Showing 1–50 of 51 results for author: Hsieh, H

Wigner's Phase Space Current for Variable Beam Splitters -- Phase Space Rotations and Newtonian Trajectories

Authors: Ole Steuernagel, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Hua-Li Chen, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: Beam splitters allow us to superpose two continuous single mode quantum systems. To study the behaviour of beam splitters' strongly mode mixing dynamics we consider variable beam splitters acting on Wigner's phase space distribution, W , the evolution of which is governed by the continuity-equation {\partial τ} W = - {\nabla} J. We derive the form of the corresponding Wigner current, J. J's form a… ▽ More Beam splitters allow us to superpose two continuous single mode quantum systems. To study the behaviour of beam splitters' strongly mode mixing dynamics we consider variable beam splitters acting on Wigner's phase space distribution, W , the evolution of which is governed by the continuity-equation {\partial τ} W = - {\nabla} J. We derive the form of the corresponding Wigner current, J. J's form allows us to use a classical trajectories-approach to analyze the influence of the two modes on each other. We show that the dynamics for variable beam splitters amounts to a rotation confined within the plane of the two positions together with the same simultaneous rotation confined within the plane of the two momenta. In this way explicit and very transparent expressions for the rotated Wigner distributions and Wigner currents can be given in terms of classical trajectories. This helps us to gain deeper insights and perform geometrical analyses of the mixing of modes at beam splitters. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Monitoring Beam Splitter Entanglement using Quantumness

Authors: Hua-Li Chen, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Chien-Ming Wu, Ole Steuernagel, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: We report on an experiment in which two independent squeezed vacuum states get entangled by mixing them with a balanced beam splitter. We follow standard practice and use an inseparability criterion to quantify their entanglement. However, this only allows us to witness the entanglement, but not to determine the deleterious effects of experimental imperfections due to the beam splitter mixing and… ▽ More We report on an experiment in which two independent squeezed vacuum states get entangled by mixing them with a balanced beam splitter. We follow standard practice and use an inseparability criterion to quantify their entanglement. However, this only allows us to witness the entanglement, but not to determine the deleterious effects of experimental imperfections due to the beam splitter mixing and the associated mode-mismatch and detection imperfections. We therefore introduce an alternative framework suitable for continuous variable systems using the states' quantumness, $Ξ$. We show that, under ideal circumstances, $Ξ$ is a conserved quantity under beam mixing. This allows us to benchmark the experiment's performance by comparing the states' quantumness $Ξ$ after the beam splitter mixing with $Ξ$ before. Such a comparison is not possible with entanglement witnesses, as the input states are unentangled. This highlights the main strength of our approach: its ability to generally quantify the quantumness of multi-mode continuous variable states and use this to probe different stages in an experiment. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2026; v1 submitted 23 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 9 pages, 7 figures

Quantum Transfer Learning Shows Improved Robustness in Low-Data Regimes

Authors: Li-An Lo, Li-Yi Hsu, Hsien-Yi Hsieh

Abstract: Transfer learning under limited data is a challenging setting, where models must adapt to new tasks with minimal supervision. Prior work has primarily focused on improving absolute accuracy in transfer learning. However, empirical evidence comparing quantum and classical models in realistic transfer learning settings remains limited, especially in low-data regimes. In this work, we systematically… ▽ More Transfer learning under limited data is a challenging setting, where models must adapt to new tasks with minimal supervision. Prior work has primarily focused on improving absolute accuracy in transfer learning. However, empirical evidence comparing quantum and classical models in realistic transfer learning settings remains limited, especially in low-data regimes. In this work, we systematically study the robustness of quantum models under reduced training data. We evaluate multiple quantum and classical architectures across diverse transfer tasks and retraining configurations, and quantify robustness using accuracy degradation and relative performance retention (RPR). Our results show that, although classical models often achieve higher peak performance, they exhibit significantly larger degradation when training data is limited. In contrast, quantum models maintain more stable performance across data regimes, indicating improved robustness and data efficiency. These findings provide empirical evidence that quantum models can offer improved robustness in low-resource transfer learning scenarios. △ Less

Submitted 9 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 22 pages, 5 figures

A Unified Framework for Locally Stable Phases

Authors: Zhi Li, Raz Firanko, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We propose a unifying framework for characterizing pure and mixed state phases of matter across equilibrium, non equilibrium, and metastable regimes. We introduce the concept of locally stable states, defined by the operational property that any local operation (including post selection) can be reversed by a local channel. We prove that local stability is equivalent to a state being short range co… ▽ More We propose a unifying framework for characterizing pure and mixed state phases of matter across equilibrium, non equilibrium, and metastable regimes. We introduce the concept of locally stable states, defined by the operational property that any local operation (including post selection) can be reversed by a local channel. We prove that local stability is equivalent to a state being short range correlated, defined by the decay of both correlations and conditional mutual information. We demonstrate that these properties are invariant under locally reversible channels, thus defining locally stable phases. Furthermore, we prove that local stability implies both the decay of a family of nonlinear correlators, including the fidelity correlator, and the decay of correlations in the canonical purification, thus bridging the gap between mixed and pure states. Along the way, we establish two results which may be of independent interest: we show that post-selection on locally stable (short range correlated) states can be implemented via local channels and that quantum Markov chains can be characterized by the local computability of nonlinear observables. △ Less

Submitted 30 April, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 17 + 13 pages, 5 + 1 figures

Unlearnable phases of matter

Authors: Tarun Advaith Kumar, Yijian Zou, Amir-Reza Negari, Roger G. Melko, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We identify fundamental limitations in machine learning by demonstrating that non-trivial mixed-state phases of matter are computationally hard to learn. Focusing on unsupervised learning of distributions, we show that autoregressive neural networks fail to learn global properties of distributions characterized by locally indistinguishable (LI) states. We demonstrate that conditional mutual inform… ▽ More We identify fundamental limitations in machine learning by demonstrating that non-trivial mixed-state phases of matter are computationally hard to learn. Focusing on unsupervised learning of distributions, we show that autoregressive neural networks fail to learn global properties of distributions characterized by locally indistinguishable (LI) states. We demonstrate that conditional mutual information (CMI) is a useful diagnostic for LI: we show that for classical distributions, long-range CMI of a state implies a spatially LI partner. By introducing a restricted statistical query model, we prove that nontrivial phases with long-range CMI, such as strong-to-weak spontaneous symmetry breaking phases, are hard to learn. We validate our claims by using recurrent, convolutional, and Transformer neural networks to learn the syndrome and physical distributions of toric/surface code under bit flip noise. Our findings suggest hardness of learning as a diagnostic tool for detecting mixed-state phases and transitions and error-correction thresholds, and they suggest CMI and more generally ``non-local Gibbsness'' as metrics for how hard a distribution is to learn. △ Less

Submitted 18 March, 2026; v1 submitted 11 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 28 pages, 9 figures. v2: Updated figure 4

Critical non-equilibrium phases from noisy topological memories

Authors: Amir-Reza Negari, Subhayan Sahu, Jan Behrends, Benjamin Béri, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We demonstrate the existence of an extended non-equilibrium critical phase, characterized by sub-exponential decay of conditional mutual information (CMI), in the surface code subject to heralded random Pauli measurement channels. By mapping the resulting mixed state to the ensemble of completely packed loops on a square lattice, we relate the extended phase to the Goldstone phase of the loop mode… ▽ More We demonstrate the existence of an extended non-equilibrium critical phase, characterized by sub-exponential decay of conditional mutual information (CMI), in the surface code subject to heralded random Pauli measurement channels. By mapping the resulting mixed state to the ensemble of completely packed loops on a square lattice, we relate the extended phase to the Goldstone phase of the loop model. In particular, CMI is controlled by the characteristic length scale of loops, and we use analytic results of the latter to establish polylogarithmic decay of CMI in the critical phase. We find that the critical phase retains partial logical information that can be recovered by a global decoder, but not by any quasi-local decoder. To demonstrate this, we introduce a diagnostic called punctured coherent information which provides a necessary condition for quasi-local decoding. △ Less

Submitted 15 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 20 pages, 14 figures

Machine Learning for Quantum State Tomography: Robust Covariance Matrix Estimation for Squeezed Vacuum States with Thermal Noise

Authors: Juan Camilo Rodrıguez, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Hua-Li Chen, Ole Steuernagel, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: We present a supervised machine learning-based method using convolutional neural networks to estimate the covariance matrix of Gaussian quantum states in the presence of thermal noise. Unlike computationally intensive density matrix reconstructions, our machine learning-based method allows for the reconstruction of impure squeezed vacuum states using sparse measurements of quadrature sequences bas… ▽ More We present a supervised machine learning-based method using convolutional neural networks to estimate the covariance matrix of Gaussian quantum states in the presence of thermal noise. Unlike computationally intensive density matrix reconstructions, our machine learning-based method allows for the reconstruction of impure squeezed vacuum states using sparse measurements of quadrature sequences based on a model employing a two-component state mixed together from thermal and squeezed thermal states. The method achieves high fidelity and precision, notably also at high squeezing levels, while offering an effective characterization of physical quantities and accurately estimating the covariance matrix. We benchmark our machine against experimental data of single-mode squeezed vacuum states, demonstrating its accuracy and capability to quantify experimental degradation to squeezing and purity. We experimentally verify that our covariance matrix estimation exhibits robustness to state degradation induced by thermal state admixtures. We provide a method for lightweight, compact, and complete representation of lab-generated Gaussian states and lay the foundation for extending real-time quantum state tomography for thermal multi-component Gaussian states to multi-mode systems. △ Less

Submitted 25 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 5 figures

Autoregressive Typical Thermal States

Authors: Tarun Advaith Kumar, Leon Balents, Timothy H. Hsieh, Roger G. Melko

Abstract: A variety of generative neural networks recently adopted from machine learning have provided promising strategies for studying quantum matter. In particular, the success of autoregressive models in natural language processing has motivated their use as variational ansätze, with the hope that their demonstrated ability to scale will transfer to simulations of quantum many-body systems. In this pape… ▽ More A variety of generative neural networks recently adopted from machine learning have provided promising strategies for studying quantum matter. In particular, the success of autoregressive models in natural language processing has motivated their use as variational ansätze, with the hope that their demonstrated ability to scale will transfer to simulations of quantum many-body systems. In this paper, we introduce an autoregressive framework to calculate finite-temperature properties of a quantum system based on the imaginary-time evolution of an ensemble of pure states. We find that established approaches based on minimally entangled typical thermal states (METTS) have numerical instabilities when an autoregressive recurrent neural network is used as the variational ansätz. We show that these instabilities can be mitigated by evolving the initial ensemble states with a unitary operation, along with applying a threshold to curb runaway evolution of ensemble members. By comparing our algorithm to exact results for the spin 1/2 quantum XY chain, we demonstrate that autoregressive typical thermal states are capable of accurately calculating thermal observables. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Mixed-state phases from local reversibility

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Leonardo A. Lessa, Roger S. K. Mong, Tarun Grover, Chong Wang, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We propose a refined definition of mixed-state phase equivalence based on locally reversible channel circuits. We show that such circuits preserve topological degeneracy and the locality of all operators including both strong and weak symmetries. Under a locally reversible channel, weak unitary symmetries are locally dressed into channel symmetries, a new generalization of symmetry for open quantu… ▽ More We propose a refined definition of mixed-state phase equivalence based on locally reversible channel circuits. We show that such circuits preserve topological degeneracy and the locality of all operators including both strong and weak symmetries. Under a locally reversible channel, weak unitary symmetries are locally dressed into channel symmetries, a new generalization of symmetry for open quantum systems. For abelian higher-form symmetries, we show the refined definition preserves anomalies and spontaneous breaking of such symmetries within a phase. As a primary example, a two-dimensional classical loop ensemble is trivial under the previously adopted definition of mixed-state phases. However, it has non-trivial topological degeneracy arising from a mutual anomaly between strong and weak 1-form symmetries, and our results show that it is not connected to a trivial state via locally reversible channel circuits. △ Less

Submitted 25 July, 2025; v1 submitted 2 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Probing mixed-state phases on a quantum computer via Renyi correlators and variational decoding

Authors: Yuxuan Zhang, Timothy H. Hsieh, Yong Baek Kim, Yijian Zou

Abstract: Recent advances have defined nontrivial phases of matter in open quantum systems, such as many-body quantum states subject to environmental noise. In this work, we experimentally probe and characterize mixed-state phases on Quantinuum's H1 quantum computer using two measures: Renyi correlators and the coding performance of a quantum error-correcting code associated with the phase. As a concrete ex… ▽ More Recent advances have defined nontrivial phases of matter in open quantum systems, such as many-body quantum states subject to environmental noise. In this work, we experimentally probe and characterize mixed-state phases on Quantinuum's H1 quantum computer using two measures: Renyi correlators and the coding performance of a quantum error-correcting code associated with the phase. As a concrete example, we probe the low-energy states of the critical transverse field Ising model under different dephasing noise channels. First, we employ shadow tomography to observe a newly proposed Renyi correlator in two distinct phases: one exhibiting power-law decay and the other long-ranged. Second, we investigate the decoding fidelity of the associated quantum error-correcting code using a variational quantum circuit, and we find that a shallow circuit is sufficient to distinguish the above-mentioned two mixed-state phases through the decoding performance quantified by entanglement fidelity. Our work is a proof of concept for the quantum simulation and characterization of mixed-state phases. △ Less

Submitted 5 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Higher-form anomaly and long-range entanglement of mixed states

Authors: Leonardo A. Lessa, Shengqi Sang, Tsung-Cheng Lu, Timothy H. Hsieh, Chong Wang

Abstract: In open quantum systems, we directly relate anomalies of higher-form symmetries to the long-range entanglement of any mixed state with such symmetries. First, we define equivalence classes of long-range entanglement in mixed states via stochastic local channels (SLCs), which effectively ``mod out'' any classical correlations and thus distinguish phases by differences in long-range quantum correlat… ▽ More In open quantum systems, we directly relate anomalies of higher-form symmetries to the long-range entanglement of any mixed state with such symmetries. First, we define equivalence classes of long-range entanglement in mixed states via stochastic local channels (SLCs), which effectively ``mod out'' any classical correlations and thus distinguish phases by differences in long-range quantum correlations only. It is then shown that strong symmetries of a mixed state and their anomalies (non-trivial braiding and self-statistics) are intrinsic features of the entire phase of matter. For that, a general procedure of symmetry pullback for strong symmetries is introduced, whereby symmetries of the output state of an SLC are dressed into symmetries of the input state, with their anomaly relation preserved. This allows us to prove that states in (2+1)-D with anomalous strong 1-form symmetries exhibit long-range bipartite entanglement, and to establish a lower bound for their topological entanglement of formation, a mixed-state generalization of topological entanglement entropy. For concreteness, we apply this formalism to the toric code under Pauli-X and Z dephasing noise, as well as under ZX decoherence, which gives rise to the recently discovered intrinsically mixed-state topological order. Finally, we conjecture a connection between higher-form anomalies and long-range multipartite entanglement for mixed states in higher dimensions. △ Less

Submitted 17 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 29 pages, 10+1 figures

Universal Properties of Critical Mixed States from Measurement and Feedback

Authors: Zhehao Zhang, Yijian Zou, Timothy H. Hsieh, Sagar Vijay

Abstract: We explore the universal properties of mixed quantum matter obtained from "single-shot" adaptive evolution, in which a quantum-critical ground-state is manipulated through a single round of local measurements and local unitary operations conditioned on spatially-distant measurement outcomes. The resulting mixed quantum states are characterized by altered long-distance correlations between local ob… ▽ More We explore the universal properties of mixed quantum matter obtained from "single-shot" adaptive evolution, in which a quantum-critical ground-state is manipulated through a single round of local measurements and local unitary operations conditioned on spatially-distant measurement outcomes. The resulting mixed quantum states are characterized by altered long-distance correlations between local observables, mixed-state entropy, and entanglement negativity. By invoking a coarse-grained, continuum description of single-shot adaptation in (1+1) dimensions, we find that the extensive mixed-state entropy exhibits a sub-leading, constant correction ($γ$), while the entanglement negativity can grow logarithmically with sub-region size, with a coefficient ($α$); both constants can attain universal values which are distinct from the expected behavior in any quantum-critical ground-state. We investigate these properties in single-shot adaptation on ($i$) the critical point between a one-dimensional $Z_{2}\times Z_{2}$ symmetry-protected topological (SPT) order and a symmetry-broken state, and ($ii$) a spinful Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid. In the former case, adaptive evolution that decoheres one sublattice of the SPT can yield a critical mixed-state in which $α$ attains a universal value, which is half of that in the original state. In the latter case, we show how adaptation -- involving feedback on the spin degrees of freedom, after measuring the local charge -- modifies long-distance correlations, and determine via an exact replica field-theoretic calculation that $α$ and $γ$ vary continuously with the strength of feedback. Numerical studies confirm these results. △ Less

Submitted 12 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 30 pages, 5 figures

Machine Learning Enhanced Quantum State Tomography on FPGA

Authors: Hsun-Chung Wu, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Zhi-Kai Xu, Hua Li Chen, Zi-Hao Shi, Po-Han Wang, Popo Yang, Ole Steuernagel, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: Machine learning techniques have opened new avenues for real-time quantum state tomography (QST). In this work, we demonstrate the deployment of machine learning-based QST onto edge devices, specifically utilizing field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This implementation is realized using the {\it Vitis AI Integrated Development Environment} provided by AMD\textsuperscript \textregistered~Inc. C… ▽ More Machine learning techniques have opened new avenues for real-time quantum state tomography (QST). In this work, we demonstrate the deployment of machine learning-based QST onto edge devices, specifically utilizing field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This implementation is realized using the {\it Vitis AI Integrated Development Environment} provided by AMD\textsuperscript \textregistered~Inc. Compared to the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based machine learning QST, our FPGA-based one reduces the average inference time by an order of magnitude, from 38 ms to 2.94 ms, but only sacrifices the average fidelity about $1\% $ reduction (from 0.99 to 0.98). The FPGA-based QST offers a highly efficient and precise tool for diagnosing quantum states, marking a significant advancement in the practical applications for quantum information processing and quantum sensing. △ Less

Submitted 8 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures

Spacetime Markov length: a diagnostic for fault tolerance via mixed-state phases

Authors: Amir-Reza Negari, Tyler D. Ellison, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We establish a correspondence between the fault-tolerance of local stabilizer codes experiencing measurement and physical errors and the mixed-state phases of decohered resource states in one higher dimension. Drawing from recent developments in mixed-state phases of matter, this motivates a diagnostic of fault-tolerance, which we refer to as the spacetime Markov length. This is a length scale det… ▽ More We establish a correspondence between the fault-tolerance of local stabilizer codes experiencing measurement and physical errors and the mixed-state phases of decohered resource states in one higher dimension. Drawing from recent developments in mixed-state phases of matter, this motivates a diagnostic of fault-tolerance, which we refer to as the spacetime Markov length. This is a length scale determined by the decay of the (classical) conditional mutual information of repeated syndrome measurement outcomes in spacetime. The diagnostic is independent of the decoder, and its divergence signals the intrinsic breakdown of fault tolerance. As a byproduct, we find that decoherence may be useful for exposing transitions from higher-form symmetry-protected topological phases driven by both incoherent and coherent perturbations. △ Less

Submitted 5 June, 2025; v1 submitted 29 November, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 114, 045130 (2026)

Approximate quantum error correcting codes from conformal field theory

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh, Yijian Zou

Abstract: The low-energy subspace of a conformal field theory (CFT) can serve as a quantum error correcting code, with important consequences in holography and quantum gravity. We consider generic 1+1D CFT codes under extensive local dephasing channels and analyze their error correctability in the thermodynamic limit. We show that (i) there is a finite decoding threshold if and only if the minimal nonzero s… ▽ More The low-energy subspace of a conformal field theory (CFT) can serve as a quantum error correcting code, with important consequences in holography and quantum gravity. We consider generic 1+1D CFT codes under extensive local dephasing channels and analyze their error correctability in the thermodynamic limit. We show that (i) there is a finite decoding threshold if and only if the minimal nonzero scaling dimension in the fusion algebra generated by the jump operator of the channel is larger than $1/2$ and (ii) the number of protected logical qubits $k \geq Ω( \log \log n)$, where $n$ is the number of physical qubits. As an application, we show that the one-dimensional quantum critical Ising model has a finite threshold for certain types of dephasing noise. Our general results also imply that a CFT code with continuous symmetry saturates a bound on the recovery fidelity for covariant codes. △ Less

Submitted 9 November, 2024; v1 submitted 13 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 19 pages, 7 figures, published version

Symmetry enforced entanglement in maximally mixed states

Authors: Amin Moharramipour, Leonardo A. Lessa, Chong Wang, Timothy H. Hsieh, Subhayan Sahu

Abstract: Entanglement in quantum many-body systems is typically fragile to interactions with the environment. Generic unital quantum channels, for example, have the maximally mixed state with no entanglement as their unique steady state. However, we find that for a unital quantum channel that is `strongly symmetric', i.e. it preserves a global on-site symmetry, the maximally mixed steady state in certain s… ▽ More Entanglement in quantum many-body systems is typically fragile to interactions with the environment. Generic unital quantum channels, for example, have the maximally mixed state with no entanglement as their unique steady state. However, we find that for a unital quantum channel that is `strongly symmetric', i.e. it preserves a global on-site symmetry, the maximally mixed steady state in certain symmetry sectors can be highly entangled. For a given symmetry, we analyze the entanglement and correlations of the maximally mixed state in the invariant sector (MMIS), and show that the entanglement of formation and distillation are exactly computable and equal for any bipartition. For all Abelian symmetries, the MMIS is separable, and for all non-Abelian symmetries, the MMIS is entangled. Remarkably, for non-Abelian continuous symmetries described by compact semisimple Lie groups (e.g. $SU(2)$), the bipartite entanglement of formation for the MMIS scales logarithmically $\sim \log N$ with the number of qudits $N$. △ Less

Submitted 13 December, 2024; v1 submitted 12 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 17+8 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: PRX Quantum 5, 040336 (2024)

Neural Network Enhanced Single-Photon Fock State Tomography

Authors: Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Yi-Ru Chen, Jingyu Ning, Hsun-Chung Wu, Hua Li Chen, Zi-Hao Shi, Po-Han Wang, Ole Steuernagel, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: Even though heralded single-photon sources have been generated routinely through the spontaneous parametric down conversion, vacuum and multiple photon states are unavoidably involved. With machine-learning, we report the experimental implementation of single-photon quantum state tomography by directly estimating target parameters. Compared to the Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) measurements only wi… ▽ More Even though heralded single-photon sources have been generated routinely through the spontaneous parametric down conversion, vacuum and multiple photon states are unavoidably involved. With machine-learning, we report the experimental implementation of single-photon quantum state tomography by directly estimating target parameters. Compared to the Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) measurements only with clicked events recorded, our neural network enhanced quantum state tomography characterizes the photon number distribution for all possible photon number states from the balanced homodyne detectors. By using the histogram-based architecture, a direct parameter estimation on the negativity in Wigner's quasi-probability phase space is demonstrated. Such a fast, robust, and precise quantum state tomography provides us a crucial diagnostic toolbox for the applications with single-photon Fock states and other non-Gaussisan quantum states. △ Less

Submitted 5 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 8 figures

Stability of mixed-state quantum phases via finite Markov length

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: For quantum phases of Hamiltonian ground states, the energy gap plays a central role in ensuring the stability of the phase as long as the gap remains finite. We propose Markov length, the length scale at which the quantum conditional mutual information (CMI) decays exponentially, as an equally essential quantity characterizing mixed-state phases and transitions. For a state evolving under a local… ▽ More For quantum phases of Hamiltonian ground states, the energy gap plays a central role in ensuring the stability of the phase as long as the gap remains finite. We propose Markov length, the length scale at which the quantum conditional mutual information (CMI) decays exponentially, as an equally essential quantity characterizing mixed-state phases and transitions. For a state evolving under a local Lindbladian, we argue that if its Markov length remains finite along the evolution, then it remains in the same phase, meaning there exists another quasi-local Lindbladian evolution that can reverse the former one. We apply this diagnostic to toric code subject to decoherence and show that the Markov length is finite everywhere except at its decodability transition, at which it diverges. CMI in this case can be mapped to the free energy cost of point defects in the random bond Ising model. This implies that the mixed state phase transition coincides with the decodability transition and also suggests a quasi-local decoding channel. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2024; v1 submitted 10 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 5 + 7 pages, 3 main figures; v2: simpler derivation of quasi-local decoder

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 070403 (2025)

A Sensitive Quantumness Measure for One-Dimensional Continuous-Variable Systems

Authors: Ole Steuernagel, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Yi-Ru Chen, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: For one-dimensional continuous-variable quantum systems such as single-mode quantum optical systems, we give a quantification of the quantumness of such a system's state, ρ, by introducing the measure of quantumness, Ξ, which works for all states, pure or mixed. Ξ is a measure which is universal, sensitive, monotonic, and unbounded. Ξ[ρ] yields a single positive value to quantify how nonclassical… ▽ More For one-dimensional continuous-variable quantum systems such as single-mode quantum optical systems, we give a quantification of the quantumness of such a system's state, ρ, by introducing the measure of quantumness, Ξ, which works for all states, pure or mixed. Ξ is a measure which is universal, sensitive, monotonic, and unbounded. Ξ[ρ] yields a single positive value to quantify how nonclassical ρ is. Ξ employs phase space distributions to represent ρ and is a fixed function, Ξ[.], independent of the system, its environment or the type of state. △ Less

Submitted 2 March, 2026; v1 submitted 29 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 18 pages, 18 Figures

Mixed-state Quantum Phases: Renormalization and Quantum Error Correction

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Yijian Zou, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: Open system quantum dynamics can generate a variety of long-range entangled mixed states, yet it has been unclear in what sense they constitute phases of matter. To establish that two mixed states are in the same phase, as defined by their two-way connectivity via local quantum channels, we use the renormalization group (RG) and decoders of quantum error correcting codes. We introduce a real-space… ▽ More Open system quantum dynamics can generate a variety of long-range entangled mixed states, yet it has been unclear in what sense they constitute phases of matter. To establish that two mixed states are in the same phase, as defined by their two-way connectivity via local quantum channels, we use the renormalization group (RG) and decoders of quantum error correcting codes. We introduce a real-space RG scheme for mixed states based on local channels which ideally preserve correlations with the complementary system, and we prove this is equivalent to the reversibility of the channel's action. As an application, we demonstrate an exact RG flow of finite temperature toric code in two dimensions to infinite temperature, thus proving it is in the trivial phase. In contrast, for toric code subject to local dephasing, we establish a mixed state toric code phase using local channels obtained by truncating an RG-type decoder and the minimum weight perfect matching decoder. We also discover a precise relation between mixed state phase and decodability, by proving that local noise acting on toric code cannot destroy logical information without bringing the state out of the toric code phase. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2026; v1 submitted 12 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: fixed typos

Random insights into the complexity of two-dimensional tensor network calculations

Authors: Sofia Gonzalez-Garcia, Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh, Sergio Boixo, Guifre Vidal, Andrew C. Potter, Romain Vasseur

Abstract: Projected entangled pair states (PEPS) offer memory-efficient representations of some quantum many-body states that obey an entanglement area law, and are the basis for classical simulations of ground states in two-dimensional (2d) condensed matter systems. However, rigorous results show that exactly computing observables from a 2d PEPS state is generically a computationally hard problem. Yet appr… ▽ More Projected entangled pair states (PEPS) offer memory-efficient representations of some quantum many-body states that obey an entanglement area law, and are the basis for classical simulations of ground states in two-dimensional (2d) condensed matter systems. However, rigorous results show that exactly computing observables from a 2d PEPS state is generically a computationally hard problem. Yet approximation schemes for computing properties of 2d PEPS are regularly used, and empirically seen to succeed, for a large subclass of (not too entangled) condensed matter ground states. Adopting the philosophy of random matrix theory, in this work we analyze the complexity of approximately contracting a 2d random PEPS by exploiting an analytic mapping to an effective replicated statistical mechanics model that permits a controlled analysis at large bond dimension. Through this statistical-mechanics lens, we argue that: i) although approximately sampling wave-function amplitudes of random PEPS faces a computational-complexity phase transition above a critical bond dimension, ii) one can generically efficiently estimate the norm and correlation functions for any finite bond dimension. These results are supported numerically for various bond-dimension regimes. It is an important open question whether the above results for random PEPS apply more generally also to PEPS representing physically relevant ground states △ Less

Submitted 20 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 109, 235102 (2024)

Measurement-induced phase transitions in the toric code

Authors: Amir-Reza Negari, Subhayan Sahu, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We show how distinct phases of matter can be generated by performing random single-qubit measurements on a subsystem of toric code. Using a parton construction, such measurements map to random Gaussian tensor networks, and in particular, random Pauli measurements map to a classical loop model in which watermelon correlators precisely determine measurement-induced entanglement. Measuring all but a… ▽ More We show how distinct phases of matter can be generated by performing random single-qubit measurements on a subsystem of toric code. Using a parton construction, such measurements map to random Gaussian tensor networks, and in particular, random Pauli measurements map to a classical loop model in which watermelon correlators precisely determine measurement-induced entanglement. Measuring all but a 1d boundary of qubits realizes hybrid circuits involving unitary gates and projective measurements in 1+1 dimensions. We find that varying the probabilities of different Pauli measurements can drive transitions in the un-measured boundary between phases with different orders and entanglement scaling, corresponding to short and long loop phases in the classical model. Furthermore, by utilizing single-site boundary unitaries conditioned on the bulk measurement outcomes, we generate mixed state ordered phases and transitions that can be experimentally diagnosed via linear observables. This demonstrates how parton constructions provide a natural framework for measurement-based quantum computing setups to produce and manipulate phases of matter. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2024; v1 submitted 5 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Generation of heralded optical `Schroedinger cat' states by photon-addition

Authors: Yi-Ru Chen, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Jingyu Ning, Hsun-Chung Wu, Hua Li Chen, Zi-Hao Shi, Popo Yang, Ole Steuernagel, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: Optical "Schrödinger cat" states, the non-classical superposition of two quasi-classical coherent states, serve as a basis for gedanken experiments testing quantum physics on mesoscopic scales and are increasingly recognized as a resource for quantum information processing. Here, we report the first experimental realization of optical "Schrödinger cats" by adding a photon to a squeezed vacuum stat… ▽ More Optical "Schrödinger cat" states, the non-classical superposition of two quasi-classical coherent states, serve as a basis for gedanken experiments testing quantum physics on mesoscopic scales and are increasingly recognized as a resource for quantum information processing. Here, we report the first experimental realization of optical "Schrödinger cats" by adding a photon to a squeezed vacuum state, so far only photon-subtraction protocols have been realized. Photon-addition gives us the advantage of using heralded signal photons as experimental triggers, and we can generate "Schrödinger cats" at rates exceeding $8.5 \times 10^4$ counts per second; at least one order of magnitude higher than all previously reported realizations. Wigner distributions with pronounced negative parts are demonstrated at down to -8.89 dB squeezing, even when the initial squeezed vacuum input state has low purity. Benchmarking against such a degraded squeezed input state we report a maximum fidelity of more than 80% with a maximum cat amplitude of $|α| \approx 1.66$. Our experiment uses photon-addition from pairs, one of those photons is used for monitoring, giving us enhanced control; moreover the pair production rates are high and should allow for repeated application of photon-addition via repeat-stages. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 5 pages, 2 figures, 1 table

Mixed-state long-range order and criticality from measurement and feedback

Authors: Tsung-Cheng Lu, Zhehao Zhang, Sagar Vijay, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We propose a general framework for using local measurements, local unitaries, and non-local classical communication to construct quantum channels which can efficiently prepare mixed states with long-range quantum order or quantum criticality. As an illustration, symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases can be universally converted into mixed-states with long-range entanglement, which can underg… ▽ More We propose a general framework for using local measurements, local unitaries, and non-local classical communication to construct quantum channels which can efficiently prepare mixed states with long-range quantum order or quantum criticality. As an illustration, symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases can be universally converted into mixed-states with long-range entanglement, which can undergo phase transitions with quantum critical correlations of local operators and a logarithmic scaling of the entanglement negativity, despite coexisting with volume-law entropy. Within the same framework, we present two applications using fermion occupation number measurement to convert (i) spinful free fermions in one dimension into a quantum-critical mixed state with enhanced algebraic correlations between spins and (ii) Chern insulators into a mixed state with critical quantum correlations in the bulk. The latter is an example where mixed-state quantum criticality can emerge from a gapped state of matter in constant depth using local quantum operations and non-local classical communication. △ Less

Submitted 13 September, 2023; v1 submitted 27 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 25 pages, 11 figures; updated to the published version

Journal ref: PRX Quantum 4, 030318 (2023)

Experimental demonstration of the advantage of adaptive quantum circuits

Authors: Michael Foss-Feig, Arkin Tikku, Tsung-Cheng Lu, Karl Mayer, Mohsin Iqbal, Thomas M. Gatterman, Justin A. Gerber, Kevin Gilmore, Dan Gresh, Aaron Hankin, Nathan Hewitt, Chandler V. Horst, Mitchell Matheny, Tanner Mengle, Brian Neyenhuis, Henrik Dreyer, David Hayes, Timothy H. Hsieh, Isaac H. Kim

Abstract: Adaptive quantum circuits employ unitary gates assisted by mid-circuit measurement, classical computation on the measurement outcome, and the conditional application of future unitary gates based on the result of the classical computation. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate that even a noisy adaptive quantum circuit of constant depth can achieve a task that is impossible for any purely u… ▽ More Adaptive quantum circuits employ unitary gates assisted by mid-circuit measurement, classical computation on the measurement outcome, and the conditional application of future unitary gates based on the result of the classical computation. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate that even a noisy adaptive quantum circuit of constant depth can achieve a task that is impossible for any purely unitary quantum circuit of identical depth: the preparation of long-range entangled topological states with high fidelity. We prepare a particular toric code ground state with fidelity of at least $76.9\pm 1.3\%$ using a constant depth ($d=4$) adaptive circuit, and rigorously show that no unitary circuit of the same depth and connectivity could prepare this state with fidelity greater than $50\%$. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

Comments: 5 pages, 3 figures

Channeling quantum criticality

Authors: Yijian Zou, Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We analyze the effect of decoherence, modelled by local quantum channels, on quantum critical states and we find universal properties of the resulting mixed state's entanglement, both between system and environment and within the system. Renyi entropies exhibit volume law scaling with a subleading constant governed by a "$g$-function" in conformal field theory (CFT), allowing us to define a notion… ▽ More We analyze the effect of decoherence, modelled by local quantum channels, on quantum critical states and we find universal properties of the resulting mixed state's entanglement, both between system and environment and within the system. Renyi entropies exhibit volume law scaling with a subleading constant governed by a "$g$-function" in conformal field theory (CFT), allowing us to define a notion of renormalization group (RG) flow (or "phase transitions") between quantum channels. We also find that the entropy of a subsystem in the decohered state has a subleading logarithmic scaling with subsystem size, and we relate it to correlation functions of boundary condition changing operators in the CFT. Finally, we find that the subsystem entanglement negativity, a measure of quantum correlations within mixed states, can exhibit log scaling or area law based on the RG flow. When the channel corresponds to a marginal perturbation, the coefficient of the log scaling can change continuously with decoherence strength. We illustrate all these possibilities for the critical ground state of the transverse-field Ising model, in which we identify four RG fixed points of dephasing channels and verify the RG flow numerically. Our results are relevant to quantum critical states realized on noisy quantum simulators, in which our predicted entanglement scaling can be probed via shadow tomography methods. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2023; v1 submitted 17 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

Comments: 7+14 pages, 4+11 figures, published version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 250403 (2023)

Ultrafast Entanglement Dynamics in Monitored Quantum Circuits

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Zhi Li, Timothy H. Hsieh, Beni Yoshida

Abstract: Projective measurement, a basic operation in quantum mechanics, can induce seemingly nonlocal effects. In this work, we analyze such effects in many-body systems by studying the non-equilibrium dynamics of weakly monitored quantum circuits, focusing on entanglement generation and information spreading. We find that, due to measurements, the entanglement dynamics in monitored circuits is indeed "fa… ▽ More Projective measurement, a basic operation in quantum mechanics, can induce seemingly nonlocal effects. In this work, we analyze such effects in many-body systems by studying the non-equilibrium dynamics of weakly monitored quantum circuits, focusing on entanglement generation and information spreading. We find that, due to measurements, the entanglement dynamics in monitored circuits is indeed "faster" than that of unitary ones in several ways. Specifically, we find that a pair of well-separated regions can become entangled in a time scale $\ell^{2/3}$, sub-linear in their distance $\ell$. For the case of Clifford monitored circuits, this originates from super-ballistically growing stabilizer generators of the evolving state. In addition, we find initially local information can spread super-ballistically as $t^{3/2}$. Furthermore, by viewing the dynamics as a dynamical encoding process, we show that the super-ballistic growing length scale relates to an encoding time that is sublinear in system size. To quantify the information dynamics, we develop a formalism generalizing operator spreading to non-unitary dynamics, which is of independent interest. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: 19 pages

Measurement as a shortcut to long-range entangled quantum matter

Authors: Tsung-Cheng Lu, Leonardo A. Lessa, Isaac H. Kim, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: The preparation of long-range entangled states using unitary circuits is limited by Lieb-Robinson bounds, but circuits with projective measurements and feedback (``adaptive circuits'') can evade such restrictions. We introduce three classes of local adaptive circuits that enable low-depth preparation of long-range entangled quantum matter characterized by gapped topological orders and conformal fi… ▽ More The preparation of long-range entangled states using unitary circuits is limited by Lieb-Robinson bounds, but circuits with projective measurements and feedback (``adaptive circuits'') can evade such restrictions. We introduce three classes of local adaptive circuits that enable low-depth preparation of long-range entangled quantum matter characterized by gapped topological orders and conformal field theories (CFTs). The three classes are inspired by distinct physical insights, including tensor-network constructions, multiscale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA), and parton constructions. A large class of topological orders, including chiral topological order, can be prepared in constant depth or time, and one-dimensional CFT states and non-abelian topological orders with both solvable and non-solvable groups can be prepared in depth scaling logarithmically with system size. We also build on a recently discovered correspondence between symmetry-protected topological phases and long-range entanglement to derive efficient protocols for preparing symmetry-enriched topological order and arbitrary CSS (Calderbank-Shor-Steane) codes. Our work illustrates the practical and conceptual versatility of measurement for state preparation. △ Less

Submitted 12 April, 2023; v1 submitted 27 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Comments: 23 pages, 9 figures; updated to the published version

Journal ref: PRX Quantum 3, 040337 (2022)

Probing sign structure using measurement-induced entanglement

Authors: Cheng-Ju Lin, Weicheng Ye, Yijian Zou, Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: The sign structure of quantum states is closely connected to quantum phases of matter, yet detecting such fine-grained properties of amplitudes is subtle. Here we employ as a diagnostic measurement-induced entanglement (MIE): the average entanglement generated between two parties after measuring the rest of the system. We propose that for a sign-free state, the MIE upon measuring in the sign-free… ▽ More The sign structure of quantum states is closely connected to quantum phases of matter, yet detecting such fine-grained properties of amplitudes is subtle. Here we employ as a diagnostic measurement-induced entanglement (MIE): the average entanglement generated between two parties after measuring the rest of the system. We propose that for a sign-free state, the MIE upon measuring in the sign-free basis decays no slower than correlations in the state before measurement. Concretely, we prove that MIE is upper bounded by mutual information for sign-free stabilizer states (essentially CSS codes), which establishes a bound between scaling dimensions of conformal field theories describing measurement-induced critical points in stabilizer systems. We also show that for sign-free qubit wavefunctions, MIE between two qubits is upper bounded by a simple two-point correlation function, and we verify our proposal in several critical ground states of one-dimensional systems, including the transverse field and tri-critical Ising models. In contrast, for states with sign structure, such bounds can be violated, as we illustrate in critical hybrid circuits involving both Haar or Clifford random unitaries and measurements, and gapless symmetry-protected topological states. △ Less

Submitted 24 January, 2023; v1 submitted 11 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: Minor edits, reformatting for Quantum journal

Journal ref: Quantum 7, 910 (2023)

Entanglement Dynamics of Noisy Random Circuits

Authors: Zhi Li, Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: The process by which open quantum systems thermalize with an environment is both of fundamental interest and relevant to noisy quantum devices. As a minimal model of this process, we consider a qudit chain evolving under local random unitaries and local depolarization channels. After mapping to a statistical mechanics model, the depolarization (noise) acts like a symmetry-breaking field, and we ar… ▽ More The process by which open quantum systems thermalize with an environment is both of fundamental interest and relevant to noisy quantum devices. As a minimal model of this process, we consider a qudit chain evolving under local random unitaries and local depolarization channels. After mapping to a statistical mechanics model, the depolarization (noise) acts like a symmetry-breaking field, and we argue that it causes the system to thermalize within a timescale independent of system size. We show that various bipartite entanglement measures -- mutual information, operator entanglement, and entanglement negativity -- grow at a speed proportional to the size of the bipartition boundary. As a result, these entanglement measures obey an area law: Their maximal value during the dynamics is bounded by the boundary instead of the volume. In contrast, if the depolarization only acts at the system boundary, then the maximum value of the entanglement measures obeys a volume law. We complement our analysis with scalable simulations involving Clifford gates, for both one- and two-dimensional systems. △ Less

Submitted 25 January, 2023; v1 submitted 30 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 107, 014307 (2023)

Direct parameter estimations from machine-learning enhanced quantum state tomography

Authors: Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Jingyu Ning, Yi-Ru Chen, Hsun-Chung Wu, Hua Li Chen, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: With the capability to find the best fit to arbitrarily complicated data patterns, machine-learning (ML) enhanced quantum state tomography (QST) has demonstrated its advantages in extracting complete information about the quantum states. Instead of using the reconstruction model in training a truncated density matrix, we develop a high-performance, lightweight, and easy-to-install supervised chara… ▽ More With the capability to find the best fit to arbitrarily complicated data patterns, machine-learning (ML) enhanced quantum state tomography (QST) has demonstrated its advantages in extracting complete information about the quantum states. Instead of using the reconstruction model in training a truncated density matrix, we develop a high-performance, lightweight, and easy-to-install supervised characteristic model by generating the target parameters directly. Such a characteristic model-based ML-QST can avoid the problem of dealing with large Hilbert space, but keep feature extractions with high precision. With the experimentally measured data generated from the balanced homodyne detectors, we compare the degradation information about quantum noise squeezed states predicted by the reconstruction and characteristic models, both give agreement to the empirically fitting curves obtained from the covariance method. Such a ML-QST with direct parameter estimations illustrates a crucial diagnostic toolbox for applications with squeezed states, including advanced gravitational wave detectors, quantum metrology, macroscopic quantum state generation, and quantum information process. △ Less

Submitted 30 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 3 figures

Experimental Demonstration of Topological Charge Protection in Wigner Current

Authors: Yi-Ru Chen, Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Jingyu Ning, Hsun-Chung Wu, Hua Li Chen, You-Lin Chuang, Popo Yang, Ole Steuernagel, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: We experimentally reconstruct Wigner's current of quantum phase space dynamics for the first time. We reveal the ``push-and-pull" associated with damping and diffusion due to the coupling of a squeezed vacuum state to its environment. In contrast to classical dynamics, where (at zero temperature) dissipation only ``pulls" the system toward the origin of phase space, we also observe an outward ``pu… ▽ More We experimentally reconstruct Wigner's current of quantum phase space dynamics for the first time. We reveal the ``push-and-pull" associated with damping and diffusion due to the coupling of a squeezed vacuum state to its environment. In contrast to classical dynamics, where (at zero temperature) dissipation only ``pulls" the system toward the origin of phase space, we also observe an outward ``push" because our system has to obey Heisenberg's uncertainty relations. With squeezed vacuum states generated by an optical parametric oscillator at variable pumping levels, we identify the pure squeezing dynamics and its central stagnation point with a topological charge of `$-1$'. We experimentally verify that this charge is protected for weakly as well as strongly decohering conditions. This work demonstrates high resolving power and establishes an experimental paradigm for measuring quantumness and non-classicality of the dynamics of open quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 19 January, 2023; v1 submitted 16 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Extract the Degradation Information in Squeezed States with Machine Learning

Authors: Hsien-Yi Hsieh, Yi-Ru Chen, Hsun-Chung Wu, Huali Chen, Jingyu Ning, Yao-Chin Huang, Chien-Ming Wu, Ray-Kuang Lee

Abstract: In order to leverage the full power of quantum noise squeezing with unavoidable decoherence, a complete understanding of the degradation in the purity of squeezed light is demanded. By implementing machine learning architecture with a convolutional neural network, we illustrate a fast, robust, and precise quantum state tomography for continuous variables, through the experimentally measured data g… ▽ More In order to leverage the full power of quantum noise squeezing with unavoidable decoherence, a complete understanding of the degradation in the purity of squeezed light is demanded. By implementing machine learning architecture with a convolutional neural network, we illustrate a fast, robust, and precise quantum state tomography for continuous variables, through the experimentally measured data generated from the balanced homodyne detectors. Compared with the maximum likelihood estimation method, which suffers from time-consuming and over-fitting problems, a well-trained machine fed with squeezed vacuum and squeezed thermal states can complete the task of reconstruction of the density matrix in less than one second. Moreover, the resulting fidelity remains as high as $0.99$ even when the anti-squeezing level is higher than $20$~dB. Compared with the phase noise and loss mechanisms coupled from the environment and surrounding vacuum, experimentally, the degradation information is unveiled with machine learning for low and high noisy scenarios, i.e., with the anti-squeezing levels at $12$~dB and $18$~dB, respectively. Our neural network enhanced quantum state tomography provides the metrics to give physical descriptions of every feature observed in the quantum state with a single-shot measurement and paves a way of exploring large-scale quantum systems in real-time. △ Less

Submitted 11 October, 2021; v1 submitted 7 June, 2021; originally announced June 2021.

Comments: 15 pages, 6 figures

Entanglement renormalization of thermofield double states

Authors: Cheng-Ju Lin, Zhi Li, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: Entanglement renormalization is a method for coarse-graining a quantum state in real space, with the multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA) as a notable example. We obtain an entanglement renormalization scheme for finite-temperature (Gibbs) states by applying MERA to their canonical purification, the thermofield double state. As an example, we find an analytically exact renormaliz… ▽ More Entanglement renormalization is a method for coarse-graining a quantum state in real space, with the multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA) as a notable example. We obtain an entanglement renormalization scheme for finite-temperature (Gibbs) states by applying MERA to their canonical purification, the thermofield double state. As an example, we find an analytically exact renormalization circuit for finite temperature two-dimensional toric code which maps it to a coarse-grained system with a renormalized higher temperature, thus explicitly demonstrating its lack of topological order. Furthermore, we apply this scheme to one-dimensional free boson models at a finite temperature and find that the thermofield double corresponding to the critical thermal state is described by a Lifshitz theory. We numerically demonstrate the relevance and irrelevance of various perturbations under real space renormalization. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2021; originally announced April 2021.

Comments: 6 pages of main text + 10 pages of appendices

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 080602 (2021)

Entanglement Negativity at Measurement-Induced Criticality

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Yaodong Li, Tianci Zhou, Xiao Chen, Timothy H. Hsieh, Matthew P. A. Fisher

Abstract: We propose entanglement negativity as a fine-grained probe of measurement-induced criticality. We motivate this proposal in stabilizer states, where for two disjoint subregions, comparing their "mutual negativity" and their mutual information leads to a precise distinction between bipartite and multipartite entanglement. In a measurement-only stabilizer circuit that maps exactly to two-dimensional… ▽ More We propose entanglement negativity as a fine-grained probe of measurement-induced criticality. We motivate this proposal in stabilizer states, where for two disjoint subregions, comparing their "mutual negativity" and their mutual information leads to a precise distinction between bipartite and multipartite entanglement. In a measurement-only stabilizer circuit that maps exactly to two-dimensional critical percolation, we show that the mutual information and the mutual negativity are governed by boundary conformal fields of different scaling dimensions at long distances. We then consider a class of "hybrid" circuit models obtained by perturbing the measurement-only circuit with unitary gates of progressive levels of complexity. While other critical exponents vary appreciably for different choices of unitary gate ensembles at their respective critical points, the mutual negativity has scaling dimension 3 across remarkably many of the hybrid circuits, which is notably different from that in percolation. We contrast our results with limiting cases where a geometrical minimal-cut picture is available. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Journal ref: PRX Quantum 2, 030313 (2021)

Symmetry-protected sign problem and magic in quantum phases of matter

Authors: Tyler D. Ellison, Kohtaro Kato, Zi-Wen Liu, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We introduce the concepts of a symmetry-protected sign problem and symmetry-protected magic to study the complexity of symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases of matter. In particular, we say a state has a symmetry-protected sign problem or symmetry-protected magic, if finite-depth quantum circuits composed of symmetric gates are unable to transform the state into a non-negative real wave func… ▽ More We introduce the concepts of a symmetry-protected sign problem and symmetry-protected magic to study the complexity of symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases of matter. In particular, we say a state has a symmetry-protected sign problem or symmetry-protected magic, if finite-depth quantum circuits composed of symmetric gates are unable to transform the state into a non-negative real wave function or stabilizer state, respectively. We prove that states belonging to certain SPT phases have these properties, as a result of their anomalous symmetry action at a boundary. For example, we find that one-dimensional $\mathbb{Z}_2 \times \mathbb{Z}_2$ SPT states (e.g. cluster state) have a symmetry-protected sign problem, and two-dimensional $\mathbb{Z}_2$ SPT states (e.g. Levin-Gu state) have symmetry-protected magic. Furthermore, we comment on the relation between a symmetry-protected sign problem and the computational wire property of one-dimensional SPT states. In an appendix, we also introduce explicit decorated domain wall models of SPT phases, which may be of independent interest. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2021; v1 submitted 26 October, 2020; originally announced October 2020.

Comments: 18 + 17 pages, 12 figures, updates to proposition 3, published version

Journal ref: Quantum 5, 612 (2021)

Measurement Protected Quantum Phases

Authors: Shengqi Sang, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We introduce a class of hybrid quantum circuits, with random unitaries and projective measurements, which host long-range order in the area law entanglement phase of the steady state. Our primary example is circuits with unitaries respecting a global Ising symmetry and two competing types of measurements. The phase diagram has an area law phase with spin glass order, which undergoes a direct trans… ▽ More We introduce a class of hybrid quantum circuits, with random unitaries and projective measurements, which host long-range order in the area law entanglement phase of the steady state. Our primary example is circuits with unitaries respecting a global Ising symmetry and two competing types of measurements. The phase diagram has an area law phase with spin glass order, which undergoes a direct transition to a paramagnetic phase with volume law entanglement, as well as a critical regime. Using mutual information diagnostics, we find that such entanglement transitions preserving a global symmetry are in new universality classes. We analyze generalizations of such hybrid circuits to higher dimensions, which allow for coexistence of order and volume law entanglement, as well as topological order without any symmetry restrictions. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2021; v1 submitted 20 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Comments: published version

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 3, 023200 (2021)

Quantum Many-Body Scar States in Two-Dimensional Rydberg Atom Arrays

Authors: Cheng-Ju Lin, Vladimir Calvera, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We find exponentially many exact quantum many-body scar states in a two-dimensional PXP model -- an effective model for a two-dimensional Rydberg atom array in the nearest-neighbor blockade regime. Such scar states are remarkably simple valence bond solids despite being at effectively infinite temperature, and thus strongly violate the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis. Given a particular bound… ▽ More We find exponentially many exact quantum many-body scar states in a two-dimensional PXP model -- an effective model for a two-dimensional Rydberg atom array in the nearest-neighbor blockade regime. Such scar states are remarkably simple valence bond solids despite being at effectively infinite temperature, and thus strongly violate the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis. Given a particular boundary condition, such eigenstates have integer-valued energies. Moreover, certain charge-density-wave initial states give rise to strong oscillations in the Rydberg excitation density after a quantum quench and tower-like structures in their overlaps with eigenstates. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2020; v1 submitted 9 March, 2020; originally announced March 2020.

Comments: 10 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 101, 220304 (2020)

Hamiltonian Tomography via Quantum Quench

Authors: Zhi Li, Liujun Zou, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We show that it is possible to uniquely reconstruct a generic many-body local Hamiltonian from a single pair of initial and final states related by time evolution with the Hamiltonian. We then propose a practical version of the protocol involving multiple pairs of such initial/final states. Using the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis, we provide bounds on the protocol's performance and stabilit… ▽ More We show that it is possible to uniquely reconstruct a generic many-body local Hamiltonian from a single pair of initial and final states related by time evolution with the Hamiltonian. We then propose a practical version of the protocol involving multiple pairs of such initial/final states. Using the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis, we provide bounds on the protocol's performance and stability against errors from measurements and in the ansatz of the Hamiltonian. The protocol is efficient (requiring experimental resources scaling polynomially with system size in general and constant with system size given translation symmetry) and thus enables analog and digital quantum simulators to verify implementation of a putative Hamiltonian. △ Less

Submitted 24 April, 2020; v1 submitted 19 December, 2019; originally announced December 2019.

Comments: Final version for publication on PRL

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 160502 (2020)

Detecting Topological Order at Finite Temperature Using Entanglement Negativity

Authors: Tsung-Cheng Lu, Timothy H. Hsieh, Tarun Grover

Abstract: We propose a diagnostic for finite temperature topological order using `topological entanglement negativity', the long-range component of a mixed-state entanglement measure. As a demonstration, we study the toric code model in $d$ spatial dimension for $d$=2,3,4, and find that when topological order survives thermal fluctuations, it possesses a non-zero topological entanglement negativity, whose v… ▽ More We propose a diagnostic for finite temperature topological order using `topological entanglement negativity', the long-range component of a mixed-state entanglement measure. As a demonstration, we study the toric code model in $d$ spatial dimension for $d$=2,3,4, and find that when topological order survives thermal fluctuations, it possesses a non-zero topological entanglement negativity, whose value is equal to the topological entanglement entropy at zero temperature. Furthermore, we show that the Gibbs state of 2D and 3D toric code at any non-zero temperature, and that of 4D toric code above a certain critical temperature, can be expressed as a convex combination of short-range entangled pure states, consistent with the absence of topological order. △ Less

Submitted 9 December, 2019; originally announced December 2019.

Comments: 21 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 116801 (2020)

Generation of Thermofield Double States and Critical Ground States with a Quantum Computer

Authors: D. Zhu, S. Johri, N. M. Linke, K. A. Landsman, N. H. Nguyen, C. H. Alderete, A. Y. Matsuura, T. H. Hsieh, C. Monroe

Abstract: Finite-temperature phases of many-body quantum systems are fundamental to phenomena ranging from condensed-matter physics to cosmology, yet they are generally difficult to simulate. Using an ion trap quantum computer and protocols motivated by the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), we generate nontrivial thermal quantum states of the transverse-field Ising model (TFIM) by preparing… ▽ More Finite-temperature phases of many-body quantum systems are fundamental to phenomena ranging from condensed-matter physics to cosmology, yet they are generally difficult to simulate. Using an ion trap quantum computer and protocols motivated by the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), we generate nontrivial thermal quantum states of the transverse-field Ising model (TFIM) by preparing thermofield double states at a variety of temperatures. We also prepare the critical state of the TFIM at zero temperature using quantum-classical hybrid optimization. The entanglement structure of thermofield double and critical states plays a key role in the study of black holes, and our work simulates such nontrivial structures on a quantum computer. Moreover, we find that the variational quantum circuits exhibit noise thresholds above which the lowest depth QAOA circuits provide the best results. △ Less

Submitted 6 February, 2020; v1 submitted 6 June, 2019; originally announced June 2019.

Making Trotters Sprint: A Variational Imaginary Time Ansatz for Quantum Many-body Systems

Authors: Matthew J. S. Beach, Roger G. Melko, Tarun Grover, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We introduce a variational wavefunction for many-body ground states that involves imaginary time evolution with two different Hamiltonians in an alternating fashion with variable time intervals. We successfully apply the ansatz on the one- and two-dimensional transverse-field Ising model and systematically study its scaling for the one-dimensional model at criticality. We find the total imaginary… ▽ More We introduce a variational wavefunction for many-body ground states that involves imaginary time evolution with two different Hamiltonians in an alternating fashion with variable time intervals. We successfully apply the ansatz on the one- and two-dimensional transverse-field Ising model and systematically study its scaling for the one-dimensional model at criticality. We find the total imaginary time required scales logarithmically with system size, in contrast to the linear scaling in conventional Quantum Monte Carlo. We suggest this is due to unique dynamics permitted by alternating imaginary time evolution, including the exponential growth of bipartite entanglement. For generic models, the superior scaling of our ansatz potentially mitigates the negative sign problem at the expense of having to optimize variational parameters. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2019; v1 submitted 29 March, 2019; originally announced April 2019.

Comments: 4+5 pages, 5+4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 100, 094434 (2019)

Variational Thermal Quantum Simulation via Thermofield Double States

Authors: Jingxiang Wu, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We present a variational approach for quantum simulators to realize finite temperature Gibbs states by preparing thermofield double (TFD) states. Our protocol is motivated by the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) and involves alternating time evolution between the Hamiltonian of interest and interactions which entangle the system and its auxiliary counterpart. As a simple example,… ▽ More We present a variational approach for quantum simulators to realize finite temperature Gibbs states by preparing thermofield double (TFD) states. Our protocol is motivated by the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) and involves alternating time evolution between the Hamiltonian of interest and interactions which entangle the system and its auxiliary counterpart. As a simple example, we demonstrate that thermal states of the 1d classical Ising model at any temperature can be prepared with perfect fidelity using L/2 iterations, where L is system size. We also show that a free fermion TFD can be prepared with nearly optimal efficiency. Given the simplicity and efficiency of the protocol, our approach enables near-term quantum platforms to access finite temperature phenomena via preparation of thermofield double states. △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2018; originally announced November 2018.

Comments: 5 + 2 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 220502 (2019)

Ultrafast Variational Simulation of Non-trivial Quantum States with Long Range Interactions

Authors: Wen Wei Ho, Cheryne Jonay, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: State preparation protocols ideally require as minimal operations as possible, in order to be implemented in near-term, potentially noisy quantum devices. Motivated by long range interactions (LRIs) intrinsic to many present-day experimental platforms (trapped ions, Rydberg atom arrays, etc.), we investigate the efficacy of variationally simulating non-trivial quantum states using the Variational… ▽ More State preparation protocols ideally require as minimal operations as possible, in order to be implemented in near-term, potentially noisy quantum devices. Motivated by long range interactions (LRIs) intrinsic to many present-day experimental platforms (trapped ions, Rydberg atom arrays, etc.), we investigate the efficacy of variationally simulating non-trivial quantum states using the Variational Quantum-Classical Simulation (VQCS) protocol explored recently in [SciPost Phys. 6, 029 (2019)], in the presence of LRIs. We show that this approach leads to extremely efficient state preparation: for example, Greene-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states can be prepared with O(1) iterations of the protocol, and a quantum critical point of the long range transverse field Ising model (TFIM) can be prepared with > 99% fidelity on a 100 qubit system with only one iteration. Furthermore, we show that VQCS with LRIs is a promising route for exploring generic points in the phase diagram of the long-range TFIM. Our approach thus provides concrete, ultrafast protocols for quantum simulators equipped with long range interactions. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2019; v1 submitted 10 October, 2018; originally announced October 2018.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures, 3 page appendix

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 99, 052332 (2019)

Efficient variational simulation of non-trivial quantum states

Authors: Wen Wei Ho, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We provide an efficient and general route for preparing non-trivial quantum states that are not adiabatically connected to unentangled product states. Our approach is a hybrid quantum-classical variational protocol that incorporates a feedback loop between a quantum simulator and a classical computer, and is experimentally realizable on near-term quantum devices of synthetic quantum systems. We fi… ▽ More We provide an efficient and general route for preparing non-trivial quantum states that are not adiabatically connected to unentangled product states. Our approach is a hybrid quantum-classical variational protocol that incorporates a feedback loop between a quantum simulator and a classical computer, and is experimentally realizable on near-term quantum devices of synthetic quantum systems. We find explicit protocols which prepare with perfect fidelities (i) the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state, (ii) a quantum critical state, and (iii) a topologically ordered state, with $L$ variational parameters and physical runtimes $T$ that scale linearly with the system size $L$. We furthermore conjecture and support numerically that our protocol can prepare, with perfect fidelity and similar operational costs, the ground state of every point in the one dimensional transverse field Ising model phase diagram. Besides being practically useful, our results also illustrate the utility of such variational ansätze as good descriptions of non-trivial states of matter. △ Less

Submitted 8 February, 2019; v1 submitted 28 February, 2018; originally announced March 2018.

Comments: 11+11 pages

Journal ref: SciPost Phys. 6, 029 (2019)

Floquet Supersymmetry

Authors: Thomas Iadecola, Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: We show that time-reflection symmetry in periodically driven (Floquet) quantum systems enables an inherently nonequilibrium phenomenon structurally similar to quantum-mechanical sypersymmetry. In particular, we find Floquet analogues of the Witten index that place lower bounds on the degeneracies of states with quasienergies $0$ and $π$. Moreover, we show that in some cases time reflection symmetr… ▽ More We show that time-reflection symmetry in periodically driven (Floquet) quantum systems enables an inherently nonequilibrium phenomenon structurally similar to quantum-mechanical sypersymmetry. In particular, we find Floquet analogues of the Witten index that place lower bounds on the degeneracies of states with quasienergies $0$ and $π$. Moreover, we show that in some cases time reflection symmetry can also interchange fermions and bosons, leading to fermion/boson pairs with opposite quasienergy. We provide a simple class of disordered, interacting, and ergodic Floquet models with an exponentially large number of states at quasienergies $0$ and $π$, which are robust as long as the time-reflection symmetry is preserved. Floquet supersymmetry manifests itself in the evolution of certain local observables as a period-doubling effect with dramatic finite-size scaling, providing a clear signature for experiments. △ Less

Submitted 9 May, 2018; v1 submitted 16 October, 2017; originally announced October 2017.

Comments: 5+4 pages, 3+1 figures. v2 includes additional connections with SUSY and a new Appendix containing a discussion of robustness to time-reflection-breaking perturbations. This version accepted to PRL

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 210603 (2018)

Fracton topological phases from strongly coupled spin chains

Authors: Gábor B. Halász, Timothy H. Hsieh, Leon Balents

Abstract: We provide a new perspective on fracton topological phases, a class of three-dimensional topologically ordered phases with unconventional fractionalized excitations that are either completely immobile or only mobile along particular lines or planes. We demonstrate that a wide range of these fracton phases can be constructed by strongly coupling mutually intersecting spin chains and explain via a c… ▽ More We provide a new perspective on fracton topological phases, a class of three-dimensional topologically ordered phases with unconventional fractionalized excitations that are either completely immobile or only mobile along particular lines or planes. We demonstrate that a wide range of these fracton phases can be constructed by strongly coupling mutually intersecting spin chains and explain via a concrete example how such a coupled-spin-chain construction illuminates the generic properties of a fracton phase. In particular, we describe a systematic translation from each coupled-spin-chain construction into a parton construction where the partons correspond to the excitations that are mobile along lines. Remarkably, our construction of fracton phases is inherently based on spin models involving only two-spin interactions and thus brings us closer to their experimental realization. △ Less

Submitted 19 January, 2018; v1 submitted 7 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 5+2 pages, 4 figures, published version with one more supplementary section

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 257202 (2017)

Fractons from Partons

Authors: Timothy H. Hsieh, Gábor B. Halász

Abstract: Fracton topological phases host fractionalized excitations that are either completely immobile or only mobile along certain lines or planes. We demonstrate how such phases can be understood in terms of two fundamentally different types of parton constructions, in which physical degrees of freedom are decomposed into clusters of "parton" degrees of freedom subject to emergent gauge constraints. Fir… ▽ More Fracton topological phases host fractionalized excitations that are either completely immobile or only mobile along certain lines or planes. We demonstrate how such phases can be understood in terms of two fundamentally different types of parton constructions, in which physical degrees of freedom are decomposed into clusters of "parton" degrees of freedom subject to emergent gauge constraints. First, we employ non-interacting partons subject to multiple overlapping constraints to describe a fermionic fracton model. Second, we demonstrate how interacting partons can be used to develop new models of bosonic fracton phases, both with string and membrane logical operators (type-I fracton phases) and with fractal logical operators (type-II fracton phases). In particular, we find a new type-II model which saturates a bound on its information storage capacity. Our parton approach is generic beyond exactly solvable models and provides a variational route to realizing fracton phases in more physically realistic systems. △ Less

Submitted 8 March, 2017; originally announced March 2017.

Comments: 5 + 3 pages, 4 + 2 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 96, 165105 (2017)

Topological Bootstrap: Fractionalization From Kondo Coupling

Authors: Timothy H. Hsieh, Yuan-Ming Lu, Andreas W. W. Ludwig

Abstract: We propose a route toward realizing fractionalized topological phases of matter (i.e. with intrinsic topological order) by literally building on un-fractionalized phases. Our approach employs a Kondo lattice model in which a gapped electronic system of non-interacting fermions is coupled to non-interacting local moments via the exchange interaction. Using general entanglement-based arguments and e… ▽ More We propose a route toward realizing fractionalized topological phases of matter (i.e. with intrinsic topological order) by literally building on un-fractionalized phases. Our approach employs a Kondo lattice model in which a gapped electronic system of non-interacting fermions is coupled to non-interacting local moments via the exchange interaction. Using general entanglement-based arguments and explicit lattice models, we show that in this way gapped spin liquids can be induced in the spin system. We demonstrate the power of this topological bootstrap concept with two examples: (1) a chiral spin liquid induced by a Chern insulator and (2) a Z2 spin liquid induced by a superconductor. In particular, in the latter example, the toric code is realized as an exactly solvable example of topological bootstrap. Our approach can be generalized to all lattices, higher dimensions, and non-abelian topological orders. △ Less

Submitted 14 October, 2016; originally announced October 2016.

Comments: 5 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Science Advances Vol. 3, no. 10, e1700729 (2017)

Entangled Cloning of Stabilizer Codes and Free Fermions

Authors: Timothy H. Hsieh

Abstract: Though the no-cloning theorem [1] prohibits exact replication of arbitrary quantum states, there are many instances in quantum information processing and entanglement measurement in which a weaker form of cloning may be useful. Here, I provide a construction for generating an "entangled clone" for a particular but rather expansive and rich class of states. Given a stabilizer code or free fermion H… ▽ More Though the no-cloning theorem [1] prohibits exact replication of arbitrary quantum states, there are many instances in quantum information processing and entanglement measurement in which a weaker form of cloning may be useful. Here, I provide a construction for generating an "entangled clone" for a particular but rather expansive and rich class of states. Given a stabilizer code or free fermion Hamiltonian, this construction generates an exact entangled clone of the original ground state, in the sense that the entanglement between the original and the exact copy can be tuned to be arbitrarily small but finite, or large, and the relation between the original and the copy can also be modified to some extent. For example, this work focuses on generating time-reversed copies of stabilizer codes and particle-hole transformed ground states of free fermion systems, although untransformed clones can also be generated. The protocol leverages entanglement to simulate a transformed copy of the Hamiltonian without having to physically implement it and can potentially be realized in superconducting qubits or ultracold atomic systems. △ Less

Submitted 14 October, 2016; v1 submitted 16 August, 2016; originally announced August 2016.

Comments: Published version, with more generalizations of the result included. 5 pages, 1 figure

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 94, 161112 (2016)