On stability of continuous-time quantum-filters

We prove that the fidelity between the quantum state governed by a continuous time stochastic master equation driven by a Wiener process and its associated quantum-filter state is a sub-martingale. This result is a generalization to non-pure quantum states where fidelity does not coincide in general with a simple Frobenius inner product. This result implies the stability of such filtering process but does not necessarily ensure the asymptotic convergence of such quantum-filters

Design of Strict Control-Lyapunov Functions for Quantum Systems with QND Measurements

We consider discrete-time quantum systems subject to Quantum Non-Demolition (QND) measurements and controlled by an adjustable unitary evolution between two successive QND measures. In open-loop, such QND measurements provide a non-deterministic preparation tool exploiting the back-action of the measurement on the quantum state. We propose here a systematic method based on elementary graph theory and inversion of Laplacian matrices to construct strict control-Lyapunov functions. This yields an appropriate feedback law that stabilizes globally the system towards a chosen target state among the open-loop stable ones, and that makes in closed-loop this preparation deterministic. We illustrate such feedback laws through simulations corresponding to an experimental setup with QND photon counting

Low dimensional manifolds for exact representation of open quantum systems

Weakly nonlinear degrees of freedom in dissipative quantum systems tend to localize near manifolds of quasi-classical states. We present a family of analytical and computational methods for deriving optimal unitary model transformations based on representations of finite dimensional Lie groups. The transformations are optimal in that they minimize the quantum relative entropy distance between a given state and the quasi-classical manifold. This naturally splits the description of quantum states into quasi-classical coordinates that specify the nearest quasi-classical state and a transformed quantum state that can be represented in fewer basis levels. We derive coupled equations of motion for the coordinates and the transformed state and demonstrate how this can be exploited for efficient numerical simulation. Our optimization objective naturally quantifies the non-classicality of states occurring in some given open system dynamics. This allows us to compare the intrinsic complexity of different open quantum systems.Comment: Added section on semi-classical SR-latch, added summary of method, revised structure of manuscrip

Stabilization of a Delayed Quantum System: The Photon Box Case-Study

International audienceA feedback scheme, stabilizing an arbitrary photon-number state in a microwave cavity, is analyzed. The quantum non-demolition measurement of the cavity state allows in open-loop a non-deterministic preparation of photon-number states. By the mean of a controlled classical field injection, this preparation process is made deterministic. The system evolves through a discrete-time Markov process and the feedback law relies on Lyapunov techniques. This feedback design compensates an unavoidable pure delay by a stochastic version of a Kalman-type predictor. After illustrating the efficiency of the proposed feedback law through simulations, the global closed-loop convergence is proved. It relies on tools from stochastic stability analysis. A brief study of the Lyapunov exponents of the linearized system around the target state gives a strong indication of the robustness of the method

Heisenberg Picture Approach to the Stability of Quantum Markov Systems

Quantum Markovian systems, modeled as unitary dilations in the quantum stochastic calculus of Hudson and Parthasarathy, have become standard in current quantum technological applications. This paper investigates the stability theory of such systems. Lyapunov-type conditions in the Heisenberg picture are derived in order to stabilize the evolution of system operators as well as the underlying dynamics of the quantum states. In particular, using the quantum Markov semigroup associated with this quantum stochastic differential equation, we derive sufficient conditions for the existence and stability of a unique and faithful invariant quantum state. Furthermore, this paper proves the quantum invariance principle, which extends the LaSalle invariance principle to quantum systems in the Heisenberg picture. These results are formulated in terms of algebraic constraints suitable for engineering quantum systems that are used in coherent feedback networks

Real-time quantum feedback prepares and stabilizes photon number states

Feedback loops are at the heart of most classical control procedures. A controller compares the signal measured by a sensor with the target value. It adjusts then an actuator in order to stabilize the signal towards its target. Generalizing this scheme to stabilize a micro-system's quantum state relies on quantum feedback, which must overcome a fundamental difficulty: the measurements by the sensor have a random back-action on the system. An optimal compromise employs weak measurements providing partial information with minimal perturbation. The controller should include the effect of this perturbation in the computation of the actuator's unitary operation bringing the incrementally perturbed state closer to the target. While some aspects of this scenario have been experimentally demonstrated for the control of quantum or classical micro-system variables, continuous feedback loop operations permanently stabilizing quantum systems around a target state have not yet been realized. We have implemented such a real-time stabilizing quantum feedback scheme. It prepares on demand photon number states (Fock states) of a microwave field in a superconducting cavity and subsequently reverses the effects of decoherence-induced field quantum jumps. The sensor is a beam of atoms crossing the cavity which repeatedly performs weak quantum non-demolition measurements of the photon number. The controller is implemented in a real-time computer commanding the injection, between measurements, of adjusted small classical fields in the cavity. The microwave field is a quantum oscillator usable as a quantum memory or as a quantum bus swapping information between atoms. By demonstrating that active control can generate non-classical states of this oscillator and combat their decoherence, this experiment is a significant step towards the implementation of complex quantum information operations.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figure

A study of the association between cognitive abilities and dietary intake in young women

Background: Cognitive abilities comprise activities that relate to receiving and responding to information from the environment, internal processing, making complex decisions, and then responding to this in the context of behavior. Aim: The current study investigated the association between dietary intake and seven aspects of cognitive abilities among healthy young women. Methods: The study was carried out among 182 women aged 18–25 years. A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire containing 65 food items was used to estimate dietary intake. Neuropsychological function and cognitive abilities of participants were determined using standard questionnaires. Results: Significant differences were found in depression, anxiety, stress, physical, and mental health-related quality of life as well as daytime sleepiness for the participants in different quartiles of cognitive abilities score (p<0.05). Participants in the fourth quartile of cognitive abilities score consumed significantly higher energy, carbohydrate, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, and riboflavin compared to those in the lowest quartile (p<0.05). There were strong correlations between total cognitive abilities score and dietary sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and thiamin (p<0.05). Using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, iron and thiamin were statistically significant factors for the prediction of cognitive abilities. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that neurocognitive function is related to dietary macro and micronutrients including energy, carbohydrate, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, and riboflavin on cognitive performance among young women without memory deficit