Creating cat states in one-dimensional quantum walks using delocalized initial states. (14th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Wei-Wei; Goyal, Sandeep K; Gao, Fei; Sanders, Barry C; Simon, Christoph
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 18:Number 9(2016:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2016-09-14
• Subjects: cat states -- quantum walks -- implementation scheme; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/18/9/093025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: Cat states are coherent quantum superpositions of macroscopically distinct states and are useful for understanding the boundary between the classical and the quantum world. Due to their macroscopic nature, cat states are difficult to prepare in physical systems. We propose a method to create cat states in one-dimensional quantum walks using delocalized initial states of the walker. Since the quantum walks can be performed on any quantum system, our proposal enables a platform-independent realization of the cat states. We further show that the linear dispersion relation of the effective quantum walk Hamiltonian, which governs the dynamics of the delocalized states, is responsible for the formation of the cat states. We analyze the robustness of these states against environmental interactions and present methods to control and manipulate the cat states in the photonic implementation of quantum walks.