Mixed quantum-classical linear systems synthesis and quantum feedback control designs

This thesis makes some theoretical contributions towards mixed quantum feedback network synthesis, quantum optical realization of classical linear stochastic systems and quantum feedback control designs. A mixed quantum-classical feedback network is an interconnected system consisting of a quantum system and a classical system connected by interfaces that convert quantum signals to classical signal (using homodyne detectors), and vice versa (using electro-optic modulators). In the area of mixed quantum-classical feedback networks, we present a network synthesis theory, which provides a natural framework for analysis and design for mixed linear systems. Physical realizability conditions are derived for linear stochastic differential equations to ensure that mixed systems can correspond to physical systems. The mixed network synthesis theory developed based on physical realizability conditions shows that how a classical of mixed quantum-classical systems described by linear stochastic differential equations can be built as a interconnection of linear quantum systems and linear classical systems using quantum optical devices as well as electrical and electric devices. However, an important practical problem for the implementation of mixed quantum-classical systems is the relatively slow speed of classical parts implemented with standard electrical and electronic devices, since a mixed system will not work correctly unless the electronic processing of classical devices is fast enough. Therefore, another interesting work is to show how classical linear stochastic systems build using electrical and electric devices can be physically implemented using quantum optical components. A complete procedure is proposed for a stable quantum linear stochastic system realizing a given stable classical linear stochastic system. The thesis explains how it may be possible to realize certain measurement feedback loops fully at the quantum level. In the area of quantum feedback control design, two numerical procedures based on extended linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach are proposed to design a coherent quantum controller in this thesis. The extended synthesis linear matrix inequalities are, in addition to new analysis tools, less conservative in comparison to the conventional counterparts since the optimization variables related to the system parameters in extended LMIs are independent of the symmetric Lyapunov matrix. These features may be useful in the optimal design of quantum optical networks. Time delays are frequently encountered in linear quantum feedback control systems such as long transmission lines between quantum plants and linear controllers, which may have an effect on the performance of closed-loop plant controller systems. Therefore, this thesis investigates the problem of linear quantum measurement-based feedback control systems subject to feedback-loop time delay described by linear stochastic differential equations. Several numerical procedures are proposed to design classical controllers that make quantum measurement-based feedback control systems with time delay stable and also guarantee that their desired control performance specifications are satisfied

The SLH framework for modeling quantum input-output networks

Many emerging quantum technologies demand precise engineering and control over networks consisting of quantum mechanical degrees of freedom connected by propagating electromagnetic fields, or quantum input-output networks. Here we review recent progress in theory and experiment related to such quantum input-output networks, with a focus on the SLH framework, a powerful modeling framework for networked quantum systems that is naturally endowed with properties such as modularity and hierarchy. We begin by explaining the physical approximations required to represent any individual node of a network, eg. atoms in cavity or a mechanical oscillator, and its coupling to quantum fields by an operator triple $(S,L,H)$. Then we explain how these nodes can be composed into a network with arbitrary connectivity, including coherent feedback channels, using algebraic rules, and how to derive the dynamics of network components and output fields. The second part of the review discusses several extensions to the basic SLH framework that expand its modeling capabilities, and the prospects for modeling integrated implementations of quantum input-output networks. In addition to summarizing major results and recent literature, we discuss the potential applications and limitations of the SLH framework and quantum input-output networks, with the intention of providing context to a reader unfamiliar with the field.Comment: 60 pages, 14 figures. We are still interested in receiving correction

Bayesian feedback versus Markovian feedback in a two-level atom

We compare two different approaches to the control of the dynamics of a continuously monitored open quantum system. The first is Markovian feedback as introduced in quantum optics by Wiseman and Milburn [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 70}, 548 (1993)]. The second is feedback based on an estimate of the system state, developed recently by Doherty {\em et al.} [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 62}, 012105 (2000)]. Here we choose to call it, for brevity, {\em Bayesian feedback}. For systems with nonlinear dynamics, we expect these two methods of feedback control to give markedly different results. The simplest possible nonlinear system is a driven and damped two-level atom, so we choose this as our model system. The monitoring is taken to be homodyne detection of the atomic fluorescence, and the control is by modulating the driving. The aim of the feedback in both cases is to stabilize the internal state of the atom as close as possible to an arbitrarily chosen pure state, in the presence of inefficient detection and other forms of decoherence. Our results (obtain without recourse to stochastic simulations) prove that Bayesian feedback is never inferior, and is usually superior, to Markovian feedback. However it would be far more difficult to implement than Markovian feedback and it loses its superiority when obvious simplifying approximations are made. It is thus not clear which form of feedback would be better in the face of inevitable experimental imperfections.Comment: 10 pages, including 3 figure

Effects of time delay in feedback control of linear quantum systems

We investigate feedback control of linear quantum systems subject to feedback-loop time delays. In particular, we examine the relation between the potentially achievable control performance and the time delays, and provide theoretical guidelines for the future experimental setup in two physical systems, which are typical in this research field. The evaluation criterion for the analysis is given by the optimal control performance formula, the derivation of which is from the classical control theoretic results about the input-output delay systems.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Stabilization of Stochastic Quantum Dynamics via Open and Closed Loop Control

In this paper we investigate parametrization-free solutions of the problem of quantum pure state preparation and subspace stabilization by means of Hamiltonian control, continuous measurement and quantum feedback, in the presence of a Markovian environment. In particular, we show that whenever suitable dissipative effects are induced either by the unmonitored environment or by non Hermitian measurements, there is no need for feedback control to accomplish the task. Constructive necessary and sufficient conditions on the form of the open-loop controller can be provided in this case. When open-loop control is not sufficient, filtering-based feedback control laws steering the evolution towards a target pure state are provided, which generalize those available in the literature