Taking a quantum control perspective on quantum algorithms

Alicia B Magann

Alicia B Magann

Yongcheng Ding, Yue Ban, Xi Chen

We propose the combination of digital quantum simulation and variational quantum algorithms as an alternative approach to numerical methods for solving quantum control problems. As a hybrid quantum-classical framework, it provides an efficient simulation of quantum dynamics compared to classical algorithms, exploiting the previous achievements in digital quantum simulation. We analyze the trainability and the performance of such algorithms based on our preliminary works. We show that specific quantum control problems, e.g., finding the switching time for bang-bang control or the digital quantum annealing schedule, can already be studied in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum era. We foresee that these algorithms will contribute even more to quantum control of high precision if the hardware for experimental implementation is developed to the next level.

Yifan Xing, Jun Yong Wu

This paper proposes a new method of controlling quantum systems via probability density function (PDF) control. Based on the quantum model from the PDF perspective, two specific control algorithms are proposed for the general case and limited input energy, respectively. Unlike traditional quantum control methods, this method directly controls the probability distribution of the quantum state. It provides an alternative method for quantum control engineering.

Alicia B Magann, Kenneth Rudinger, Matthew Grace +4 more

Alberto Ibort, Juan Manuel Pérez-Pardo

A new notion of controllability for quantum systems that takes advantage of the linear superposition of quantum states is introduced. We call such notion von Neumann controllabilty and it is shown that it is strictly weaker than the usual notion of pure state and operator controlability. We provide a simple and effective characterization of it by using tools from the theory of unitary representations of Lie groups. In this sense we are able to approach the problem of control of quantum states from a new perspective, that of the theory of unitary representations of Lie groups. A few examples of physical interest and the particular instances of compact and nilpotent dynamical Lie groups are discussed.