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arXiv:1809.02988 · Reviews in Mathematical Physics

Generalized eigenfunctions and scattering matrices for position-dependent quantum walks

Hisashi Morioka

Published Jan 15, 2019• 20 citations
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Abstract

We study the spectral analysis and the scattering theory for time evolution operators of position-dependent quantum walks. Our main purpose of this paper is the construction of generalized eigenfunctions of the time evolution operator. Roughly speaking, the generalized eigenfunctions are not square summable but belong to [Formula: see text]-space on [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we derive a characterization of the set of generalized eigenfunctions in view of the time-harmonic scattering theory. Thus we show that the S-matrix associated with the quantum walk appears in the singularity expansion of generalized eigenfunctions.

DOI
10.1142/s0129055x19500193

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We study the spectral analysis and the scattering theory for time evolution operators of position-dependent quantum walks. Our main purpose of this paper is the construction of generalized eigenfunctions of the time evolution operator. Roughly speaking, the generalized eigenfunctions are not square summable but belong to [Formula: see text]-space on [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we derive a characterization of the set of generalized eigenfunctions in view of the time-harmonic scattering theory. Thus we show that the S-matrix associated with the quantum walk appears in the singularity expansion of generalized eigenfunctions.
We consider the time-independent scattering theory for time evolution operators of one-dimensional two-state quantum walks. The scattering matrix associated with the position-dependent quantum walk naturally appears in the asymptotic behavior at the spatial infinity of generalized eigenfunctions. The asymptotic behavior of generalized eigenfunctions is a consequence of an explicit expression of the Green function associated with the free quantum walk. When the position-dependent quantum walk is a finite rank perturbation of the free quantum walk, we derive a kind of combinatorial construction of the scattering matrix by counting paths of quantum walkers. We also mention some remarks on the tunneling effect.
Mathematical analysis of the spectral properties of the time-evolution operator in quantum walks is essential for understanding key dynamical behaviors such as localization and long-term evolution. The inhomogeneous three-state case, in particular, poses substantial analytical challenges due to its higher internal degrees of freedom and the absence of translational invariance. We develop a general framework for the spectral analysis of three-state quantum walks on the one-dimensional lattice with arbitrary time-evolution operators. Our approach is based on a transfer-matrix formulation that reduces the infinite-dimensional eigenvalue problem to a tractable system of two-dimensional recursions, enabling exact characterization of eigenstates. This framework applies broadly to space-inhomogeneous models, including those with finite defects and two-phase structures. We rigorously derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of point spectrum, along with a complete description of the corresponding eigenvalues and eigenstates, which are known to underlie quantum localization phenomena. Furthermore, we give a complete spectral decomposition—discrete spectrum, flat-band eigenvalues (of infinite multiplicity), and absolutely continuous spectrum—with explicit characterization of each component. Using this method, we perform exact numerical analyses of the Fourier walk with spatial inhomogeneity, revealing the emergence of localization despite its delocalized nature in the homogeneous case. Our results provide mathematical tools and physical insights into the structure of quantum walks, offering a systematic path for identifying and characterizing localized quantum states in complex quantum systems.
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In this paper, resonances are introduced to a class of quantum walks on \mathbb{Z} . Resonances are defined as poles of the meromorphically extended resolvent of the unitary time evolution operator. In particular, they appear inside the unit circle. Some analogous properties to those of quantum resonances for Schrödinger operators are shown. Especially, the resonance expansion, an analogue of the eigenfunction expansion, indicates the long-time behavior of quantum walks. The decaying rate, the asymptotic probability distribution, and the weak limit of the probability density are described by resonances and associated (generalized) resonant states. The generic simplicity of resonances is also investigated.
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