Recurrence of biased quantum walks on a line

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 to return to the origin. This result is extremely sensitive to the directional symmetry, any deviation from the equal probability to travel 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 which are recurrent.Comment: Journal reference added, minor corrections in the tex

Connecting the discrete and continuous-time quantum walks

Recently, quantized versions of random walks have been explored as effective elements for quantum algorithms. In the simplest case of one dimension, the theory has remained divided into the discrete-time quantum walk and the continuous-time quantum walk. Though the properties of these two walks have shown similarities, it has remained an open problem to find the exact relation between the two. The precise connection of these two processes, both quantally and classically, is presented. Extension to higher dimensions is also discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur

Multigraph models for causal quantum gravity and scale dependent spectral dimension

We study random walks on ensembles of a specific class of random multigraphs which provide an "effective graph ensemble" for the causal dynamical triangulation (CDT) model of quantum gravity. In particular, we investigate the spectral dimension of the multigraph ensemble for recurrent as well as transient walks. We investigate the circumstances in which the spectral dimension and Hausdorff dimension are equal and show that this occurs when rho, the exponent for anomalous behaviour of the resistance to infinity, is zero. The concept of scale dependent spectral dimension in these models is introduced. We apply this notion to a multigraph ensemble with a measure induced by a size biased critical Galton-Watson process which has a scale dependent spectral dimension of two at large scales and one at small scales. We conclude by discussing a specific model related to four dimensional CDT which has a spectral dimension of four at large scales and two at small scales.Comment: 30 pages, 3 figures, references added, minor changes in the abstract to match the published versio

Implementing the one-dimensional quantum (Hadamard) walk using a Bose-Einstein Condensate

We propose a scheme to implement the simplest and best-studied version of quantum random walk, the discrete Hadamard walk, in one dimension using coherent macroscopic sample of ultracold atoms, Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). Implementation of quantum walk using BEC gives access to the familiar quantum phenomena on a macroscopic scale. This paper uses rf pulse to implement Hadamard operation (rotation) and stimulated Raman transition technique as unitary shift operator. The scheme suggests implementation of Hadamard operation and unitary shift operator while the BEC is trapped in long Rayleigh range optical dipole trap. The Hadamard rotation and a unitary shift operator on BEC prepared in one of the internal state followed by a bit flip operation, implements one step of the Hadamard walk. To realize a sizable number of steps, the process is iterated without resorting to intermediate measurement. With current dipole trap technology it should be possible to implement enough steps to experimentally highlight the discrete quantum random walk using a BEC leading to further exploration of quantum random walks and its applications.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Weak limits for quantum random walks

We formulate and prove a general weak limit theorem for quantum random walks in one and more dimensions. With $X_n$ denoting position at time $n$, we show that $X_n/n$ converges weakly as $n \to \infty$ to a certain distribution which is absolutely continuous and of bounded support. The proof is rigorous and makes use of Fourier transform methods. This approach simplifies and extends certain preceding derivations valid in one dimension that make use of combinatorial and path integral methods