Finite Controllability of Infinite-Dimensional Quantum Systems

Quantum phenomena of interest in connection with applications to computation and communication almost always involve generating specific transfers between eigenstates, and their linear superpositions. For some quantum systems, such as spin systems, the quantum evolution equation (the Schr\"{o}dinger equation) is finite-dimensional and old results on controllability of systems defined on on Lie groups and quotient spaces provide most of what is needed insofar as controllability of non-dissipative systems is concerned. However, in an infinite-dimensional setting, controlling the evolution of quantum systems often presents difficulties, both conceptual and technical. In this paper we present a systematic approach to a class of such problems for which it is possible to avoid some of the technical issues. In particular, we analyze controllability for infinite-dimensional bilinear systems under assumptions that make controllability possible using trajectories lying in a nested family of pre-defined subspaces. This result, which we call the Finite Controllability Theorem, provides a set of sufficient conditions for controllability in an infinite-dimensional setting. We consider specific physical systems that are of interest for quantum computing, and provide insights into the types of quantum operations (gates) that may be developed.Comment: This is a much improved version of the paper first submitted to the arxiv in 2006 that has been under review since 2005. A shortened version of this paper has been conditionally accepted for publication in IEEE Transactions in Automatic Control (2009

Sufficient condition for the coherent control of n -qubit systems

We study quantum systems with even numbers N of levels that are completely state controlled by unitary transformations generated by Lie algebras isomorphic to sp(N) of dimension N(N+1) 2 as discussed by Albertini and D\u27Allesandro [IEEE Trans. Autom. Control 48, 1399 (2003)]. These Lie algebras are smaller than the corresponding su(N) with dimension N2 -1. We show that this reduction constrains the field-free Hamiltonian to have symmetric energy levels. An example of such a system is an n -qubit system with state-independent interaction terms. Using Clifford\u27s geometric algebra to represent the quantum wave function of a finite system, we present an explicit example of a two-qubit system that can be controlled by the elements of the Lie algebra sp(4) [isomorphic to spin(5) and so(5)] with dimension 10 rather than su(4) with dimension 15, but only if its field-free energy levels are symmetrically distributed about an average. These results enable one to envision more efficient algorithms for the design of fields for quantum-state engineering in certain quantum-computing applications, and provide more insight into the fundamental structure of quantum control

Reply to “Comment on ‘Photodetachment in combined static and dynamic electric fields’”

While distortion of the initial negative-ion state by a strong static electric field can have observable effects, the effect attributed by the authors of the preceding Comment [Phys. Rev. A 64, 037401 (2001)] to a cross term between the detaching laser field and the static field is spurious, an artifact of their procedures. Other points of dispute are also clarified

Overcoming the su(2^n) sufficient condition for the coherent control of n-qubit systems

We study quantum systems with even numbers N of levels that are completely state-controlled by unitary transformations generated by Lie algebras isomorphic to sp(N) of dimension N(N+1)/2. These Lie algebras are smaller than the respective su(N) with dimension N^2-1. We show that this reduction constrains the Hamiltonian to have symmetric energy levels. An example of such a system is an n-qubit system. Using a geometric representation for the quantum wave function of a finite system, we present an explicit example that shows a two-qubit system can be controlled by the elements of the Lie algebra sp(4) (isomorphic to spin(5) and so(5)) with dimension ten rather than su(4) with dimension fifteen. These results enable one to envision more efficient algorithms for the design of fields for quantum-state engineering, and they provide more insight into the fundamental structure of quantum control.Comment: 13 pp., 2 figure

Statistical physics-based reconstruction in compressed sensing

Compressed sensing is triggering a major evolution in signal acquisition. It consists in sampling a sparse signal at low rate and later using computational power for its exact reconstruction, so that only the necessary information is measured. Currently used reconstruction techniques are, however, limited to acquisition rates larger than the true density of the signal. We design a new procedure which is able to reconstruct exactly the signal with a number of measurements that approaches the theoretical limit in the limit of large systems. It is based on the joint use of three essential ingredients: a probabilistic approach to signal reconstruction, a message-passing algorithm adapted from belief propagation, and a careful design of the measurement matrix inspired from the theory of crystal nucleation. The performance of this new algorithm is analyzed by statistical physics methods. The obtained improvement is confirmed by numerical studies of several cases.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures, 3 tables. Related codes and data are available at http://aspics.krzakala.or

Gravid uterus in a neglected incisional hernia: a rare case report

Incidence of incisional hernia in pregnancy is rare and is mainly managed conservatively. An ideal technique for repairing incisional hernia in pregnant patients has yet to be established, but it is clear that each case must be dealt with on an individual basis. It is essential for surgeons to consider the length of the surgery, the presence of contamination, the age of the fetus, the size of the defect, and the chances of recurrence before selecting which technique to employ when repairing abdominal wall hernia in pregnancy. We report a case of term pregnancy in a third gravida, aged 30 years with previous two vaginal deliveries with incisional hernia with overlying hyperpigmented lax skin patch. Incisional hernia developed as a complication because of the previous surgical history of open appendectomy 10 years back which was complicated in the post-operative period, 22 days later leading to an emergency laparotomy in view of intestinal obstruction. Caesarean section was done with simultaneous repair of the incisional hernia with nonabsorbable sutures. The post-operative recovery was uneventful