations are similar in structure to recently proposed models for consistently combining quantum and classical stochastic dynamics

A Scalable, Self-Analyzing Digital Locking System for use on Quantum Optics Experiments

Digital control of optics experiments has many advantages over analog control systems, specifically in terms of scalability, cost, flexibility, and the integration of system information into one location. We present a digital control system, freely available for download online, specifically designed for quantum optics experiments that allows for automatic and sequential re-locking of optical components. We show how the inbuilt locking analysis tools, including a white-noise network analyzer, can be used to help optimize individual locks, and verify the long term stability of the digital system. Finally, we present an example of the benefits of digital locking for quantum optics by applying the code to a specific experiment used to characterize optical Schrodinger cat states.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Feedback-induced nonlinearity and superconducting on-chip quantum optics

Quantum coherent feedback has been proven to be an efficient way to tune the dynamics of quantum optical systems and, recently, those of solid-state quantum circuits. Here, inspired by the recent progress of quantum feedback experiments, especially those in mesoscopic circuits, we prove that superconducting circuit QED systems, shunted with a coherent feedback loop, can change the dynamics of a superconducting transmission line resonator, i.e., a linear quantum cavity, and lead to strong on-chip nonlinear optical phenomena. We find that bistability can occur under the semiclassical approximation, and photon anti-bunching can be shown in the quantum regime. Our study presents new perspectives for engineering nonlinear quantum dynamics on a chip.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figure

Quantum control theory and applications: A survey

This paper presents a survey on quantum control theory and applications from a control systems perspective. Some of the basic concepts and main developments (including open-loop control and closed-loop control) in quantum control theory are reviewed. In the area of open-loop quantum control, the paper surveys the notion of controllability for quantum systems and presents several control design strategies including optimal control, Lyapunov-based methodologies, variable structure control and quantum incoherent control. In the area of closed-loop quantum control, the paper reviews closed-loop learning control and several important issues related to quantum feedback control including quantum filtering, feedback stabilization, LQG control and robust quantum control.Comment: 38 pages, invited survey paper from a control systems perspective, some references are added, published versio