Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1502.02301 · Reviews in Mathematical Physics

Spectral stability of unitary network models

Joachim Asch, Olivier Bourget, Alain Joye

Published Aug 1, 2015• 33 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We review various unitary network models used in quantum computing, spectral analysis or condensed matter physics and establish relationships between them. We show that symmetric one-dimensional quantum walks are universal, as are CMV matrices. We prove spectral stability and propagation properties for general asymptotically uniform models by means of unitary Mourre theory.

DOI
10.1142/s0129055x15300046

Related papers

3 Spectral Properties of Quantum Walks on Rooted Binary Trees

Alain Joye, Laurent Marin

We define coined Quantum Walks on the infinite rooted binary tree given by unitary operators $U(C)$ on an associated infinite dimensional Hilbert space, depending on a unitary coin matrix $C\in U(3)$, and study their spectral properties. For circulant unitary coin matrices $C$, we derive an equation for the Carathéodory function associated to the spectral measure of a cyclic vector for $U(C)$. This allows us to show that for all circulant unitary coin matrices, the spectrum of the Quantum Walk has no singular continuous component. Furthermore, for coin matrices $C$ which are orthogonal circulant matrices, we show that the spectrum of the Quantum Walk is absolutely continuous, except for four coin matrices for which the spectrum of $U(C)$ is pure point.

•Jan 1, 2014•6 citations

Spectral Transitions and Singular Continuous Spectrum in A New Family of Quasi-periodic Quantum Walks

Xinyu Yang, Long Li, Qi Zhou

This paper introduces and rigorously analyzes a new class of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks whose dynamics are governed by a parametrized family of extended CMV matrices. The model generalizes the unitary almost Mathieu operator (UAMO) and exhibits a richer spectral phase diagram, closely resembling the extended Harper's model. It provides the first example of a solvable quasi-periodic quantum walk that exhibits a stable region of purely singular continuous spectrum.

quant-pharXiv:2601.20081•Jan 29, 2026

Limit distribution of a quantum walk driven by a CMV matrix

Takuya Machida

Quantum walks with CMV matrices, five-diagonal unitary matrices, started to be studied in 2003 [1]. The spectral analysis for CMV matrices told us that the quantum walks could localize in distribution depending on the Verblunsky parameters of the matrices. In this paper, we work on a quantum walk whose system is manipulated by a CMV matrix with homogeneous Vervlunsky parameters, and present long-time limit distributions. One can understand from the theory that the quantum walk does not localize and how it approximately distributes after the long-time evolution has been executed on the walk.

•Mar 17, 2019•0 citations

Decoherence in quantum walks – a review

Viv M. Kendon

The development of quantum walks in the context of quantum computation, as generalisations of random walk techniques, has led rapidly to several new quantum algorithms. These all follow a unitary quantum evolution, apart from the final measurement. Since logical qubits in a quantum computer must be protected from decoherence by error correction, there is no need to consider decoherence at the level of algorithms. Nonetheless, enlarging the range of quantum dynamics to include non-unitary evolution provides a wider range of possibilities for tuning the properties of quantum walks. For example, small amounts of decoherence in a quantum walk on the line can produce more uniform spreading (a top-hat distribution), without losing the quantum speed up. This paper reviews the work on decoherence, and more generally on non-unitary evolution, in quantum walks and suggests what future questions might prove interesting to pursue in this area.

arXiv:quant-ph/0606016•Mathematical Structures in Computer Science•Nov 23, 2007•252 citations

Unitary and open scattering quantum walks on graphs

Alain Joye

In this paper, we consider a class of Unitary Quantum Walks on arbitrary graphs, parameterized by a family of scattering matrices. These Scattering Quantum Walks model the discrete dynamics of a system on the graph’s edges, where a scattering process at the vertices is governed by the scattering matrices assigned to each vertex. We show the Scattering Quantum Walks encompass several known Quantum Walks. We further introduce two classes of Scattering Open Quantum Walks on arbitrary graphs, also parameterized by scattering matrices: one defined on the edges, the other on the vertices of the graph. We show these walks give rise to proper quantum channels and describe their main spectral and dynamical properties, relating them to naturally associated classical Markov chains.

arXiv:2409.08428•Reviews in Mathematical Physics•Apr 17, 2026•0 citations

Quantum graph models of quantum chaos: an introduction and some recent applications

Gregory Berkolaiko, Sven Gnutzmann

Quantum graphs are a paradigmatic model for quantum chaos as well as for spectral theory. We give a concise didactical introduction to quantum graphs, or Schrödinger Hamiltonians on metric graphs, with a focus on results related to quantum chaos, periodic orbit theory and spectral theory. We summarise related seminal results, and give an overview over a few more recent developments.

quant-pharXiv:2604.12690•Apr 15, 2026
We review various unitary network models used in quantum computing, spectral analysis or condensed matter physics and establish relationships between them. We show that symmetric one-dimensional quantum walks are universal, as are CMV matrices. We prove spectral stability and propagation properties for general asymptotically uniform models by means of unitary Mourre theory.
We define coined Quantum Walks on the infinite rooted binary tree given by unitary operators U(C)U(C)U(C) on an associated infinite dimensional Hilbert space, depending on a unitary coin matrix C∈U(3)C\in U(3)C∈U(3), and study their spectral properties. For circulant unitary coin matrices CCC, we derive an equation for the Carathéodory function associated to the spectral measure of a cyclic vector for U(C)U(C)U(C). This allows us to show that for all circulant unitary coin matrices, the spectrum of the Quantum Walk has no singular continuous component. Furthermore, for coin matrices CCC which are orthogonal circulant matrices, we show that the spectrum of the Quantum Walk is absolutely continuous, except for four coin matrices for which the spectrum of U(C)U(C)U(C) is pure point.
Quantum walks with CMV matrices, five-diagonal unitary matrices, started to be studied in 2003 [1]. The spectral analysis for CMV matrices told us that the quantum walks could localize in distribution depending on the Verblunsky parameters of the matrices. In this paper, we work on a quantum walk whose system is manipulated by a CMV matrix with homogeneous Vervlunsky parameters, and present long-time limit distributions. One can understand from the theory that the quantum walk does not localize and how it approximately distributes after the long-time evolution has been executed on the walk.
The development of quantum walks in the context of quantum computation, as generalisations of random walk techniques, has led rapidly to several new quantum algorithms. These all follow a unitary quantum evolution, apart from the final measurement. Since logical qubits in a quantum computer must be protected from decoherence by error correction, there is no need to consider decoherence at the level of algorithms. Nonetheless, enlarging the range of quantum dynamics to include non-unitary evolution provides a wider range of possibilities for tuning the properties of quantum walks. For example, small amounts of decoherence in a quantum walk on the line can produce more uniform spreading (a top-hat distribution), without losing the quantum speed up. This paper reviews the work on decoherence, and more generally on non-unitary evolution, in quantum walks and suggests what future questions might prove interesting to pursue in this area.
In this paper, we consider a class of Unitary Quantum Walks on arbitrary graphs, parameterized by a family of scattering matrices. These Scattering Quantum Walks model the discrete dynamics of a system on the graph’s edges, where a scattering process at the vertices is governed by the scattering matrices assigned to each vertex. We show the Scattering Quantum Walks encompass several known Quantum Walks. We further introduce two classes of Scattering Open Quantum Walks on arbitrary graphs, also parameterized by scattering matrices: one defined on the edges, the other on the vertices of the graph. We show these walks give rise to proper quantum channels and describe their main spectral and dynamical properties, relating them to naturally associated classical Markov chains.