Quantum information transfer between topological and spin qubit systems

We propose a method to coherently transfer quantum information, and to create entanglement, between topological qubits and conventional spin qubits. Our suggestion uses gated control to transfer an electron (spin qubit) between a quantum dot and edge Majorana modes in adjacent topological superconductors. Because of the spin polarization of the Majorana modes, the electron transfer translates spin superposition states into superposition states of the Majorana system, and vice versa. Furthermore, we show how a topological superconductor can be used to facilitate long-distance quantum information transfer and entanglement between spatially separated spin qubits.     

Decoherence in solid-state qubits

The interaction of solid-state qubits with environmental degrees of freedom strongly affects the qubit dynamics, and leads to decoherence. In quantum information processing with solid-state qubits, decoherence significantly limits the performances of such devices. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms that lead to decoherence. In this review, we discuss how decoherence affects two of the most successful realizations of solid-state qubits, namely, spin qubits and superconducting qubits. In the former, the qubit is encoded in the spin 1/2 of the electron, and it is implemented by confining the electron spin in a semiconductor quantum dot. Superconducting devices show quantum behaviour at low temperatures, and the qubit is encoded in the two lowest energy levels of a superconducting circuit. The electron spin in a quantum dot has two main decoherence channels, a (Markovian) phonon-assisted relaxation channel, due to the presence of a spin–orbit interaction, and a (non-Markovian) spin bath constituted by the spins of the nuclei in the quantum dot that interact with the electron spin via the hyperfine interaction. In a superconducting qubit, decoherence takes place as a result of fluctuations in the control parameters, such as bias currents, applied flux and bias voltages, and via losses in the dissipative circuit elements.     

Realization of arbitrary two-qubit quantum gates based on chiral Majorana fermions

Quantum computers are in hot-spot with the potential to handle more complex problems than classical computers can.Realizing the quantum computation requires the universal quantum gate set {T,H,CNOT} so as to perform any unitary transformation with arbitrary accuracy.Here we first briefly review the Majorana fermions and then propose the realization of arbitrary two-qubit quantum gates based on chiral Majorana fermions.Elementary cells consist of a quantum anomalous Hall insulator surrounded by a topological superconductor with electric gates and quantum-dot structures,which enable the braiding operation and the partial exchange operation.After defining a qubit by four chiral Majorana fermions,the singlequbit T and H quantum gates are realized via one partial exchange operation and three braiding operations,respectively.The entangled CNOT quantum gate is performed by braiding six chiral Majorana fermions.Besides,we design a powerful device with which arbitrary two-qubit quantum gates can be realized and take the quantum Fourier transform as an example to show that several quantum operations can be performed with this space-limited device.Thus,our proposal could inspire further utilization of mobile chiral Majorana edge states for faster quantum computation.     

Enhanced quantum state detection efficiency through quantum information processing

We investigate theoretically and experimentally how quantum state-detection efficiency is improved by the use of quantum information processing (QIP). Experimentally, we encode the state of one 9Be(+) ion qubit with one additional ancilla qubit. By measuring both qubits, we reduce the state-detection error in the presence of noise. The deviation from the theoretically allowed reduction is due to infidelities of the QIP operations. Applying this general scheme to more ancilla qubits suggests that error in the individual qubit measurements need not be a limit to scalable quantum computation.     

A Simplified Quantum Logic Network for Unambiguous Discrimination of Two Nonlocal and Unknown Pure Qubit States

Two nonlocal and unknown pure qubit states can, with a certain probability of success, be discriminated unambiguously with the aid of local operations, classical communication, and shared entanglements (LOCCSE). We present a scheme for such kind of nonlocal unambiguous quantum state discrimination. This scheme consists of a nonlocal positive operator valued measurement (POVM). This nonlocal POVM can be realized by performing nonlocal unitary operations on initial system and ancillary qubits, and local von Neumann projective measurements on the ancilla plus initial system. By utilizing the degrees of freedom of the original system Hilbert space, we need far more simpler operations than those required by the original Neumark approach. We construct a quantum logic network to implement the required nonlocal POVM.     

Scalable architecture for coherence-preserving qubits

We propose scalable architectures for the coherence-preserving qubits introduced by Bacon, Brown, and Whaley [Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 247902 (2001)]. These architectures employ extra qubits providing additional degrees of freedom to the system. These extra degrees of freedom can be used to counter coupling strength errors within the coherence-preserving qubit and combat interactions with environmental qubits. Importantly, these architectures provide flexibility in qubit arrangement, allowing all physical qubits to be arranged in two spatial dimensions.     

Coherent state transfer between an electron and nuclear spin in (15)N@C(60)

Electron spin qubits in molecular systems offer high reproducibility and the ability to self-assemble into larger architectures. However, interactions between neighboring qubits are "always on," and although the electron spin coherence times can be several hundred microseconds, these are still much shorter than typical times for nuclear spins. Here we implement an electron-nuclear hybrid scheme which uses coherent transfer between electron and nuclear spin degrees of freedom in order to both effectively turn on or off interqubit coupling mediated by dipolar interactions and benefit from the long nuclear spin decoherence times (T(2n)). We transfer qubit states between the electron and (15)N nuclear spin in (15)N@C(60) with a two-way process fidelity of 88%, using a series of tuned microwave and radio frequency pulses and measure a nuclear spin coherence lifetime of over 100 ms.     

Realization of Arbitrary Positive-Operator-Value Measurement of Single Atomic Qubit via Cavity QED

Positive-operator-value measurement （POVM） is the most general class of quantum measurement. We propose a scheme to deterministically implement arbitrary POVMs of single atomic qubit via cavity QED catalysed by only one ancilla atomic qubit. By appropriately entangling two atomic qubits and sequentially measuring the ancilla qubit, any POVM can be implemented step by step. As an application of our scheme, the realization of a specific POVM for optimal unambiguous discrimination （OUD） between two nonorthogonal states is given.     

Measurement of Spin Singlet-Triplet Qubit in Quantum Dots Using Superconducting Resonator

The spin qubit in quantum dots is one of the leading platforms for quantum computation.A crucial requirement for scalable quantum information processing is the high efficient measurement.Here we analyze the measurement process of a quantum-dot spin qubit coupled to a superconducting transmission line resonator.Especially,the phase shift of the resonator is sensitive to the spin states and the gate operations.The response of the resonator can be used to measure the spin qubit efficiently,which ca...     

Macroscopic tunnel splittings in superconducting phase qubits

Prototype Josephson-junction based qubit coherence times are too short for quantum computing. Recent experiments probing superconducting phase qubits have revealed previously unseen fine splittings in the transition energy spectra. These splittings have been attributed to new microscopic degrees of freedom (microresonators), a previously unknown source of decoherence. We show that macroscopic resonant tunneling in the extremely asymmetric double-well potential of the phase qubit can have observational consequences that are strikingly similar to the observed data.     

Entanglement in the symmetric sector of n qubits

We discuss the entanglement properties of symmetric states of n qubits. The Majorana representation maps a generic such state into a system of n points on a sphere. Entanglement invariants, either under local unitaries (LU) or stochastic local operations and classical communication (SLOCC), can then be addressed in terms of the relative positions of the Majorana points. In the LU case, an overcomplete set of invariants can be built from the inner product of the radial vectors pointing to these points; this is detailed for the well-documented three-qubits case. In the SLOCC case, a cross ratio of related M?bius transformations are shown to play a central role, exemplified here for four qubits. Finally, as a side result, we also analyze the manifold of maximally entangled 3 qubit state, both in the symmetric and generic case.     

Topological quantum memory interfacing atomic and superconducting qubits

We propose a scheme to manipulate a topological spin qubit which is realized with cold atoms in a one-dimensional optical lattice. In particular, by introducing a quantum opto-electro-mechanical interface, we are able to first transfer a superconducting qubit state to an atomic qubit state and then to store it into the topological spin qubit. In this way, an efficient topological quantum memory could be constructed for the superconducting qubit. Therefore, we can consolidate the advantages of both the noise resistance of the topological qubits and the scalability of the superconducting qubits in this hybrid architecture.     

Remote interactions on two distributed quantum systems： nonlocal unambiguous quantum-state discrimination

Remote quantum-state discrimination is a critical step for the implementation of quantum communication network and distributed quantum computation. We present a protocol for remotely implementing the unambiguous discrimination between nonorthogonal states using quantum entanglements, local operations, and classical communications. This protocol consists of a remote generalized measurement described by a positive operator valued measurement （POVM）. We explicitly construct the required remote POVM. The remote POVM can be realized by performing a nonlocal controlled-rotation operation on two spatially separated qubits, one is an ancillary qubit and the other is the qubit which is encoded by two nonorthogonal states to be distinguished, and a conventional local Von Neumann orthogonal measurement on the ancilla. The particular pair of states that can be remotely and unambiguously distinguished is specified by the state of the ancilla. The probability of successful discrimination is not optimal for all admissible pairs. However, for some subset it can be very close to an optimal value in an ordinary local POVM.     

Charge-state conditional operation of a spin qubit

We report coherent operation of a singlet-triplet qubit controlled by the spatial arrangement of two confined electrons in an adjacent double quantum dot that is electrostatically coupled to the qubit. This four-dot system is the specific device geometry needed for two-qubit operations of a two-electron spin qubit. We extract the strength of the capacitive coupling between qubit and adjacent double quantum dot and show that the present geometry allows fast conditional gate operation, opening pathways toward implementation of a universal set of gates for singlet-triplet spin qubits.     

Quantum computing with spin cluster qubits

We study the low energy states of finite spin chains with isotropic (Heisenberg) and anisotropic (XY and Ising-like) antiferromagnetic exchange interaction with uniform and nonuniform coupling constants. We show that for an odd number of sites a spin cluster qubit can be defined in terms of the ground state doublet. This qubit is remarkably insensitive to the placement and coupling anisotropy of spins within the cluster. One- and two-qubit quantum gates can be generated by magnetic fields and intercluster exchange, and leakage during quantum gate operation is small. Spin cluster qubits inherit the long decoherence times and short gate operation times of single spins. Control of single spins is hence not necessary for the realization of universal quantum gates.     

Long-range quantum gates using dipolar crystals

We propose the use of dipolar spin chains to enable long-range quantum logic between distant qubits. In our approach, an effective interaction between remote qubits is achieved by adiabatically following the ground state of the dipolar chain across the paramagnet to crystal phase transition. We demonstrate that the proposed quantum gate is particularly robust against disorder and derive scaling relations, showing that high-fidelity qubit coupling is possible in the presence of realistic imperfections. Possible experimental implementations in systems ranging from ultracold Rydberg atoms to arrays of nitrogen vacancy defect centers in diamond are discussed.     

The remote implementation of all possible generalized quantum measurement on single atomic qubit in a quantum network

To implement generalized quantum measurement (GQM) one has to extend the original Hilbert space. Generally speaking, the additional dimensions of the ancilla space increase as the number of the operators of the GQM n increases. This paper presents a scheme for deterministically implementing all possible n-operator GQMs on a single atomic qubit by using only one 2-dimensional ancillary atomic qubit repeatedly, which remarkably reduces the complexity of the realistic physical system. Here the qubit is encoded in the internal states of an atom trapped in an optical cavity and single-photon pulses are employed to provide the interaction between qubits. It shows that the scheme can be performed remotely, and thus it is suitable for implementing GQM in a quantum network. What is more, the number of the total ancilla dimensions in our scheme achieves the theoretic low bound.     

Composite pulses for quantum computation with trapped electrons

In a scalable quantum computer, based on trapped electrons in vacuum, qubits are encoded in the external (cyclotron motion) and internal (spin) degrees of freedom. We show how to extend the technique of composite pulses to manipulate the cyclotron oscillator without leaving the computational subspace. In particular, we describe and discuss how to implement the explicit pulse sequence which operates the conditional phase shift between the cyclotron and the spin qubits.     

Implementation of positive-operator-value measurements for single spin qubit via Heisenberg model

This paper shows that a proposal for implementing all possible two-operator positive-operator-value measurements of single spin qubit can be obtained via introducing another spin qubit as ancilla. The realization process is accomplished from the free evolution of the Heisenberg XX model by considering nearest-neighbour spin interaction. A controlled-NOT gate, which is a significant operator for this scheme is also constructed and the generalisation to multiple-operator is considered finally.