No Arabic abstract
We propose a quantum algorithm for inferring the molecular nuclear spin Hamiltonian from time-resolved measurements of spin-spin correlators, which can be obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We focus on learning the anisotropic dipolar term of the Hamiltonian, which generates dynamics that are challenging-to-classically-simulate in some contexts. We demonstrate the ability to directly estimate the Jacobian and Hessian of the corresponding learning problem on a quantum computer, allowing us to learn the Hamiltonian parameters. We develop algorithms for performing this computation on both noisy near-term and future fault-tolerant quantum computers. We argue that the former is promising as an early beyond-classical quantum application since it only requires evolution of a local spin Hamiltonian. We investigate the example of a protein (ubiquitin) confined in a membrane as a benchmark of our method. We isolate small spin clusters, demonstrate the convergence of our learning algorithm on one such example, and then investigate the learnability of these clusters as we cross the ergodic-MBL phase transition by suppressing the dipolar interaction. We see a clear correspondence between a drop in the multifractal dimension measured across many-body eigenstates of these clusters, and a transition in the structure of the Hessian of the learning cost-function (from degenerate to learnable). Our hope is that such quantum computations might enable the interpretation and development of new NMR techniques for analyzing molecular structure.
Liquid crystals offer several advantages as solvents for molecules used for nuclear magnetic resonance quantum computing (NMRQC). The dipolar coupling between nuclear spins manifest in the NMR spectra of molecules oriented by a liquid crystal permits a significant increase in clock frequency, while short spin-lattice relaxation times permit fast recycling of algorithms, and save time in calibration and signal-enhancement experiments. Furthermore, the use of liquid crystal solvents offers scalability in the form of an expanded library of spin-bearing molecules suitable for NMRQC. These ideas are demonstrated with the successful execution of a 2-qubit Grover search using a molecule ($^{13}$C$^{1}$HCl$_3$) oriented in a liquid crystal and a clock speed eight times greater than in an isotropic solvent. Perhaps more importantly, five times as many logic operations can be executed within the coherence time using the liquid crystal solvent.
Nuclear magnetic resonance is a promising experimental approach to search for ultra-light axion-like dark matter. Searches such as the cosmic axion spin-precession experiments (CASPEr) are ultimately limited by quantum-mechanical noise sources, in particular, spin-projection noise. We discuss how such fundamental limits can potentially be reached. We consider a circuit model of a magnetic resonance experiment and quantify three noise sources: spin-projection noise, thermal noise, and amplifier noise. Calculation of the total noise spectrum takes into account the modification of the circuit impedance by the presence of nuclear spins, as well as the circuit back-action on the spin ensemble. Suppression of the circuit back-action is especially important in order for the spin-projection noise limits of searches for axion-like dark matter to reach the quantum chromodynamic axion sensitivity.
An array of planar Penning traps, holding single electrons, can realize an artificial molecule suitable for NMR-like quantum information processing. The effective spin-spin coupling is accomplished by applying a magnetic field gradient, combined to the Coulomb interaction acting between the charged particles. The system lends itself to scalability, since the same substrate can easily accommodate an arbitrary number of traps. Moreover, the coupling strength is tunable and under experimental control. Our theoretical predictions take into account a realistic setting, within the reach of current technology.
Magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is shown to be a promising technique for implementing quantum computing. The theory underlying the principles of quantum computing with nuclear spin systems undergoing MAS is formulated in the framework of formalized quantum Floquet theory. The procedures for realizing state labeling, state transformation and coherence selection in Floquet space are given. It suggests that by this method, the largest number of qubits can easily surpass that achievable with other techniques. Unlike other modalities proposed for quantum computing, this method enables one to adjust the dimension of the working state space, meaning the number of qubits can be readily varied. The universality of quantum computing in Floquet space with solid state NMR is discussed and a demonstrative experimental implementation of Grovers search is given.
The number of steps any classical computer requires in order to find the prime factors of an $l$-digit integer $N$ increases exponentially with $l$, at least using algorithms known at present. Factoring large integers is therefore conjectured to be intractable classically, an observation underlying the security of widely used cryptographic codes. Quantum computers, however, could factor integers in only polynomial time, using Shors quantum factoring algorithm. Although important for the study of quantum computers, experimental demonstration of this algorithm has proved elusive. Here we report an implementation of the simplest instance of Shors algorithm: factorization of ${N=15}$ (whose prime factors are 3 and 5). We use seven spin-1/2 nuclei in a molecule as quantum bits, which can be manipulated with room temperature liquid state nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. This method of using nuclei to store quantum information is in principle scalable to many quantum bit systems, but such scalability is not implied by the present work. The significance of our work lies in the demonstration of experimental and theoretical techniques for precise control and modelling of complex quantum computers. In particular, we present a simple, parameter-free but predictive model of decoherence effects in our system.