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:1907.05165 · Physical Review A

Relationship between subjecting the qubit to dynamical decoupling and to a sequence of projective measurements

Fattah Sakuldee, Łukasz Cywiński

Published Apr 23, 2020• 14 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We consider a qubit coupled to another system (its environment) and discuss the relationship between the effects of subjecting the qubit to either a dynamical decoupling sequence of unitary operations or a sequence of projective measurements. We give a formal statement concerning the equivalence of a sequence of coherent operations on a qubit, precisely operations from a minimal set ${{\mathbb{1}}_{Q},{\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{x}}$, and a sequence of projective measurements of observable ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{x}$. Using it we show that when the qubit is subjected to $n$ such successive projective measurements at certain times, the expectation value of the last measurement can be expressed as a linear combination of expectation values of ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{x}$ observed after subjecting the qubit to dynamical decoupling sequences of $\ensuremath{\pi}$ pulses, with $k\ensuremath{\le}n$ of them applied at subsets of these times. Performing a sequence of measurements on the qubit gives then access to the same properties of the environment and qubit-environment coupling that are affecting the coherence observed in a dynamical decoupling experiment. Analyzing the latter has been widely used to characterize the environmental dynamics (perform so-called noise spectroscopy), so our result shows how the results obtained with dynamical-decoupling-based protocols are related to those that can be obtained just by performing multiple measurements on the qubit. We also discuss in more detail the application of the general result to the case of the qubit undergoing pure dephasing and outline possible extensions to higher-dimensional systems (a qudit or multiple qubits).

DOI
10.1103/physreva.101.042329

Related papers

Spectroscopy of classical environmental noise with a qubit subjected to projective measurements

Fattah Sakuldee, Łukasz Cywiński

We show theoretically how a correlation of multiple measurements on a qubit undergoing pure dephasing can be expressed as environmental noise filtering. The measurement of such correlations can be used for environmental noise spectroscopy, and the family of noise filters achievable in such a setting is broader than the one achievable with a standard approach, in which dynamical decoupling sequences are used. We illustrate the advantages of this approach by considering the case of a noise spectrum with sharp features at very low frequencies. We also show how appropriately chosen correlations of a few measurements can detect the non-Gaussian character of certain environmental noises, particularly the noise affecting the qubit at the so-called optimal working point.

arXiv:1907.01784•Physical Review A•Jan 13, 2020•14 citations

The dynamical-decoupling-based spatiotemporal noise spectroscopy

Jan A. Krzywda, Piotr Szańkowski, Łukasz Cywiński

Here we demonstrate how the standard, temporal-only, dynamical-decoupling-based noise spectroscopy method can be extended to also encompass the spatial degree of freedom. This spatiotemporal spectroscopy utilizes a system of multiple qubits arranged in a line that are undergoing pure dephasing due to environmental noise. When the qubits are driven by appropriately coordinated sequences of π pulses the multi-qubit register becomes decoupled from all components of the noise, except for those characterized by frequencies and wavelengths specified by the pulse sequences. This allows for employment of the procedure for reconstruction of the two-dimensional spectral density that quantifies the power distribution among spatial and temporal harmonic components of the noise.

arXiv:1809.02972•New Journal of Physics•Mar 6, 2019•26 citations

Environmental noise spectroscopy with qubits subjected to dynamical decoupling

Piotr Szańkowski, G Ramon, Jan A. Krzywda +2 more

A qubit subjected to pure dephasing due to classical Gaussian noise can be turned into a spectrometer of this noise by utilizing its readout under properly chosen dynamical decoupling (DD) sequences to reconstruct the power spectral density of the noise. We review the theory behind this DD-based noise spectroscopy technique, paying special attention to issues that arise when the environmental noise is non-Gaussian and/or it has truly quantum properties. While we focus on the theoretical basis of the method, we connect the discussed concepts with specific experiments, and provide an overview of environmental noise models relevant for solid-state based qubits, including quantum-dot based spin qubits, superconducting qubits, and NV centers in diamond.

arXiv:1705.02262•Journal of Physics Condensed Matter•Jun 1, 2017•129 citations

Dynamical-decoupling noise spectroscopy at an optimal working point of a qubit

Łukasz Cywiński

I present a theory of environmental noise spectroscopy via dynamical decoupling of a qubit at an optimal working point. Considering a sequence of $n$ pulses and pure dephasing due to quadratic coupling to Gaussian distributed noise $\ensuremath{\xi}(t)$, I use the linked-cluster (cumulant) expansion to calculate the coherence decay. Solutions allowing for reconstruction of spectral density of noise are given. For noise with correlation time shorter than the time scale on which coherence decays, the noise filtered by the dynamical decoupling procedure can be treated as effectively Gaussian at large $n$, and well-established methods of noise spectroscopy can be used to reconstruct the spectrum of ${\ensuremath{\xi}}^{2}(t)$ noise. On the other hand, for noise of dominant low-frequency character $(1/{f}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ noise with $\ensuremath{\beta}>1)$, an infinite-order resummation of the cumulant expansion is necessary, and it leads to an analytical formula for coherence decay having a power-law tail at long times. In this case, the coherence at time $t$ depends both on spectral density of $\ensuremath{\xi}(t)$ noise at $\ensuremath{\omega}=n\ensuremath{\pi}/t$, and on the effective low-frequency cutoff of the noise spectrum, which is typically given by the inverse of the data acquisition time. Simulations of decoherence due to purely transverse noise show that the analytical formulas derived in this paper apply in this often encountered case of an optimal working point, provided that the number of pulses is not very large, and that the longitudinal qubit splitting is much larger than the transverse noise amplitude.

arXiv:1308.3102•Physical Review A•Oct 6, 2014•60 citations

Preserving qubit coherence by dynamical decoupling

Wen Yang, Zhen-Yu Wang, Ren-Bao Liu

In quantum information processing, it is vital to protect the coherence of qubits in noisy environments. Dynamical decoupling (DD), which applies a sequence of flips on qubits and averages the qubit-environment coupling to zero, is a promising strategy compatible with other desired functionalities, such as quantum gates. Here, we review the recent progresses in theories of dynamical decoupling and experimental demonstrations. We give both semiclassical and quantum descriptions of the qubit decoherence due to coupling to noisy environments. Based on the quantum picture, a geometrical interpretation of DD is presented. The periodic Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill DD and the concatenated DD are reviewed, followed by a detailed exploration of the recently developed Uhrig DD, which employs the least number of pulses in an unequally spaced sequence to suppress the qubit-environment coupling to a given order of the evolution time. Some new developments and perspectives are also discussed.

arXiv:1007.0623•Frontiers of Physics•Sep 21, 2010•140 citations

Qubit decoherence under two-axis coupling to low-frequency noises

Guy Ramon, Łukasz Cywiński

Many solid-state qubit systems are afflicted by low-frequency noise mechanisms that operate along two perpendicular axes of the Bloch sphere. Depending on the qubit control fields, either noise can be longitudinal or transverse to the quantization axis of the qubit, thus affecting its dynamics in distinct ways, generally contributing to decoherence that goes beyond pure dephasing. Here, we present a theory that provides a unified platform to study dynamics of a qubit subjected to two perpendicular low-frequency noises (assumed to be Gaussian and uncorrelated) under dynamical decoupling pulse sequences. The theory is demonstrated by the commonly encountered case of power law noise spectra, where approximate analytical results can be obtained.

arXiv:2112.03438•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Jan 31, 2022•5 citations
We consider a qubit coupled to another system (its environment) and discuss the relationship between the effects of subjecting the qubit to either a dynamical decoupling sequence of unitary operations or a sequence of projective measurements. We give a formal statement concerning the equivalence of a sequence of coherent operations on a qubit, precisely operations from a minimal set 1Q,\ensuremathσ\ifmmode^\elseˆ\fix{{\mathbb{1}}_{Q},{\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{x}}1Q​,\ensuremathσ\ifmmode^\elseˆ\fi​x​, and a sequence of projective measurements of observable \ensuremathσ\ifmmode^\elseˆ\fix{\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{x}\ensuremathσ\ifmmode^\elseˆ\fi​x​. Using it we show that when the qubit is subjected to nnn such successive projective measurements at certain times, the expectation value of the last measurement can be expressed as a linear combination of expectation values of \ensuremathσ\ifmmode^\elseˆ\fix{\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{x}\ensuremathσ\ifmmode^\elseˆ\fi​x​ observed after subjecting the qubit to dynamical decoupling sequences of \ensuremathπ\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremathπ pulses, with k\ensuremath≤nk\ensuremath{\le}nk\ensuremath≤n of them applied at subsets of these times. Performing a sequence of measurements on the qubit gives then access to the same properties of the environment and qubit-environment coupling that are affecting the coherence observed in a dynamical decoupling experiment. Analyzing the latter has been widely used to characterize the environmental dynamics (perform so-called noise spectroscopy), so our result shows how the results obtained with dynamical-decoupling-based protocols are related to those that can be obtained just by performing multiple measurements on the qubit. We also discuss in more detail the application of the general result to the case of the qubit undergoing pure dephasing and outline possible extensions to higher-dimensional systems (a qudit or multiple qubits).
We show theoretically how a correlation of multiple measurements on a qubit undergoing pure dephasing can be expressed as environmental noise filtering. The measurement of such correlations can be used for environmental noise spectroscopy, and the family of noise filters achievable in such a setting is broader than the one achievable with a standard approach, in which dynamical decoupling sequences are used. We illustrate the advantages of this approach by considering the case of a noise spectrum with sharp features at very low frequencies. We also show how appropriately chosen correlations of a few measurements can detect the non-Gaussian character of certain environmental noises, particularly the noise affecting the qubit at the so-called optimal working point.
Here we demonstrate how the standard, temporal-only, dynamical-decoupling-based noise spectroscopy method can be extended to also encompass the spatial degree of freedom. This spatiotemporal spectroscopy utilizes a system of multiple qubits arranged in a line that are undergoing pure dephasing due to environmental noise. When the qubits are driven by appropriately coordinated sequences of π pulses the multi-qubit register becomes decoupled from all components of the noise, except for those characterized by frequencies and wavelengths specified by the pulse sequences. This allows for employment of the procedure for reconstruction of the two-dimensional spectral density that quantifies the power distribution among spatial and temporal harmonic components of the noise.
A qubit subjected to pure dephasing due to classical Gaussian noise can be turned into a spectrometer of this noise by utilizing its readout under properly chosen dynamical decoupling (DD) sequences to reconstruct the power spectral density of the noise. We review the theory behind this DD-based noise spectroscopy technique, paying special attention to issues that arise when the environmental noise is non-Gaussian and/or it has truly quantum properties. While we focus on the theoretical basis of the method, we connect the discussed concepts with specific experiments, and provide an overview of environmental noise models relevant for solid-state based qubits, including quantum-dot based spin qubits, superconducting qubits, and NV centers in diamond.
I present a theory of environmental noise spectroscopy via dynamical decoupling of a qubit at an optimal working point. Considering a sequence of nnn pulses and pure dephasing due to quadratic coupling to Gaussian distributed noise $\ensuremath{\xi}(t)$, I use the linked-cluster (cumulant) expansion to calculate the coherence decay. Solutions allowing for reconstruction of spectral density of noise are given. For noise with correlation time shorter than the time scale on which coherence decays, the noise filtered by the dynamical decoupling procedure can be treated as effectively Gaussian at large nnn, and well-established methods of noise spectroscopy can be used to reconstruct the spectrum of ${\ensuremath{\xi}}^{2}(t)$ noise. On the other hand, for noise of dominant low-frequency character $(1/{f}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ noise with $\ensuremath{\beta}>1)$, an infinite-order resummation of the cumulant expansion is necessary, and it leads to an analytical formula for coherence decay having a power-law tail at long times. In this case, the coherence at time ttt depends both on spectral density of $\ensuremath{\xi}(t)$ noise at $\ensuremath{\omega}=n\ensuremath{\pi}/t$, and on the effective low-frequency cutoff of the noise spectrum, which is typically given by the inverse of the data acquisition time. Simulations of decoherence due to purely transverse noise show that the analytical formulas derived in this paper apply in this often encountered case of an optimal working point, provided that the number of pulses is not very large, and that the longitudinal qubit splitting is much larger than the transverse noise amplitude.
In quantum information processing, it is vital to protect the coherence of qubits in noisy environments. Dynamical decoupling (DD), which applies a sequence of flips on qubits and averages the qubit-environment coupling to zero, is a promising strategy compatible with other desired functionalities, such as quantum gates. Here, we review the recent progresses in theories of dynamical decoupling and experimental demonstrations. We give both semiclassical and quantum descriptions of the qubit decoherence due to coupling to noisy environments. Based on the quantum picture, a geometrical interpretation of DD is presented. The periodic Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill DD and the concatenated DD are reviewed, followed by a detailed exploration of the recently developed Uhrig DD, which employs the least number of pulses in an unequally spaced sequence to suppress the qubit-environment coupling to a given order of the evolution time. Some new developments and perspectives are also discussed.
Many solid-state qubit systems are afflicted by low-frequency noise mechanisms that operate along two perpendicular axes of the Bloch sphere. Depending on the qubit control fields, either noise can be longitudinal or transverse to the quantization axis of the qubit, thus affecting its dynamics in distinct ways, generally contributing to decoherence that goes beyond pure dephasing. Here, we present a theory that provides a unified platform to study dynamics of a qubit subjected to two perpendicular low-frequency noises (assumed to be Gaussian and uncorrelated) under dynamical decoupling pulse sequences. The theory is demonstrated by the commonly encountered case of power law noise spectra, where approximate analytical results can be obtained.