Quantum Simulation of Open Quantum Systems Using a Unitary Decomposition of Operators

Anthony W. Schlimgen, Kade Head-Marsden, LeeAnn M. Sager, Prineha Narang, and David A. Mazziotti
Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 270503 – Published 29 December 2021
PDFHTMLExport Citation

Abstract

Electron transport in realistic physical and chemical systems often involves the nontrivial exchange of energy with a large environment, requiring the definition and treatment of open quantum systems. Because the time evolution of an open quantum system employs a nonunitary operator, the simulation of open quantum systems presents a challenge for universal quantum computers constructed from only unitary operators or gates. Here, we present a general algorithm for implementing the action of any nonunitary operator on an arbitrary state on a quantum device. We show that any quantum operator can be exactly decomposed as a linear combination of at most four unitary operators. We demonstrate this method on a two-level system in both zero and finite temperature amplitude damping channels. The results are in agreement with classical calculations, showing promise in simulating nonunitary operations on intermediate-term and future quantum devices.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 23 June 2021
  • Accepted 3 December 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.270503

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Quantum Information, Science & Technology

Authors & Affiliations

Anthony W. Schlimgen1, Kade Head-Marsden2, LeeAnn M. Sager1, Prineha Narang2, and David A. Mazziotti1,*

  • 1Department of Chemistry and The James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
  • 2John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

  • *Corresponding author. damazz@uchicago.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 127, Iss. 27 — 31 December 2021

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×