Optimal Probes for Global Quantum Thermometry

Quantum thermodynamics has emerged as a separate sub-discipline, revising the concepts and laws of thermodynamics, at the quantum scale. In particular, there has been a disruptive shift in the way thermometry, and thermometers are perceived and designed. Currently, we face two major challenges in quantum thermometry. First, all of the existing optimally precise temperature probes are local, meaning their operation is optimal only for a narrow range of temperatures. Second, aforesaid optimal local probes mandate complex energy spectrum with immense degeneracy, rendering them impractical. Here, we address these challenges by formalizing the notion of global thermometry leading to the development of optimal temperature sensors over a wide range of temperatures. We observe the emergence of different phases for such optimal probes as the temperature interval is increased. In addition, we show how the best approximation of optimal global probes can be realized in spin chains, implementable in ion traps and quantum dots.

Classifying global state preparation via deep reinforcement learning

Quantum information processing often requires the preparation of arbitrary quantum states, such as all the states on the Bloch sphere for two-level systems. While numerical optimization can prepare individual target states, they lack the ability to find general solutions that work for a large class of states in more complicated quantum systems. Here, we demonstrate global quantum control by preparing a continuous set of states with deep reinforcement learning. The protocols are represented using neural networks, which automatically groups the protocols into similar types, which could be useful for finding classes of protocols and extracting physical insights. As application, we generate arbitrary superposition states for the electron spin in complex multi-level nitrogen-vacancy centers, revealing classes of protocols characterized by specific preparation timescales. Our method could help improve control of near-term quantum computers, quantum sensing devices and quantum simulations.

Microtoroidal resonators enhance long-distance dynamical entanglement generation in chiral quantum networks

Chiral quantum networks provide a promising route for realising quantum information processing and quantum communication. Here, we describe how two distant quantum nodes of chiral quantum network become dynamically entangled by a photon transfer through a common 1D chiral waveguide. We harness the directional asymmetry in chirally-coupled single-mode ring resonators to generate entangled state between two atoms. We report a concurrence of up to 0.969, a huge improvement over the 0.736 which was suggested and analyzed in great detail in Ref. [1]. This significant enhancement is achieved by introducing microtoroidal resonators which serve as efficient photonic interface between light and matter. Robustness of our protocol to experimental imperfections such as fluctuations in inter-nodal distance, imperfect chirality, various detunings and atomic spontaneous decay is demonstrated. Our proposal can be utilised for long-distance entanglement generation in quantum networks which is a key ingredient for many applications in quantum computing and quantum information processing.

Long-distance dissipation-assisted transport of entangled states via a chiral waveguide

Quantum networks provide a prominent platform for realizing quantum information processing and quantum communication, with entanglement being a key resource in such applications. Here, we describe the dissipative transport protocol for entangled states, where entanglement stored in the first node of quantum network can be transported with high fidelity to the second node via a 1D chiral waveguide. In particular, we exploit the directional asymmetry in chirally-coupled single-mode ring resonators to transport entangled states. For the fully chiral waveguide, Bell states, multipartite $W$-states and and Dicke states can be transported with fidelity as high as $0.954$, despite the fact that the communication channel is noisy. Our proposal can be utilized for long-distance distribution of multipartite entangled states between the quantum nodes of the open quantum network.

Control of spontaneous emission of qubits from weak to strong coupling

Photon emission and absorption by an individual qubit are essential elements for the quantum manipulation of light. Here we demonstrate the controllability of spontaneous emission of a qubit in various electromagnetic environments. The parameter regimes that allow for exible control of the qubit emission routes are comprehensively discussed. By properly tuning the system couplings and decay rates, the spontaneous emission rate of the qubit can undergo Purcell enhancement and inhibition. Particularly, when the cavity is prepared in the excited state, the spontaneous emission rate of the qubit can be significantly suppressed. We also demonstrate a spectral filter effect which can be realised by controlling the steady-state emission spectra of qubits.