The C-Numerical Range in Infinite Dimensions

In infinite dimensions and on the level of trace-class operators $C$ rather than matrices, we show that the closure of the $C$-numerical range $W_C(T)$ is always star-shaped with respect to the set $\operatorname{tr}(C)W_e(T)$, where $W_e(T)$ denotes the essential numerical range of the bounded operator $T$. Moreover, the closure of $W_C(T)$ is convex if either $C$ is normal with collinear eigenvalues or if $T$ is essentially self-adjoint. In the case of compact normal operators, the $C$-spectrum of $T$ is a subset of the $C$-numerical range, which itself is a subset of the convex hull of the closure of the $C$-spectrum. This convex hull coincides with the closure of the $C$-numerical range if, in addition, the eigenvalues of $C$ or $T$ are collinear.Comment: 31 pages, no figures; to appear in Linear and Multilinear Algebr

Von Neumann Type of Trace Inequalities for Schatten-Class Operators

We generalize von Neumann's well-known trace inequality, as well as related eigenvalue inequalities for hermitian matrices, to Schatten-class operators between complex Hilbert spaces of infinite dimension. To this end, we exploit some recent results on the $C$-numerical range of Schatten-class operators. For the readers' convenience, we sketched the proof of these results in the Appendix.Comment: 16 page

The C-Numerical Range for Schatten-Class Operators

We generalize the $C$-numerical range $W_C(T)$ from trace-class to Schatten-class operators, i.e. to $C\in\mathcal B^p(\mathcal H)$ and $T\in\mathcal B^q(\mathcal H)$ with $1/p + 1/q = 1$, and show that its closure is always star-shaped with respect to the origin. For $q \in (1,\infty]$, this is equivalent to saying that the closure of the image of the unitary orbit of $T\in\mathcal B^q(\mathcal H)$ under any continous linear functional $L\in(\mathcal B^q(\mathcal H))'$ is star-shaped with respect to the origin. For $q=1$, one has star-shapedness with respect to $\operatorname{tr}(T)W_e(L)$, where $W_e(L)$ denotes the essential range of $L$. Moreover, the closure of $W_C(T)$ is convex if $C$ or $T$ is normal with collinear eigenvalues. If $C$ and $T$ are both normal, then the $C$-spectrum of $T$ is a subset of the $C$-numerical range, which itself is a subset of the closure of the convex hull of the $C$-spectrum. This closure coincides with the closure of the $C$-numerical range if, in addition, the eigenvalues of $C$ or $T$ are collinear.Comment: 12 pages; extended version of the Addendum (linked in DOI) to a previous article (arXiv:1712.01023

Exploring the Limits of Open Quantum Dynamics I: Motivation, New Results from Toy Models to Applications

Which quantum states can be reached by controlling open Markovian $n$-level quantum systems? Here, we address reachable sets of coherently controllable quantum systems with switchable coupling to a thermal bath of temperature $T$. The core problem reduces to a toy model of studying points in the standard simplex allowing for two types of controls: (i) permutations within the simplex, (ii) contractions by a dissipative semigroup. By illustration, we put the problem into context and show how toy-model solutions pertain to the reachable set of the original controlled Markovian quantum system. Beyond the case $T=0$ (amplitude damping) we present new results for $0 <T < \infty$ using methods of $d$-majorisation.Comment: Extended abstract, accepted to conference MTNS 2020. The results by d-majorisation are new and superseed arXiv:1905.01224 published as DOI: 10.1109/CDC40024.2019.9029452 . Part-II is arXiv:2003.04164 . arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1905.0122

Exploring the Limits of Controlled Markovian Quantum Dynamics with Thermal Resources

Our aim is twofold: First, we rigorously analyse the generators of quantum-dynamical semigroups of thermodynamic processes. We characterise a wide class of GKSL-generators for quantum maps within thermal operations and argue that every infinitesimal generator of (a one-parameter semigroup of) Markovian thermal operations belongs to this class. We completely classify and visualise them and their non-Markovian counterparts for the case of a single qubit. Second, we use this description in the framework of bilinear control systems to characterise reachable sets of coherently controllable quantum systems with switchable coupling to a thermal bath. The core problem reduces to studying a hybrid control system ("toy model") on the standard simplex allowing for two types of evolution: (i) instantaneous permutations and (ii) a one-parameter semigroup of $d$-stochastic maps. We generalise upper bounds of the reachable set of this toy model invoking new results on thermomajorisation. Using tools of control theory we fully characterise these reachable sets as well as the set of stabilisable states as exemplified by exact results in qutrit systems.Comment: 46 pages mai

Quantum optimal control in quantum technologies. Strategic report on current status, visions and goals for research in Europe

Quantum optimal control, a toolbox for devising and implementing the shapes of external fields that accomplish given tasks in the operation of a quantum device in the best way possible, has evolved into one of the cornerstones for enabling quantum technologies. The last few years have seen a rapid evolution and expansion of the field. We review here recent progress in our understanding of the controllability of open quantum systems and in the development and application of quantum control techniques to quantum technologies. We also address key challenges and sketch a roadmap for future developments

Quantum optimal control in quantum technologies. Strategic report on current status, visions and goals for research in Europe

Quantum optimal control, a toolbox for devising and implementing the shapes of external fields that accomplish given tasks in the operation of a quantum device in the best way possible, has evolved into one of the cornerstones for enabling quantum technologies. The last few years have seen a rapid evolution and expansion of the field. We review here recent progress in our understanding of the controllability of open quantum systems and in the development and application of quantum control techniques to quantum technologies. We also address key challenges and sketch a roadmap for future developments.Comment: this is a living document - we welcome feedback and discussio