Publications Denis VASILYEV

2023

Preprint

• C. R. Kaubrügger, Athreya Shankar, D. Vasilyev, Peter Zoller Optimal and Variational Multi-Parameter Quantum Metrology and Vector Field Sensing, (2023-02-15), arXiv:2302.07785 arXiv:2302.07785 (ID: 721056) Toggle Abstract
  We study multi-parameter sensing of 2D and 3D vector fields within the Bayesian framework for SU(2) quantum interferometry. We establish a method to determine the optimal quantum sensor, which establishes the fundamental limit on the precision of simultaneously estimating multiple parameters with an N-atom sensor. Keeping current experimental platforms in mind, we present sensors that have limited entanglement capabilities, and yet, significantly outperform sensors that operate without entanglement and approach the optimal quantum sensor in terms of performance. Furthermore, we show how these sensors can be implemented on current programmable quantum sensors with variational quantum circuits by minimizing a metrological cost function. The resulting circuits prepare tailored entangled states and perform measurements in an appropriate entangled basis to realize the best possible quantum sensor given the native entangling resources available on a given sensor platform. Notable examples include a 2D and 3D quantum ``compass'' and a 2D sensor that provides a scalable improvement over unentangled sensors. Our results on optimal and variational multi-parameter quantum metrology are useful for advancing precision measurements in fundamental science and ensuring the stability of quantum computers, which can be achieved through the incorporation of optimal quantum sensors in a quantum feedback loop.

2022

Article

• C. Marciniak, T. Feldker, I. Pogorelov, C. R. Kaubrügger, D. Vasilyev, R. van Bijnen, P. Schindler, P. Zoller, R. Blatt, T. Monz Optimal metrology with variational quantum circuits on trapped ions, Nature 603 604 (2022-03-23), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04435-4 doi:10.1038/s41586-022-04435-4 (ID: 720667) Toggle Abstract
  Cold atoms and ions exhibit unparalleled performance in frequency metrology epitomized in the atomic clock. More recently, such atomic systems have been used to implement programmable quantum computers and simulators with highest reported operational fidelities across platforms. Their strength in metrology and quantum information processing offers the opportunity to utilize tailored, programmable entanglement generation to approach the `optimal quantum sensor' compatible with quantum mechanics. Here we report quantum enhancement in metrology beyond squeezing through low-depth, variational quantum circuits searching for optimal input states and measurement operators in a trapped ion platform. We perform entanglement-enhanced Ramsey interferometry finding optimal parameters for variational quantum circuits using a Bayesian approach to stochastic phase estimation tailored to the sensor platform capabilities and finite dynamic range of the interferometer. We verify the performance by both directly using theory predictions of optimal parameters, and performing online quantum-classical feedback optimization to `self-calibrate' the variational parameters. In both cases we find that variational circuits outperform classical and direct spin squeezing strategies under realistic noise and imperfections. With 26 ions we achieve 2.02(8) dB of metrological gain over classical interferometers.

2021

Articles

• C. R. Kaubrügger, D. Vasilyev, T. Schulte, K. Hammerer, P. Zoller Quantum Variational Optimization of Ramsey Interferometry and Atomic Clocks, Phys. Rev. X 11 41045 (2021-12-06), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevX.11.041045 doi:10.1103/PhysRevX.11.041045 (ID: 720629) Toggle Abstract
  We discuss quantum variational optimization of Ramsey interferometry with ensembles of N entangled atoms, and its application to atomic clocks based on a Bayesian approach to phase estimation. We identify best input states and generalized measurements within a variational approximation for the corresponding entangling and decoding quantum circuits. These circuits are built from basic quantum operations available for the particular sensor platform, such as one-axis twisting, or finite range interactions. Optimization is defined relative to a cost function, which in the present study is the Bayesian mean square error of the estimated phase for a given prior distribution, i.e. we optimize for a finite dynamic range of the interferometer. In analogous variational optimizations of optical atomic clocks, we use the Allan deviation for a given Ramsey interrogation time as the relevant cost function for the long-term instability. Remarkably, even low-depth quantum circuits yield excellent results that closely approach the fundamental quantum limits for optimal Ramsey interferometry and atomic clocks. The quantum metrological schemes identified here are readily applicable to atomic clocks based on optical lattices, tweezer arrays, or trapped ions.
• V. Kuzmin, D. Vasilyev Diagrammatic technique for simulation of large-scale quantum repeater networks with dissipating quantum memories, 103 32618 (2021-03-30), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.032618 doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.103.032618 (ID: 720536) Toggle Abstract
  We present a detailed description of the diagrammatic technique, recently devised in [V. V. Kuzmin this http URL., npj Quantum Information 5, 115 (2019)], for semi-analytical description of large-scale quantum-repeater networks. The technique takes into account all essential experimental imperfections, including dissipative Liouville dynamics of the network quantum memories and the classical communication delays. The results obtained with the semi-analytic method match the exact Monte Carlo simulations while the required computational resources scale only linearly with the network size. The presented approach opens new possibilities for the development and efficient optimization of future quantum networks.

2020

Articles

• D. Vasilyev, A. Grankin, M. Baranov, L. Sieberer, P. Zoller Monitoring Quantum Simulators via Quantum Non-Demolition Couplings to Atomic Clock Qubits, PRX Quantum 1 (2020-10-09), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PRXQuantum.1.020302 doi:10.1103/PRXQuantum.1.020302 (ID: 720493) Toggle Abstract
  We discuss monitoring the time evolution of an analog quantum simulator via a quantum non-demolition (QND) coupling to an auxiliary `clock' qubit. The QND variable of interest is the `energy' of the quantum many-body system, represented by the Hamiltonian of the quantum simulator. We describe a physical implementation of the underlying QND Hamiltonian for Rydberg atoms trapped in tweezer arrays using laser dressing schemes for a broad class of spin models. As an application, we discuss a quantum protocol for measuring the spectral form factor of quantum many-body systems, where the aim is to identify signatures of ergodic vs. non-ergodic dynamics, which we illustrate for disordered 1D Heisenberg and Floquet spin models on Rydberg platforms. Our results also provide the physical ingredients for running quantum phase estimation protocols for measurement of energies, and preparation of energy eigenstates for a specified spectral resolution on an analog quantum simulator.
• D. Yang, A. Grankin, L. Sieberer, D. Vasilyev, P. Zoller Quantum Non-demolition Measurement of a Many-Body Hamiltonian, Nat. Commun. 11 (2020-02-07), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14489-5 doi:10.1038/s41467-020-14489-5 (ID: 720277) Toggle Abstract
  An ideal quantum measurement collapses the wave function of a quantum system to an eigenstate of the measured observable, with the corresponding eigenvalue determining the measurement outcome. For a quantum non-demolition (QND) observable, i.e., one that commutes with the Hamiltonian generating the system's time evolution, repeated measurements yield the same result, corresponding to measurements with minimal disturbance. This concept applies universally to single quantum particles as well as to complex many-body systems. However, while QND measurements of systems with few degrees of freedom has been achieved in seminal quantum optics experiments, it is an open challenge to devise QND measurement of a complex many-body observable. Here, we describe how a QND measurement of the Hamiltonian of an interacting many-body system can be implemented in a trapped-ion analog quantum simulator. Through a single shot measurement, the many-body system is prepared in a narrow energy band of (highly excited) energy eigenstates, and potentially even a single eigenstate. Our QND scheme, which can be carried over to other platforms of quantum simulation, provides a novel framework to investigate experimentally fundamental aspects of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics including the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) and quantum fluctuation relations.

2019

Articles

• V. Kuzmin, D. Vasilyev, N. Sangouard, W. Dür, C. A. Muschik Scalable repeater architectures for multi-party states, npj Quantum Information 5 (2019-12-20), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41534-019-0230-3 doi:10.1038/s41534-019-0230-3 (ID: 720293) Toggle Abstract
  The vision to develop quantum networks entails multi-user applications, which require the generation of long-distance multi-party entangled states. The current rapid experimental progress in building prototype-networks calls for new design concepts to guide future developments. Here we describe an experimentally feasible scheme implementing a two-dimensional repeater network for robust distribution of three-party entangled states of GHZ type in the presence of excitation losses and detector dark counts --- the main sources of errors in real-world hardware. Our approach is based on atomic or solid state ensembles and employs built-in error filtering mechanisms peculiar to intrinsically two-dimensional networks. This allows us to overcome the performance limitation of conventional one-dimensional ensemble-based networks distributing multi-party entangled states and provides an efficient design for future experiments with a clear perspective in terms of scalability.
• V. Kuzmin, D. Vasilyev, N. Sangouard, W. Dür, C. A. Muschik Scalable repeater architectures for multi-party states, npj Quantum Information 5 (2019-12-20), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41534-019-0230-3 doi:10.1038/s41534-019-0230-3 (ID: 720495) Toggle Abstract
  The vision to develop quantum networks entails multi-user applications, which require the generation of long-distance multi-party entangled states. The current rapid experimental progress in building prototype-networks calls for new design concepts to guide future developments. Here we describe an experimentally feasible scheme implementing a two-dimensional repeater network for robust distribution of three-party entangled states of GHZ type in the presence of excitation losses and detector dark counts — the main sources of errors in real-world hardware. Our approach is based on atomic or solid state ensembles and employs built-in error filtering mechanisms peculiar to intrinsically two-dimensional networks. This allows us to overcome the performance limitation of conventional one-dimensional ensemble-based networks distributing multi-party entangled states and provides an efficient design for future experiments with a clear perspective in terms of scalability.
• P. Guimond, A. Grankin, D. Vasilyev, B. Vermersch, P. Zoller Subradiant Bell States in Distant Atomic Arrays, Phys. Rev. Lett. 122 93601 (2019-03-05), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.093601 doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.093601 (ID: 720126) Toggle Abstract
  We study collective “free-space” radiation properties of two distant single-layer arrays of quantum emitters as two-level atoms. We show that this system can support a long-lived Bell superposition state of atomic excitations exhibiting strong subradiance, which corresponds to a nonlocal excitation of the two arrays. We describe the preparation of these states and their application in quantum information as a resource of nonlocal entanglement, including deterministic quantum state transfer with high fidelity between the arrays representing quantum memories. We discuss experimental realizations using cold atoms in optical trap arrays with subwavelength spacing, and analyze the role of imperfections.

2018

Articles

• A. Grankin, D. Vasilyev, P. Guimond, B. Vermersch, P. Zoller Free-space photonic quantum link and chiral quantum optics, Phys. Rev. A 98 3825 (2018-10-12), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.98.043825 doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.98.043825 (ID: 719980) Toggle Abstract
  We present the design of a chiral photonic quantum link, where distant atoms interact by exchanging photons propagating in a single direction in free space. This is achieved by coupling each atom in a laser-assisted process to an atomic array acting as a quantum phased-array antenna. This provides a basic building block for quantum networks in free space, i.e., without requiring cavities or nanostructures, which we illustrate with high-fidelity quantum state transfer protocols. Our setup can be implemented with neutral atoms using Rydberg-dressed interactions.
• X. Huang, E. Zeuthen, D. Vasilyev, Q. He, K. Hammerer, E. Polzik Unconditional Steady-State Entanglement in Macroscopic Hybrid Systems by Coherent Noise Cancellation, Phys. Rev. Lett. 103602 (2018-09-05), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.103602 doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.103602 (ID: 720079) Toggle Abstract
  The generation of entanglement between disparate physical objects is a key ingredient in the field of quantum technologies, since they can have different functionalities in a quantum network. Here we propose and analyze a generic approach to steady-state entanglement generation between two oscillators with different temperatures and decoherence properties coupled in cascade to a common unidirectional light field. The scheme is based on a combination of coherent noise cancellation and dynamical cooling techniques for two oscillators with effective masses of opposite signs, such as quasispin and motional degrees of freedom, respectively. The interference effect provided by the cascaded setup can be tuned to implement additional noise cancellation leading to improved entanglement even in the presence of a hot thermal environment. The unconditional entanglement generation is advantageous since it provides a ready-to-use quantum resource. Remarkably, by comparing to the conditional entanglement achievable in the dynamically stable regime, we find our unconditional scheme to deliver a virtually identical performance when operated optimally.
• D. Yang, D. Vasilyev, C. Laflamme, M. Baranov, P. Zoller Quantum Scanning Microscope for Cold Atoms, Phys. Rev. A 98 23852 (2018-08-27), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.98.023852 doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.98.023852 (ID: 720027) Toggle Abstract
  We present a detailed theoretical description of an atomic scanning microscope in a cavity QED setup proposed in Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 133601 (2018). The microscope continuously observes atomic densities with optical subwavelength resolution in a nondestructive way. The super-resolution is achieved by engineering an internal atomic dark state with a sharp spatial variation of population of a ground level dispersively coupled to the cavity field. Thus, the atomic position encoded in the internal state is revealed as a phase shift of the light reflected from the cavity in a homodyne experiment. Our theoretical description of the microscope operation is based on the stochastic master equation describing the conditional time evolution of the atomic system under continuous observation as a competition between dynamics induced by the Hamiltonian of the system, decoherence effects due to atomic spontaneous decay, and the measurement backaction. Within our approach we relate the observed homodyne current with a local atomic density, and discuss the emergence of a quantum nondemolition measurement regime allowing continuous observation of spatial densities of quantum motional eigenstates without measurement backaction in a single experimental run.
• D. Yang, C. Laflamme, D. Vasilyev, M. Baranov, P. Zoller Theory of a Quantum Scanning Microscope for Cold Atoms, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120 133601 (2018-03-30), http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.133601 doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.133601 (ID: 720010) Toggle Abstract
  We propose and analyze a scanning microscope to monitor “live” the quantum dynamics of cold atoms in a cavity QED setup. The microscope measures the atomic density with subwavelength resolution via dispersive couplings to a cavity and homodyne detection within the framework of continuous measurement theory. We analyze two modes of operation. First, for a fixed focal point the microscope records the wave packet dynamics of atoms with time resolution set by the cavity lifetime. Second, a spatial scan of the microscope acts to map out the spatial density of stationary quantum states. Remarkably, in the latter case, for a good cavity limit, the microscope becomes an effective quantum nondemolition device, such that the spatial distribution of motional eigenstates can be measured backaction free in single scans, as an emergent quantum nondemolition measurement.