Frederick W. Strauch

Connecting the discrete- and continuous-time quantum walks

Recently, quantized versions of random walks have been explored as effective elements for quantum algorithms. In the simplest case of one dimension, the theory has remained divided into the discrete-time quantum walk and the continuous-time quantum walk. Though the properties of these two walks have shown similarities, it has remained an open problem to find the exact relation between the two. The precise connection of these two processes, both quantally and classically, is presented. Extension to higher dimensions is also discussed.

Quantum logic gates for coupled superconducting phase qubits

Based on a quantum analysis of two capacitively coupled current-biased Josephson junctions, we propose two fundamental two-qubit quantum logic gates. Each of these gates, when supplemented by single-qubit operations, is sufficient for universal quantum computation. Numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation demonstrate that these operations can be performed with good fidelity.

Arbitrary Control of Entanglement between Two Superconducting Resonators

We present a method to synthesize an arbitrary quantum state of two superconducting resonators. This state-synthesis algorithm utilizes a coherent interaction of each resonator with a tunable artificial atom to create entangled quantum superpositions of photon number (Fock) states in the resonators. We theoretically analyze this approach, showing that it can efficiently synthesize NOON states, with large photon numbers, using existing technology.

Relativistic quantum walks

By pursuing the deep relation between the one-dimensional Dirac equation and quantum walks, the physical role of quantum interference in the latter is explained. It is shown that the time evolution of the probability density of a quantum walker, initially localized on a lattice, is directly analogous to relativistic wave-packet spreading. Analytic wave-packet solutions reveal a striking connection between the discrete and continuous-time quantum walks.

Ultraefficient cooling of resonators: beating sideband cooling with quantum control.

The present state of the art in cooling mechanical resonators is a version of sideband cooling. Here we present a method that uses the same configuration as sideband cooling-coupling the resonator to be cooled to a second microwave (or optical) auxiliary resonator-but will cool significantly colder. This is achieved by varying the strength of the coupling between the two resonators over a time on the order of the period of the mechanical resonator. As part of our analysis, we also obtain a method for fast, high-fidelity quantum information transfer between resonators.

Relativistic effects and rigorous limits for discrete- and continuous-time quantum walks

The mathematical relationship between the discrete-time and continuous-time quantum walks and the one-dimensional Dirac equation is explored by studying a class of solutions for each, expressed in terms of the generalized, regular, and modified Bessel functions, respectively. Rigorous limits connecting these solutions are established. In addition, new analytical and numerical results are presented for quantum walks and the Dirac equation, including entanglement, relativistic localization and wave packet spreading, and normal and anomalous Zitterbewegung.

Spectroscopy of three-particle entanglement in a macroscopic superconducting circuit.

We study the quantum mechanical behavior of a macroscopic, three-body, superconducting circuit. Microwave spectroscopy on our system, a resonator coupling two large Josephson junctions, produced complex energy spectra well explained by quantum theory over a large frequency range. By tuning each junction separately into resonance with the resonator, we first observe strong coupling between each junction and the resonator. Bringing both junctions together into resonance with the resonator, we find spectroscopic evidence for entanglement between all 3 degrees of freedom and suggest a new method for controllable coupling of distant qubits, a key step toward quantum computation.

All-resonant control of superconducting resonators.

An all-resonant method is proposed to control the quantum state of superconducting resonators. This approach uses a tunable artificial atom linearly coupled to resonators, and allows for efficient routes to Fock state synthesis, qudit logic operations, and synthesis of NOON states. This resonant approach is theoretically analyzed, and found to perform significantly better than existing proposals using the same technology.

Entangled State Synthesis for Superconducting Resonators

We present a theoretical analysis of methods to synthesize entangled states of two superconducting resonators. These methods use experimentally demonstrated interactions of resonators with artificial atoms and offer efficient routes to generate nonclassical states. We analyze physical implementations, energy level structure, and the effects of decoherence through detailed dynamical simulations.

Spectroscopy of capacitively coupled Josephson-junction qubits

We show that two capacitively coupled Josephson junctions, in the quantum limit, form a simple coupled qubit system with effective coupling controlled by the junction bias currents. We compute numerically the energy levels and wave functions for the system, and show how these may be tuned to make optimal qubits. The dependence of the energy levels on the parameters can be measured spectroscopically, providing an important experimental test for the presence of entangled multiqubit states in Josephson-junction based circuits.