Optimal waveform estimation for classical and quantum systems via time-symmetric smoothing

Classical and quantum theories of time-symmetric smoothing, which can be used to optimally estimate waveforms in classical and quantum systems, are derived using a discrete-time approach, and the similarities between the two theories are emphasized. Application of the quantum theory to homodyne phase-locked loop design for phase estimation with narrowband squeezed optical beams is studied. The relation between the proposed theory and Aharonov et al.'s weak value theory is also explored.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, v2: changed the title to a more descriptive one, corrected a minor mistake in Sec. IV, accepted by Physical Review

Grid methods for Bayes-optimal continuous-discrete filtering and utilizing a functional tensor train representation

Optimal continuous-discrete filtering for a nonlinear system requires evolving the forward Kolmogorov equation, that is a Fokker–Planck equation, in alternation with Bayes' conditional updating. We present two numerical grid-methods that represent density functions on a mesh, or grid. For low-dimensional, smooth systems the finite-volume method is an effective solver that gives estimates that converge to the optimal continuous-time values. We give numerical examples to show that this finite-volume filter is able to handle multi-modal filtering distributions that result from rank-deficient observations, and that Bayes-optimal parameter estimation may be performed within the filtering process. The naïve discretization of density functions used in the finite-volume filter leads to an exponential increase of computational cost and storage with increasing dimension, that makes the finite-volume filter unfeasible for higher-dimensional problems. We circumvent this ‘curse of dimensionality’ by using a tensor train representation (or approximation) of density functions and employ an efficient implicit PDE solver that operates on the tensor train representation. We present numerical examples of tracking n weakly coupled pendulums in continuous time to demonstrate filtering with complex density functions in up to 80 dimensions.</p

Grid methods for Bayes-optimal continuous-discrete filtering and utilizing a functional tensor train representation

Optimal continuous-discrete filtering for a nonlinear system requires evolving the forward Kolmogorov equation, that is a Fokker–Planck equation, in alternation with Bayes' conditional updating. We present two numerical grid-methods that represent density functions on a mesh, or grid. For low-dimensional, smooth systems the finite-volume method is an effective solver that gives estimates that converge to the optimal continuous-time values. We give numerical examples to show that this finite-volume filter is able to handle multi-modal filtering distributions that result from rank-deficient observations, and that Bayes-optimal parameter estimation may be performed within the filtering process. The naïve discretization of density functions used in the finite-volume filter leads to an exponential increase of computational cost and storage with increasing dimension, that makes the finite-volume filter unfeasible for higher-dimensional problems. We circumvent this ‘curse of dimensionality’ by using a tensor train representation (or approximation) of density functions and employ an efficient implicit PDE solver that operates on the tensor train representation. We present numerical examples of tracking n weakly coupled pendulums in continuous time to demonstrate filtering with complex density functions in up to 80 dimensions.</p

Modelling and feedback control design for quantum state preparation

The goal of this article is to provide a largely self-contained introduction to the modelling of controlled quantum systems under continuous observation, and to the design of feedback controls that prepare particular quantum states. We describe a bottom-up approach, where a field-theoretic model is subjected to statistical inference and is ultimately controlled. As an example, the formalism is applied to a highly idealized interaction of an atomic ensemble with an optical field. Our aim is to provide a unified outline for the modelling, from first principles, of realistic experiments in quantum control