E. Solano

Hybrid Microwave Radiation Patterns for High-Fidelity Quantum Gates with Trapped Ions

I. Arrazola [1], M. B. Plenio [2], E. Solano [1,3,4], J. Casanova [1,3]

Abstract

We present a method that combines continuous and pulsed microwave radiation patterns to achieve robust interactions among hyperfine trapped ions placed in a magnetic field gradient. More specifically, our scheme displays continuous microwave drivings with modulated phases, phase flips, and $π$ pulses. This leads to high-fidelity entangling gates which are resilient against magnetic field fluctuations, changes on the microwave amplitudes, and crosstalk effects. Our protocol runs with arbitrary values of microwave power, which includes the technologically relevant case of low microwave intensities. We demonstrate the performance of our method with detailed numerical simulations that take into account the main sources of decoherence.

Selective Interactions in the Quantum Rabi Model

L. Cong [1], S. Felicetti [2], J. Casanova [3,4], L. Lamata [3,5], E. Solano [1,3,4], I. Arrazola [3]

Abstract

We demonstrate the emergence of selective $k$-photon interactions in the strong and ultrastrong coupling regimes of the quantum Rabi model with a Stark coupling term. In particular, we show that the interplay between the rotating and counter-rotating terms produces multi-photon interactions whose resonance frequencies depend, due to the Stark term, on the state of the bosonic mode. We develop an analytical framework to explain these $k$-photon interactions by using time-dependent perturbation theory. Finally, we propose a method to achieve the quantum simulation of the quantum Rabi model with a Stark term by using the internal and vibrational degrees of freedom of a trapped ion, and demonstrate its performance with numerical simulations considering realistic physical parameters.

Gyrokinetic analysis and simulation of pedestals, to identify the culprits for energy losses using fingerprints

M. Kotschenreuther [1], X. Liu [1], D. R. Hatch, S. Mahajan [1], L. Zheng [1], A. Diallo [2], R. Groebner, the DIII-D TEAM, J. C. Hillesheim, C. F. Maggi, C. Giroud, F. Koechl, V. Parail, S. Saarelma, E. Solano, JET Contributors [3], A. Chankin [4]

Abstract

Fusion performance in tokamaks hinges critically on the efficacy of the Edge Transport Barrier (ETB) at suppressing energy losses. The new concept of fingerprints is introduced to identify the instabilities that cause the transport losses in the ETB of many of today's experiments, from widely posited candidates. Analysis of the Gyrokinetic-Maxwell equations, and gyrokinetic simulations of experiments, find that each mode type produces characteristic ratios of transport in the various channels: density, heat and impurities. This, together with experimental observations of transport in some channel, or, of the relative size of the driving sources of channels, can identify or determine the dominant modes causing energy transport. In multiple ELMy H-mode cases that are examined, these fingerprints indicate that MHD-like modes are apparently not the dominant agent of energy transport; rather, this role is played by Micro-Tearing Modes (MTM) and Electron Temperature Gradient (ETG) modes, and in addition, possibly Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG)/Trapped Electron Modes (ITG/TEM) on JET. MHD-like modes may dominate the electron particle losses. Fluctuation frequency can also be an important means of identification, and is often closely related to the transport fingerprint. The analytical arguments unify and explain previously disparate experimental observations on multiple devices, including DIII-D, JET and ASDEX-U, and detailed simulations of two DIII-D ETBs also demonstrate and corroborate this.

Cooling of Many-Body Systems via Selective Interactions

R. Grimaudo [1,2], L. Lamata [3], E. Solano [3,4,5], A. Messina [2,6]

Abstract

We propose a model describing $N$ spin-1/2 systems coupled through $N$-order homogeneous interaction terms, in presence of local time-dependent magnetic fields. This model can be experimentally implemented with current technologies in trapped ions and superconducting circuits. By introducing a chain of unitary transformations, we succeed in exactly converting the quantum dynamics of this system into that of $2^{N-1}$ fictitious spin-1/2 dynamical problems. We bring to light the possibility of controlling the unitary evolution of the $N$ spins generating GHZ states under specific time-dependent scenarios. Moreover, we show that by appropriately engineering the time-dependence of the coupling parameters, one may choose a specific subspace in which the $N$-spin system dynamics takes place. This dynamical feature, which we call time-dependent selective interaction, can generate a cooling effect of all spins in the system.

Multiqubit and multilevel quantum reinforcement learning with quantum technologies

F. A. Cárdenas-López, L. Lamata [3], J. C. Retamal [1,2], E. Solano [3,4,5]

Abstract

We propose a protocol to perform quantum reinforcement learning with quantum technologies. At variance with recent results on quantum reinforcement learning with superconducting circuits, in our current protocol coherent feedback during the learning process is not required, enabling its implementation in a wide variety of quantum systems. We consider diverse possible scenarios for an agent, an environment, and a register that connects them, involving multiqubit and multilevel systems, as well as open-system dynamics. We finally propose possible implementations of this protocol in trapped ions and superconducting circuits. The field of quantum reinforcement learning with quantum technologies will enable enhanced quantum control, as well as more efficient machine learning calculations.

Dirac Equation in (1+1)-Dimensional Curved Spacetime and the Multiphoton Quantum Rabi Model

J. S. Pedernales [1,2], M. Beau [3], S. M. Pittman [4], I. L. Egusquiza [5], L. Lamata [1], E. Solano [1,6,7], A. del Campo [3]

Abstract

We introduce an exact mapping between the Dirac equation in (1+1)-dimensional curved spacetime (DCS) and a multiphoton quantum Rabi model (QRM). A background of a (1+1)-dimensional black hole requires a QRM with one- and two-photon terms that can be implemented in a trapped ion for the quantum simulation of Dirac particles in curved spacetime. We illustrate our proposal with a numerical analysis of the free fall of a Dirac particle into a (1+1)-dimensional black hole, and find that the Zitterbewegung effect, measurable via the oscillatory trajectory of the Dirac particle, persists in the presence of gravity. From the duality between the squeezing term in the multiphoton QRM and the metric coupling in the DCS, we show that gravity generates squeezing of the Dirac particle wave function.

Pulsed Dynamical Decoupling for Fast and Robust Two-Qubit Gates on Trapped Ions

I. Arrazola [1], J. Casanova [2], J. S. Pedernales [2], Z. -Y. Wang [2], E. Solano [1,3], M. B. Plenio [2]

Abstract

We propose a pulsed dynamical decoupling protocol as the generator of tunable, fast, and robust quantum phase gates between two microwave-driven trapped ion hyperfine qubits. The protocol consists of sequences of $π$-pulses acting on ions that are oriented along an externally applied magnetic field gradient. In contrast to existing approaches, in our design the two vibrational modes of the ion chain cooperate under the influence of the external microwave driving to achieve significantly increased gate speeds. Our scheme is robust against the dominant noise sources, which are errors on the magnetic field and microwave pulse intensities, as well as motional heating, predicting two-qubit gates with fidelities above $99.9\%$ in tens of microseconds.

Digital Quantum Simulation of Minimal AdS/CFT

L. García-Ã\udc81lvarez, I. L. Egusquiza [2], L. Lamata [1], A. del Campo [3], J. Sonner [4], E. Solano [1,5]

Abstract

We propose the digital quantum simulation of a minimal AdS/CFT model in controllable quantum platforms. We consider the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model describing interacting Majorana fermions with randomly distributed all-to-all couplings, encoding nonlocal fermionic operators onto qubits to efficiently implement their dynamics via digital techniques. Moreover, we also give a method for probing non-equilibrium dynamics and the scrambling of information. Finally, our approach serves as a protocol for reproducing a simplified low-dimensional model of quantum gravity in advanced quantum platforms as trapped ions and superconducting circuits.

Switchable Particle Statistics with an Embedding Quantum Simulator

X. -H. Cheng, I. Arrazola, J. S. Pedernales, L. Lamata, X. Chen, E. Solano

Abstract

We propose the implementation of a switch of particle statistics with an embedding quantum simulator. By encoding both Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics into an enlarged Hilbert space, the statistics of quantum particles may be changed in situ during the time evolution, from bosons to fermions and from fermions to bosons, as many times as desired. We illustrate our proposal with few-qubit examples, although the protocol is straightforwardly extendable to larger numbers of particles. This proposal can be implemented on different quantum platforms such as trapped ions, quantum photonics, and superconducting circuits, among others. The possibility to implement permutation symmetrization and antisymmetrization of quantum particles enhances the toolbox of quantum simulations, for unphysical operations as well as for symmetry transformations.

Quantum simulations with circuit quantum electrodynamics

G. Romero, E. Solano, L. Lamata

Abstract

Superconducting circuits have become a leading quantum technology for testing fundamentals of quantum mechanics and for the implementation of advanced quantum information protocols. In this chapter, we revise the basic concepts of circuit network theory and circuit quantum electrodynamics for the sake of digital and analog quantum simulations of quantum field theories, relativistic quantum mechanics, and many-body physics, involving fermions and bosons. Based on recent improvements in scalability, controllability, and measurement, superconducting circuits can be considered as a promising quantum platform for building scalable digital and analog quantum simulators, enjoying unique and distinctive properties when compared to other advanced platforms as trapped ions, quantum photonics and optical lattices.

Digital-Analog Quantum Simulation of Spin Models in Trapped Ions

I. Arrazola, J. S. Pedernales, L. Lamata, E. Solano

Abstract

We propose a method to simulate spin models in trapped ions using a digital-analog approach, consisting in a suitable gate decomposition in terms of analog blocks and digital steps. In this way, we show that the quantum dynamics of an enhanced variety of spin models could be implemented with substantially less number of gates than a fully digital approach. Typically, analog blocks are built of multipartite dynamics providing the complexity of the simulated model, while the digital steps are local operations bringing versatility to it. Finally, we describe a possible experimental implementation in trapped-ion technologies.

A Study on Fast Gates for Large-Scale Quantum Simulation with Trapped Ions

R. L. Taylor, C. D. B. Bentley, J. S. Pedernales, L. Lamata, E. Solano, A. R. R. Carvalho, J. J. Hope

Abstract

Large-scale digital quantum simulations require thousands of fundamental entangling gates to construct the simulated dynamics. Despite success in a variety of small-scale simulations, quantum information processing platforms have hitherto failed to demonstrate the combination of precise control and scalability required to systematically outmatch classical simulators. We analyse how fast gates could enable trapped-ion quantum processors to achieve the requisite scalability to outperform classical computers without error correction. We analyze the performance of a large-scale digital simulator, and find that fidelity of around 70% is realizable for pi-pulse infidelities below $10^{-5}$ in traps subject to realistic rates of heating and dephasing. This scalability relies on fast gates: entangling gates faster than the trap period.

Spectral collapse via two-phonon interactions in trapped ions

S. Felicetti [1], J. S. Pedernales [1], I. L. Egusquiza [2], G. Romero [3], L. Lamata [1], D. Braak [4,5], E. Solano [1,6]

Abstract

Two-photon processes have so far been considered only as resulting from frequency-matched second-order expansions of light-matter interaction, with consequently small coupling strengths. However, a variety of novel physical phenomena arises when such coupling values become comparable with the system characteristic frequencies. Here, we propose a realistic implementation of two-photon quantum Rabi and Dicke models in trapped-ion technologies. In this case, effective two-phonon processes can be explored in all relevant parameter regimes. In particular, we show that an ion chain under bichromatic laser drivings exhibits a rich dynamics and highly counterintuitive spectral features, such as interaction-induced spectral collapse.

Quantum Rabi Model with Trapped Ions

J. S. Pedernales [1], I. Lizuain [2], S. Felicetti [1], G. Romero [3], L. Lamata [1], E. Solano [1,4]

Abstract

We propose the quantum simulation of the quantum Rabi model in all parameter regimes by means of detuned bichromatic sideband excitations of a single trapped ion. We show that current setups can reproduce, in particular, the ultrastrong and deep strong coupling regimes of such a paradigmatic light-matter interaction. Furthermore, associated with these extreme dipolar regimes, we study the controlled generation and detection of their entangled ground states by means of adiabatic methods. Ion traps have arguably performed the first quantum simulation of the Jaynes-Cummings model, a restricted regime of the quantum Rabi model where the rotating-wave approximation holds. We show that one can go beyond and experimentally investigate the quantum simulation of coupling regimes of the quantum Rabi model that are difficult to achieve with natural dipolar interactions.

Quantum Simulator for Transport Phenomena in Fluid Flows

A. Mezzacapo [1], M. Sanz [1], L. Lamata [1], I. L. Egusquiza [2], S. Succi [3,4], E. Solano [1,5]

Abstract

Transport phenomena still stand as one of the most challenging problems in computational physics. By exploiting the analogies between Dirac and lattice Boltzmann equations, we develop a quantum simulator based on pseudospin-boson quantum systems, which is suitable for encoding fluid dynamics transport phenomena within a lattice kinetic formalism. It is shown that both the streaming and collision processes of lattice Boltzmann dynamics can be implemented with controlled quantum operations, using a heralded quantum protocol to encode non-unitary scattering processes. The proposed simulator is amenable to realization in controlled quantum platforms, such as ion-trap quantum computers or circuit quantum electrodynamics processors.

Entanglement Measures in Ion-Trap Quantum Simulators without Full Tomography

J. S. Pedernales [1], R. Di Candia [1], P. Schindler [2,3], T. Monz [2], M. Hennrich [2], J. Casanova [1], E. Solano [1,4]

Abstract

We propose a quantum algorithm in an embedding ion-trap quantum simulator for the efficient computation of N-qubit entanglement monotones without the necessity of full tomography. Moreover, we discuss possible realistic scenarios and study the associated decoherence mechanisms.

Biomimetic Cloning of Quantum Observables

U. Alvarez-Rodriguez [1], M. Sanz [1], L. Lamata [1], E. Solano [1,2]

Abstract

We propose a bio-inspired sequential quantum protocol for the cloning and preservation of the statistics associated to quantum observables of a given system. It combines the cloning of a set of commuting observables, permitted by the no-cloning and no-broadcasting theorems, with a controllable propagation of the initial state coherences to the subsequent generations. The protocol mimics the scenario in which an individual in an unknown quantum state copies and propagates its quantum information into an environment of blank qubits. Finally, we propose a realistic experimental implementation of this protocol in trapped ions.

Efficient quantum simulation of fermionic and bosonic models in trapped ions

L. Lamata [1], A. Mezzacapo [1], J. Casanova [1], E. Solano [1]

Abstract

We analyze the efficiency of quantum simulations of fermionic and bosonic models in trapped ions. In particular, we study the optimal time of entangling gates and the required number of total elementary gates. Furthermore, we exemplify these estimations in the light of quantum simulations of quantum field theories, condensed-matter physics, and quantum chemistry. Finally, we show that trapped-ion technologies are a suitable platform for implementing quantum simulations involving interacting fermionic and bosonic modes, paving the way for overcoming classical computers in the near future.

From transistor to trapped-ion computers for quantum chemistry

M. -H. Yung [1,2], J. Casanova [3], A. Mezzacapo [3], J. McClean [1], L. Lamata [3], A. Aspuru-Guzik [1], E. Solano [3,4]

Abstract

Over the last few decades, quantum chemistry has progressed through the development of computational methods based on modern digital computers. However, these methods can hardly fulfill the exponentially-growing resource requirements when applied to large quantum systems. As pointed out by Feynman, this restriction is intrinsic to all computational models based on classical physics. Recently, the rapid advancement of trapped-ion technologies has opened new possibilities for quantum control and quantum simulations. Here, we present an efficient toolkit that exploits both the internal and motional degrees of freedom of trapped ions for solving problems in quantum chemistry, including molecular electronic structure, molecular dynamics, and vibronic coupling. We focus on applications that go beyond the capacity of classical computers, but may be realizable on state-of-the-art trapped-ion systems. These results allow us to envision a new paradigm of quantum chemistry that shifts from the current transistor to a near-future trapped-ion-based technology.

Deterministic generation of arbitrary symmetric states and entanglement classes

L. Lamata [1,2,3], C. E. Lopez, B. P. Lanyon [4], T. Bastin [5], J. C. Retamal [2,3], E. Solano [1,6]

Abstract

We propose a method to generate arbitrary symmetric states of N qubits, which can be easily associated with their entanglement classes. It is particularly suited to quantum optics systems like trapped ions or superconducting circuits. We encode each qubit in two metastable levels of the system and use a bosonic quantum bus for creating the states. The method is deterministic and relies on a sequence of selective unitary gates upon the qubits within the system coherence time.

Digital Quantum Simulation of the Holstein Model in Trapped Ions

A. Mezzacapo [1], J. Casanova [1], L. Lamata [1], E. Solano [1,2]

Abstract

We propose the implementation of the Holstein model by means of digital methods in a linear chain of trapped ions. We show how the simulation fidelity scales with the generation of phononic excitations. We propose a decomposition and a stepwise trapped-ion implementation of the Holstein Hamiltonian. Via numerical simulations, we study how the protocol is affected by realistic gates. Finally, we show how measurements of the size of the simulated polaron can be performed.

Topological Qubits with Majorana Fermions in Trapped Ions

A. Mezzacapo, J. Casanova, L. Lamata, E. Solano

Abstract

We propose a method of encoding a topologically-protected qubit using Majorana fermions in a trapped-ion chain. This qubit is protected against major sources of decoherence, while local operations and measurements can be realized. Furthermore, we show that an efficient quantum interface and memory for arbitrary multiqubit photonic states can be built, encoding them into a set of entangled Majorana-fermion qubits inside cavities.

Quantum Simulation of Interacting Fermion Lattice Models in Trapped Ions

J. Casanova [1], A. Mezzacapo [1], L. Lamata [1], E. Solano [1,2]

Abstract

We propose a method of simulating efficiently many-body interacting fermion lattice models in trapped ions, including highly nonlinear interactions in arbitrary spatial dimensions and for arbitrarily distant couplings. We map products of fermionic operators onto nonlocal spin operators and decompose the resulting dynamics in efficient steps with Trotter methods, yielding an overall protocol that employs only polynomial resources. The proposed scheme can be relevant in a variety of fields as condensed-matter or high-energy physics, where quantum simulations may solve problems intractable for classical computers.

The nonrelativistic limit of the Majorana equation and its simulation in trapped ions

L. Lamata, J. Casanova, I. L. Egusquiza, E. Solano

Abstract

We analyze the Majorana equation in the limit where the particle is at rest. We show that several counterintuitive features, absent in the rest limit of the Dirac equation, do appear. Among them, Dirac-like positive energy solutions that turn into negative energy ones by free evolution, or nonstandard oscillations and interference between real and imaginary spinor components for complex solutions. We also study the ultrarelativistic limit, showing that the Majorana and Dirac equations mutually converge. Furthermore, we propose a physical implementation in trapped ions.

Quantum Simulation of Quantum Field Theories in Trapped Ions

J. Casanova [1], L. Lamata [1], I. L. Egusquiza [2], R. Gerritsma [3,4], C. F. Roos [3,4,5], J. J. Garcia-Ripoll, E. Solano [1,6]

Abstract

We propose the quantum simulation of a fermion and an antifermion field modes interacting via a bosonic field mode, and present a possible implementation with two trapped ions. This quantum platform allows for the scalable add-up of bosonic and fermionic modes, and represents an avenue towards quantum simulations of quantum field theories in perturbative and nonperturbative regimes.

Relativistic quantum mechanics with trapped ions

L. Lamata, J. Casanova, R. Gerritsma, C. F. Roos, J. J. Garcia-Ripoll, E. Solano

Abstract

We consider the quantum simulation of relativistic quantum mechanics, as described by the Dirac equation and classical potentials, in trapped-ion systems. We concentrate on three problems of growing complexity. First, we study the bidimensional relativistic scattering of single Dirac particles by a linear potential. Furthermore, we explore the case of a Dirac particle in a magnetic field and its topological properties. Finally, we analyze the problem of two Dirac particles that are coupled by a controllable and confining potential. The latter interaction may be useful to study important phenomena as the confinement and asymptotic freedom of quarks.

Quantum Simulation of the Majorana Equation and Unphysical Operations

J. Casanova [1,2], C. Sabin, J. Leon, I. L. Egusquiza [3], R. Gerritsma [4,5], C. F. Roos [4,5,2], J. J. Garcia-Ripoll, E. Solano [1,6]

Abstract

A quantum simulator is a device engineered to reproduce the properties of an ideal quantum model. It allows the study of quantum systems that cannot be efficiently simulated on classical computers. While a universal quantum computer is also a quantum simulator, only particular systems have been simulated up to now. Still, there is a wealth of successful cases, such as spin models, quantum chemistry, relativistic quantum physics and quantum phase transitions. Here, we show how to design a quantum simulator for the Majorana equation, a non-Hamiltonian relativistic wave equation that might describe neutrinos and other exotic particles beyond the standard model. The simulation demands the implementation of charge conjugation, an unphysical operation that opens a new front in quantum simulations, including the discrete symmetries associated with complex conjugation and time reversal. Finally, we show how to implement this general method in trapped ions.

Quantum simulation of the Klein paradox with trapped ions

R. Gerritsma [1,2], B. Lanyon, G. Kirchmair [1,2], F. Zähringer, C. Hempel [1,2], J. Casanova [3,5], J. J. García-Ripoll, E. Solano [3,4], R. Blatt [1,2], C. F. Roos [1,2]

Abstract

We report on quantum simulations of relativistic scattering dynamics using trapped ions. The simulated state of a scattering particle is encoded in both the electronic and vibrational state of an ion, representing the discrete and continuous components of relativistic wave functions. Multiple laser fields and an auxiliary ion simulate the dynamics generated by the Dirac equation in the presence of a scattering potential. Measurement and reconstruction of the particle wave packet enables a frame-by-frame visualization of the scattering processes. By precisely engineering a range of external potentials we are able to simulate text book relativistic scattering experiments and study Klein tunneling in an analogue quantum simulator. We describe extensions to solve problems that are beyond current classical computing capabilities.

Klein tunneling and Dirac potentials in trapped ions

J. Casanova [1,2], J. J. Garcia-Ripoll, R. Gerritsma [3,4], C. F. Roos [3,4], E. Solano [1,5]

Abstract

We propose the quantum simulation of the Dirac equation with potentials, allowing the study of relativistic scaterring and the Klein tunneling. This quantum relativistic effect permits a positive-energy Dirac particle to propagate through a repulsive potential via the population transfer to negative-energy components. We show how to engineer scalar, pseudoscalar, and other potentials in the 1+1 Dirac equation by manipulating two trapped ions. The Dirac spinor is represented by the internal states of one ion, while its position and momentum are described by those of a collective motional mode. The second ion is used to build the desired potentials with high spatial resolution.

Realization of a quantum walk with one and two trapped ions

F. Zähringer, G. Kirchmair [1,2], R. Gerritsma [1,2], E. Solano [3,4], R. Blatt [1,2], C. F. Roos [1,2]

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate a quantum walk on a line in phase space using one and two trapped ion. A walk with up to 23 steps is realized by subjecting an ion to state-dependent displacement operations interleaved with quantum coin tossing operations. To analyze the ion's motional state after each step we apply a technique that directly maps the probability density distribution onto the ion's internal state. The measured probability distributions and the position's second moment clearly show the non-classical character of the quantum walk. To further highlight the difference between the classical (random) and the quantum walk, we demonstrate the reversibility of the latter. Finally, we extend the quantum walk by using two ions, giving the walker the additional possibility to stay instead of taking a step.

Quantum simulation of the Dirac equation

R. Gerritsma [1,2], G. Kirchmair [1,2], F. Zähringer, E. Solano [3,4], R. Blatt [1,2], C. F. Roos [1,2]

Abstract

The Dirac equation is a cornerstone in the history of physics, merging successfully quantum mechanics with special relativity, providing a natural description of the electron spin and predicting the existence of anti-matter. Furthermore, it is able to reproduce accurately the spectrum of the hydrogen atom and its realm, relativistic quantum mechanics, is considered as the natural transition to quantum field theory. However, the Dirac equation also predicts some peculiar effects such as Klein's paradox and Zitterbewegung, an unexpected quivering motion of a free relativistic quantum particle first examined by Schrödinger. These and other predictions would be difficult to observe in real particles, while constituting key fundamental examples to understand relativistic quantum effects. Recent years have seen an increased interest in simulations of relativistic quantum effects in different physical setups, where parameter tunability allows accessibility to different physical regimes. Here, we perform a proof-of-principle quantum simulation of the one-dimensional Dirac equation using a single trapped ion, which is set to behave as a free relativistic quantum particle. We measure as a function of time the particle position and study Zitterbewegung for different initial superpositions of positive and negative energy spinor states, as well as the cross-over from relativistic to nonrelativistic dynamics. The high level of control of trapped-ion experimental parameters makes it possible to simulate elegant textbook examples of relativistic quantum physics.

Mesoscopic Shelving Readout of Superconducting Qubits in Circuit QED

B. G. U. Englert, G. Mangano [4,5], M. Mariantoni [1,3], R. Gross [1,3], J. Siewert [5], E. Solano [6]

Abstract

We present a method for measuring the internal state of a superconducting qubit inside an on-chip microwave resonator. We show that one qubit state can be associated with the generation of an increasingly large cavity coherent field, while the other remains associated with the vacuum. By measuring the outgoing resonator field with conventional devices, an efficient single-shot QND-like qubit readout can be achieved, enabling a high-fidelity measurement in the spirit of the electron-shelving technique for trapped ions. We expect that the proposed ideas can be adapted to different superconducting qubit designs and contribute to the further improvement of qubit readout fidelity.

Selective Control of the Symmetric Dicke Subspace in Trapped Ions

C. E. Lopez, J. C. Retamal [1], E. Solano [2,3]

Abstract

We propose a method of manipulating selectively the symmetric Dicke subspace in the internal degrees of freedom of N trapped ions. We show that the direct access to ionic-motional subspaces, based on a suitable tuning of motion-dependent AC Stark shifts, induces a two-level dynamics involving previously selected ionic Dicke states. In this manner, it is possible to produce, sequentially and unitarily, ionic Dicke states with increasing excitation number. Moreover, we propose a probabilistic technique to produce directly any ionic Dicke state assuming suitable initial conditions.

Exact Mapping of the 2+1 Dirac Oscillator onto the Jaynes-Cummings Model: Ion-Trap Experimental Proposal

A. Bermudez [1], M. A. Martin-Delgado [1], E. Solano [2,3]

Abstract

We study the dynamics of the 2+1 Dirac oscillator exactly and find spin oscillations due to a {\it Zitterbewegung} of purely relativistic origin. We find an exact mapping of this quantum-relativistic system onto a Jaynes-Cummings model, describing the interaction of a two-level atom with a quantized single-mode field. This equivalence allows us to map a series of quantum optical phenomena onto the relativistic oscillator, and viceversa. We make a realistic experimental proposal, at reach with current technology, for studying the equivalence of both models using a single trapped ion.

Dirac Equation and Quantum Relativistic Effects in a Single Trapped Ion

L. Lamata [1,2], J. Leon, T. Schaetz, E. Solano [3,4]

Abstract

We present a method of simulating the Dirac equation in 3+1 dimensions for a free spin-1/2 particle in a single trapped ion. The Dirac bispinor is represented by four ionic internal states, and position and momentum of the Dirac particle are associated with the respective ionic variables. We show also how to simulate the simplified 1+1 case, requiring the manipulation of only two internal levels and one motional degree of freedom. Moreover, we study relevant quantum-relativistic effects, like the Zitterbewegung and Klein's paradox, the transition from massless to massive fermions, with the relativistic and nonrelativistic limits, via the tuning of controllable experimental parameters.

Direct measurement of concurrence for atomic two-qubit pure states

G. Romero [1], C. E. Lopez, F. Lastra [1], E. Solano [2,3,1], J. C. Retamal

Abstract

We propose a general scheme to measure the concurrence of an arbitrary two-qubit pure state in atomic systems. The protocol is based on one- and two-qubit operations acting on two available copies of the bipartite system, and followed by a global qubit readout. We show that it is possible to encode the concurrence in the probability of finding all atomic qubits in the ground state. Two possible scenarios are considered: atoms crossing 3D microwave cavities and trapped ion systems.

Effective Quantum Dynamics of Interacting Systems with Inhomogeneous Coupling

C. E. Lopez, H. Christ [2], J. C. Retamal [1], E. Solano [2,3,4]

Abstract

We study the quantum dynamics of a single mode/particle interacting inhomogeneously with a large number of particles and introduce an effective approach to find the accessible Hilbert space where the dynamics takes place. Two relevant examples are given: the inhomogeneous Tavis-Cummings model (e.g., N atomic qubits coupled to a single cavity mode, or to a motional mode in trapped ions) and the inhomogeneous coupling of an electron spin to N nuclear spins in a quantum dot.

Crossover from weak to strong coupling regime in dispersive circuit QED

I. Serban [1,2], E. Solano [1,3,4,2], F. K. Wilhelm

Abstract

We study the decoherence of a superconducting qubit due to the dispersive coupling to a damped harmonic oscillator. We go beyond the weak qubit-oscillator coupling, which we associate with a phase Purcell effect, and enter into a strong coupling regime, with qualitatively different behavior of the dephasing rate. We identify and give a physicaly intuitive discussion of both decoherence mechanisms. Our results can be applied, with small adaptations, to a large variety of other physical systems, e. g. trapped ions and cavity QED, boosting theoretical and experimental decoherence studies.

Noise-Free Measurement of Harmonic Oscillators with Instantaneous Interactions

M. Franca Santos, G. Giedke [2], E. Solano [2,3,4]

Abstract

We present a method of measuring the quantum state of a harmonic oscillator through instantaneous probe-system selective interactions of the Jaynes-Cummings type. We prove that this scheme is robust to general decoherence mechanisms, allowing the possibility of measuring fast-decaying systems in the weak-coupling regime. This method could be applied to different setups: motional states of trapped ions, microwave fields in cavity/circuit QED, and even intra-cavity optical fields.

Tavis-Cummings model and collective multi-qubit entanglement in trapped ions

A. Retzker [1,2], E. Solano [3,4], B. Reznik [5]

Abstract

We present a method of generating collective multi-qubit entanglement via global addressing of an ion chain following the guidelines of the Tavis-Cummings model, where several qubits are coupled to a collective motional mode. We show that a wide family of Dicke states and irradiant states can be generated by single global laser pulses, unitarily or helped with suitable postselection techniques.

Measure of phonon-number moments and motional quadratures through infinitesimal-time probing of trapped ions

T. Bastin, J. von Zanthier, E. Solano

Abstract

A method for gaining information about the phonon-number moments and the generalized nonlinear and linear quadratures in the motion of trapped ions (in particular, position and momentum) is proposed, valid inside and outside the Lamb-Dicke regime. It is based on the measurement of first time derivatives of electronic populations, evaluated at the motion-probe interaction time t=0. In contrast to other state-reconstruction proposals, based on measuring Rabi oscillations or dispersive interactions, the present scheme can be performed resonantly at infinitesimal short motion-probe interaction times, remaining thus insensitive to decoherence processes.

Selective interactions in trapped ions: state reconstruction and quantum logic

E. Solano [1]

Abstract

We propose the implementation of selective interactions of atom-motion subspaces in trapped ions. These interactions yield resonant exchange of population inside a selected subspace, leaving the others in a highly dispersive regime. Selectivity allows us to generate motional Fock (and other nonclassical) states with high purity out of a wide class of initial states, and becomes an unconventional cooling mechanism when the ground state is chosen. Individual population of number states can be distinctively measured, as well as the motional Wigner function. Furthermore, a protocol for implementing quantum logic through a suitable control of selective subspaces is presented.

Fresnel Representation of the Wigner Function: An Operational Approach

P. Lougovski [1,2], E. Solano [1,3], Z. M. Zhang [1,4], H. Walther [1,2], H. Mack [5], W. P. Schleich [5]

Abstract

We present an operational definition of the Wigner function. Our method relies on the Fresnel transform of measured Rabi oscillations and applies to motional states of trapped atoms as well as to field states in cavities. We illustrate this technique using data from recent experiments in ion traps [D. M. Meekhof et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 1796 (1996)] and in cavity QED [B. Varcoe et al., Nature 403, 743 (2000)]. The values of the Wigner functions of the underlying states at the origin of phase space are W(0)=+1.75 for the vibrational ground state and W(0)=-1.4 for the one-photon number state. We generalize this method to wave packets in arbitrary potentials.

Entangled coherent states and squeezing in N trapped ions

E. Solano [1,3], R. L. de Matos Filho [2], N. Zagury [2]

Abstract

We consider a resonant bichromatic excitation of N trapped ions that generates displacement and squeezing in their collective motion conditioned to their ionic internal state, producing eventually Scrhodinger cat states and entangled squeezing. Furthermore, we study the case of tetrachromatic illumination or producing the so called entangled coherent states in two motional normal modes.

Mesoscopic superpositions of vibronic collective states of N trapped ions

E. Solano [1,2], R. L. de Matos Filho [1], N. Zagury [1]

Abstract

We propose a scalable procedure to generate entangled superpositions of motional coherent states and electronic states in N trapped ions. Beyond their fundamental importance, these states may be of interest for quantum information processing and may be used in experimental studies of decoherence.

Manipulating motional states by selective vibronic interaction in two trapped ions

E. Solano [1,2], P. Milman [1], R. L. de Matos Filho [1], N. Zagury [1]

Abstract

We present a selective vibronic interaction for manipulating motional states in two trapped ions, acting resonantly on a previously chosen vibronic subspace and dispersively on all others. This is done respecting technical limitations on ionic laser individual addressing. We discuss the generation of Fock states and entanglement in the ionic collective motional degrees of freedom, among other applications.

Reliable teleportation in trapped ions

E. Solano, C. L. Cesar [1], R. L. de Matos Filho [1], N. Zagury [1]

Abstract

We study a method for the implementation of a reliable teleportation protocol (theoretically, 100% of success) of internal states in trapped ions. The generation of the quantum channel (any of four Bell states) may be done respecting technical limitations on individual addressing and without claiming the Lamb-Dicke regime. An adequate Bell analyzer, that transforms unitarily the Bell basis into a completely disentangled one, is considered. Probable sources of error and fidelity estimations of the teleportation process are studied. Finally, we discuss experimental issues, proposing a scenario in which the present scheme could be implemented.

Deterministic Bell states and measurement of the motional state of two trapped ions

E. Solano [1,2], R. L. de Matos Filho [1], N. Zagury [1]

Abstract

We present a method for the deterministic generation of all the electronic Bell states of two trapped ions. It involves the combination of a purely dispersive with a resonant laser excitation of vibronic transitions of the ions. In contrast to other methods presented up to now, our proposal does not require differential laser addressing of the individual ions and may be easily implemented with present available techniques. It is further shown that this excitation scheme is highly adequate for the complete determination of the motional state of the ions.