Showing 1–50 of 128 results for author: Peng, C

High fidelity control of superconducting qubits with optical transmitted signal

Authors: Yu-Huai Li, Daojin Fan, Na Li, Fusheng Chen, Shaowei Li, Dong-Dong Li, Yu Xu, Jin Lin, Ming Gong, He-Liang Huang, Hui Deng, Yulin Wu, Haoran Qian, Shaojun Guo, Futian Liang, Xiaobo Zhu, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Superconducting circuits exhibit remarkable potential for constructing large-scale quantum simulation and computation systems, featuring numerous qubits, extended coherence time, and precise control. Nevertheless, the growing number of signal cables poses a challenge in dilution refrigerators due to space and heat load constraints. To overcome this issue, we experimentally implemented an optically… ▽ More Superconducting circuits exhibit remarkable potential for constructing large-scale quantum simulation and computation systems, featuring numerous qubits, extended coherence time, and precise control. Nevertheless, the growing number of signal cables poses a challenge in dilution refrigerators due to space and heat load constraints. To overcome this issue, we experimentally implemented an optically-assisted transmission line as an alternative to coaxial cables. By modulating microwave signals on laser intensities at room temperature and regenerating the signals at a cryogenic plate within the dilution refrigerator, we demonstrated full control of superconducting qubits using photocurrent. We demonstrate and benchmark both single-qubit and two-qubit gates on frequency tunable transmon qubits, achieving fidelities of 99.915% $\pm$ 0.005% and 99.676% $\pm$ 0.041%, respectively, which have reached the requirement of the surface code. △ Less

Submitted 19 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

Comments: 11 pages, 7 figures

Generalized Mermin Inequalities for Benchmarking Large-Scale GHZ States

Authors: Jianbin Cai, Junxiang Huang, Fynn Otto, Yuan Li, Carlos de Gois, Tao Jiang, Sirui Cao, Fangzheng Chen, Hao Fu, Jin Lin, Wei Xie, Naibin Zhou, Shibiao Tang, Xiang-Yang Li, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiao Yuan, Otfried Gühne, Ming Gong

Abstract: Multipartite Bell tests provide a correlation-only route to benchmarking quantum processors, but their application at large scales is hindered by the rapid decay of many-body correlators under noise and exponentially many terms in conventional Bell expressions. Here we address these scalability obstacles by introducing a finite-setting generalized Mermin family of state-tailored Bell inequalities… ▽ More Multipartite Bell tests provide a correlation-only route to benchmarking quantum processors, but their application at large scales is hindered by the rapid decay of many-body correlators under noise and exponentially many terms in conventional Bell expressions. Here we address these scalability obstacles by introducing a finite-setting generalized Mermin family of state-tailored Bell inequalities with analytic certification bounds, in which the measurement-setting number $m$ provides an additional certification dimension complementary to the system size $n$. We show that, for the powers-of-two setting choices considered here, increasing $m$ leaves the ideal normalized multipartite quantum value unchanged while lowering the relevant classical bounds, thereby strengthening the Bell-violation ratios and yielding an improved noise-robustness scaling compared to the standard Mermin inequality. We test this construction experimentally on a programmable superconducting processor by preparing Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states of up to 80 qubits. Using randomized sampling for direct Bell-operator estimation, we observe Bell ratios that grow exponentially with system size, certify a nonlocality depth of 14, and show that increasing $m$ strengthens both the Bell ratio and depth certification. All results are obtained solely from measured correlators and analytical bounds, without readout correction, tomography, or model-based mitigation. Generalized Mermin inequalities therefore provide a sharper Bell benchmark for noisy large-scale GHZ states. △ Less

Submitted 26 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures; supplemental material: 22 pages

Surface code logical operations on a superconducting quantum processor

Authors: Weiping Lin, Shaojun Guo, Yuwei Ma, Zhengzhong Yi, Kai Zhang, Jiahao Bei, Jianbin Cai, Sirui Cao, Danning Chen, Guoben Chen, Jianguo Chen, Kefu Chen, Xiawei Chen, Zhe Chen, Zhiyuan Chen, Zihua Chen, Wenhao Chu, Hui Deng, Xun Ding, Zhuzhengqi Ding, Yajie Du, Bo Fan, Daojin Fan, Yuanhao Fu, Dongxin Gao , et al. (122 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Fault-tolerant quantum computation requires logical operations that manipulate encoded information while preserving quantum error-correction protection. In planar surface-code architectures, code deformation and lattice surgery provide a local, measurement-based route to such operations. Here we experimentally realize key elements of patch-based surface-code logical processing on a 107-qubit super… ▽ More Fault-tolerant quantum computation requires logical operations that manipulate encoded information while preserving quantum error-correction protection. In planar surface-code architectures, code deformation and lattice surgery provide a local, measurement-based route to such operations. Here we experimentally realize key elements of patch-based surface-code logical processing on a 107-qubit superconducting quantum processor. We first implement a reusable primitive layer comprising merge and split, patch expansion and shrinkage, and deformations mediated by domain walls and twist defects. We then compose these primitives to realize logical state routing, the logical controlled-NOT gate, and the single-qubit Hadamard and phase gates, which together form a Clifford-generating set. All operations are implemented on distance-three rotated surface-code patches with multi-round syndrome extraction and neural-network decoding, without post-selection. Our results advance superconducting surface-code experiments from protected logical memory to active, patch-based fault-tolerant logical operations. △ Less

Submitted 1 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Lottery BP: Unlocking Quantum Error Decoding at Scale

Authors: Yanzhang Zhu, Chen-Yu Peng, Yun Hao Chen, Yeong-Luh Ueng, Di Wu

Abstract: During a QEC cycle, quantum error decoding stands on the critical path. To enable fault tolerance on millions of qubits in real time, scalable decoding is necessary, which motivates this paper. Existing decoding algorithms (decoders), such as clustering, matching, belief propagation (BP), and neural networks, suffer from one or more of inaccuracy, costliness, and incompatibility, upon a broad set… ▽ More During a QEC cycle, quantum error decoding stands on the critical path. To enable fault tolerance on millions of qubits in real time, scalable decoding is necessary, which motivates this paper. Existing decoding algorithms (decoders), such as clustering, matching, belief propagation (BP), and neural networks, suffer from one or more of inaccuracy, costliness, and incompatibility, upon a broad set of quantum error correction codes, such as surface code and bivariate bicycle code. Therefore, there exists a gap between existing decoders and an ideal decoder that is accurate, fast, general, and scalable simultaneously. To move closer to the goal above, this paper contributes in three aspects, including decoder algorithm, decoder architecture, and decoding simulator. First, we propose Lottery BP, a lightweight decoder that introduces guided randomness to break the symmetric deadlock caused by quantum degeneracy during decoding. Lottery BP improves the decoding accuracy over BP by up to 6 orders. Second, we design a PolyQec architecture that implements Lottery BP as a local decoder and ordered statistics decoding (OSD) as a global decoder, exemplifying a hierarchical decoder architecture. PolyQec is configurable for surface code and X/Z check. Since Lottery BP boosts the local decoding accuracy, PolyQec invokes the costly global OSD decoder less frequently over BP+OSD to enhance the scalability, e.g., up to 4 orders of magnitude less for surface codes. Third, we develop Syndrilla, a modular PyTorch-based decoding simulator that enables fair, extensible decoder evaluation with unified accuracy and performance metrics. On GPUs, Syndrilla runs 1 order of magnitude faster than CUDAQX. △ Less

Submitted 1 August, 2026; v1 submitted 28 April, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 14 pages, 17 figures

Hamiltonian Lattice QED$_3$ with One and Two Flavors of Wilson Fermions: Topological Structure and Response

Authors: Sriram Bharadwaj, Emil Rosanowski, Simran Singh, Alice di Tucci, Changnan Peng, Karl Jansen, Lena Funcke, Di Luo

Abstract: The quantum simulation of topological phases in (2+1)D quantum electrodynamics with Wilson fermions provides a promising route toward realizing topological phenomena in near-term lattice experiments. We show that the commonly used staggered-fermion discretizations in Hamiltonian gauge theories possesses an exact time-reversal symmetry, which forbids the emergence of nontrivial topological phases a… ▽ More The quantum simulation of topological phases in (2+1)D quantum electrodynamics with Wilson fermions provides a promising route toward realizing topological phenomena in near-term lattice experiments. We show that the commonly used staggered-fermion discretizations in Hamiltonian gauge theories possesses an exact time-reversal symmetry, which forbids the emergence of nontrivial topological phases and has led to confusion in the existing literature. In this work, we resolve this obstacle by systematically analyzing fermion discretization effects in (2+1)D lattice Hamiltonians of fermions coupled to U(1) gauge fields that satisfy Gauss' law. We show that Wilson fermions, already in the minimal one-flavor theory, naturally enable topological regimes with nonzero Chern numbers, and that the two-flavor extension at finite chemical potential further enriches the accessible topological structure. We develop gauge-invariant diagnostics of topological response, including many-body Chern numbers and current correlators that remain robust probes at weak coupling. Finally, through extensive exact diagonalization calculations across both flavor settings, we characterize the spectrum, correlators, and topological invariants, providing a concrete foundation for near-term quantum simulations of topological phases in lattice field theories. The implications of this work for quantum simulations of lattice field theory are analyzed in a joint submission [1]. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 27 pages, 21 figures. joint submission with arXiv:2504.21828

Algorithmic Quantum Simulations of Quantum Thermodynamics

Authors: Yangsen Ye, Jue Nan, Dong Chen, Torsten V. Zache, Qingling Zhu, Yiming Zhang, Yuan Li, Xiawei Chen, Chong Ying, Chen Zha, Sirui Cao, Shaowei Li, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, Hao Rong, Yulin Wu, Kai Yan, Feifan Su, Hui Deng, Yu Xu, Jin Lin, Ming Gong, Fusheng Chen, Gang Wu, Yong-Heng Huo , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Characterizing quantum phases-of-matter at finite-temperature is essential for understanding complex materials and large-scale thermodynamic phenomena. Here, we develop algorithmic protocols for simulating quantum thermodynamics on quantum hardware through quantum kernel function expansion (QKFE), producing the free energy as an analytic function of temperature with uniform convergence. These prot… ▽ More Characterizing quantum phases-of-matter at finite-temperature is essential for understanding complex materials and large-scale thermodynamic phenomena. Here, we develop algorithmic protocols for simulating quantum thermodynamics on quantum hardware through quantum kernel function expansion (QKFE), producing the free energy as an analytic function of temperature with uniform convergence. These protocols are demonstrated by simulating transverse field Ising and XY models with superconducting qubits. In both analogue and digital implementations of the QKFE algorithms, we exhibit quantitative agreement of our quantum simulation experiments with the exact results. Our approach provides a general framework for computing thermodynamic potentials on programmable quantum devices, granting access to key thermodynamic properties such as entropy, heat capacity and criticality, with far-reaching implications for material design and drug development. △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 31 pages, 19 figures, 7 tables

Memory-Assisted Nonlocal Interferometer Towards Long-Baseline Telescopes

Authors: Bin Wang, Xi-Yu Luo, Bo-Feng Gao, Jian-Long Liu, Chao-Yang Wang, Zi Yan, Qiao-Mu Ke, Da Teng, Ming-Yang Zheng, Yuan Cao, Jun Li, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Qiang Zhang, Xiao-Hui Bao, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Quantum networks and remote quantum entanglement serve as vital future quantum communication resources with broad applicability. A key direction lies in extending the baseline of optical interferometers to enhance angular resolution in interferometric imaging. Here, by measuring a simulated thermal light field, we report the demonstration of a memory-assisted nonlocal interferometer achieving a fi… ▽ More Quantum networks and remote quantum entanglement serve as vital future quantum communication resources with broad applicability. A key direction lies in extending the baseline of optical interferometers to enhance angular resolution in interferometric imaging. Here, by measuring a simulated thermal light field, we report the demonstration of a memory-assisted nonlocal interferometer achieving a fiber-link baseline up to 20 km while simultaneously showing its capability to compensate for a geometric delay equivalent to 1.5 km. This result demonstrates potential for enhancing the angular resolution of interferometric imaging in the optical band with delocalized single-photon entanglement, and paves the way for future application of quantum memories in astronomical observation. △ Less

Submitted 14 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 6 pages in the main text, 7 pages in the supplemental meterial

Calibrating quantum gates up to 52 qubits in a superconducting processor

Authors: Daojin Fan, Guoding Liu, Shaowei Li, Ming Gong, Dachao Wu, Yiming Zhang, Chen Zha, Fusheng Chen, Sirui Cao, Yangsen Ye, Qingling Zhu, Chong Ying, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, Yulin Wu, Hui Deng, Gang Wu, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiongfeng Ma, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Benchmarking large-scale quantum gates, typically involving multiple native two-qubit and singlequbit gates, is crucial in quantum computing. Global fidelity, encompassing information about intergate correlations, offers a comprehensive metric for evaluating and optimizing gate performance, unlike the fidelities of individual local native gates. In this work, utilizing the character-average benchm… ▽ More Benchmarking large-scale quantum gates, typically involving multiple native two-qubit and singlequbit gates, is crucial in quantum computing. Global fidelity, encompassing information about intergate correlations, offers a comprehensive metric for evaluating and optimizing gate performance, unlike the fidelities of individual local native gates. In this work, utilizing the character-average benchmarking protocol implementable in a shallow circuit, we successfully benchmark gate fidelities up to 52 qubits. Notably, we achieved a fidelity of 63.09$\pm $0.23% for a 44-qubit parallel CZ gate. Utilizing the global fidelity of the parallel CZ gate, we explore the correlations among local CZ gates by introducing an inter-gate correlation metric, enabling one to simultaneously quantify crosstalk error when benchmarking gate fidelity. Finally, we apply our methods in gate optimization. By leveraging global fidelity for optimization, we enhance the fidelity of a 6-qubit parallel CZ gate from 87.65% to 92.04% and decrease the gate correlation from 3.53% to 3.22%, compared to local gate fidelitybased optimization. The experimental results align well with our established composite noise model, incorporating depolarizing and ZZ-coupling noises, and provide valuable insight into further study and mitigation of correlated noise. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 25 pages, 10 figures

Journal ref: npj Quantum Information,2025,11:33

Generation of 95-qubit genuine entanglement and verification of symmetry-protected topological phases

Authors: Tao Jiang, Jianbin Cai, Junxiang Huang, Naibin Zhou, Yukun Zhang, Jiahao Bei, Guoqing Cai, Sirui Cao, Fusheng Chen, Jiang Chen, Kefu Chen, Xiawei Chen, Xiqing Chen, Zhe Chen, Zhiyuan Chen, Zihua Chen, Wenhao Chu, Hui Deng, Zhibin Deng, Pei Ding, Xun Ding, Zhuzhengqi Ding, Shuai Dong, Bo Fan, Daojin Fan , et al. (130 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases are fundamental features of cluster states, serving as key resources for measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC). Generating large-scale cluster states and verifying their SPT phases are essential steps toward practical MBQC, which however still presents significant experimental challenges. In this work, we address these challenges by utilizing adva… ▽ More Symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases are fundamental features of cluster states, serving as key resources for measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC). Generating large-scale cluster states and verifying their SPT phases are essential steps toward practical MBQC, which however still presents significant experimental challenges. In this work, we address these challenges by utilizing advanced superconducting hardware with optimized gate operations, enhanced readout fidelity, and error mitigation techniques. We successfully generate and verify 95-qubit one-dimensional and 72-qubit two-dimensional genuine entangled cluster states, achieving fidelities of $0.5603 \pm 0.0084$ and $0.5519 \pm 0.0054$, respectively. Leveraging these high-fidelity cluster states, we investigate SPT phases through quantum teleportation across all 95 qubits and demonstrate input-state-dependent robustness against symmetry-breaking perturbations, highlighting the practicality and intrinsic robustness of MBQC enabled by the SPT order. Our results represent a significant advancement in large-scale entanglement generation and topological phase simulation, laying the foundation for scalable and practical MBQC using superconducting quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 3 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: Main text: 15 pages, 4 figures; supplementary materials: 42 pages, 19 figures. Total: 57 pages, 23 figures

Journal ref: Nat. Phys. 22 (2026) 430-438

A Path to Quantum Simulations of Topological Phases: (2+1)D Quantum Electrodynamics with Wilson Fermions

Authors: Sriram Bharadwaj, Emil Rosanowski, Simran Singh, Alice di Tucci, Changnan Peng, Karl Jansen, Lena Funcke, Di Luo

Abstract: Quantum simulation offers a powerful approach to studying quantum field theories, particularly (2+1)D quantum electrodynamics (QED$_3$) with Wilson fermions, which hosts a rich landscape of physical phenomena. A key challenge in lattice formulations is the proper realization of topological phases and the Chern-Simons terms, where fermion discretization plays a crucial role. In this work, we highli… ▽ More Quantum simulation offers a powerful approach to studying quantum field theories, particularly (2+1)D quantum electrodynamics (QED$_3$) with Wilson fermions, which hosts a rich landscape of physical phenomena. A key challenge in lattice formulations is the proper realization of topological phases and the Chern-Simons terms, where fermion discretization plays a crucial role. In this work, we highlight the differences between staggered and Wilson fermions coupled to $\text{U}(1)$ gauge fields in the Hamiltonian formulation. We analyze why staggered fermions fail to induce (2+1)D topological phases, while Wilson fermions admit a variety of topological phases including Chern insulator and quantum spin Hall phases. Additionally, we uncover a rich phase diagram for the two-flavor Wilson fermion model in the presence of a chemical potential. Our findings resolve existing ambiguities in Hamiltonian formulations and provide a theoretical foundation for future quantum simulations of lattice field theories with topological phases. We further outline connections to experimental platforms, offering guidance for implementations on near-term quantum computing architectures. A complementary presentation of the analytical calculations, the identification of robust topological structure and response, and extensive numerical results is contained in a joint submission [1]. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2026; v1 submitted 30 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures

Free-Space Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution

Authors: Yu-Huai Li, Ting Zeng, Min-Yan Wang, Cong Jiang, Jin Lin, Hao-Bin Fu, Xin-Yang Zheng, Jiu-Peng Chen, Zeng-Sen Lin, Cheng-Lin Li, Jian-Yu Guan, Yang Li, Qi Shen, Hao Li, Lixing You, Zhen Wang, Fei Zhou, Juan Yin, Sheng-Kai Liao, Ji-Gang Ren, Xiang-Bin Wang, Yuan Cao, Qiang Zhang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) elevates the secure key rate from a linear to a square-root dependence on channel loss while preserving measurement-device-independent security. This protocol is uniquely positioned to enable global-scale quantum networks, even under extreme channel loss. While fiber-based TF-QKD implementations have advanced rapidly since its proposal, free-space reali… ▽ More Twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) elevates the secure key rate from a linear to a square-root dependence on channel loss while preserving measurement-device-independent security. This protocol is uniquely positioned to enable global-scale quantum networks, even under extreme channel loss. While fiber-based TF-QKD implementations have advanced rapidly since its proposal, free-space realizations have remained elusive due to atmospheric turbulence-induced phase distortions. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of free-space TF-QKD over 14.2 km urban atmospheric channels, surpassing the effective atmospheric thickness -- a critical threshold for satellite compatibility. We achieve a secret key rate exceeding the repeaterless capacity bound, a milestone for practical quantum communication. Our approach eliminates the need for an auxiliary channel to stabilize a closed interferometer, instead leveraging open-channel time and phase control of optical pulses. This work represents a pivotal advance toward satellite-based global quantum networks, combining high-speed key distribution with inherent resistance to real-world channel fluctuations. △ Less

Submitted 22 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 17 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Nature Photonics 20, 783 (2026)

99.9%-fidelity in measuring a superconducting qubit

Authors: Can Wang, Feng-Ming Liu, He Chen, Yi-Fei Du, Chong Ying, Jian-Wen Wang, Yong-Heng Huo, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiaobo Zhu, Ming-Cheng Chen, Chao-Yang Lu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Despite the significant progress in superconducting quantum computation over the past years, quantum state measurement still lags nearly an order of magnitude behind quantum gate operations in speed and fidelity. The main challenge is that the strong coupling and readout signal used to probe the quantum state may also introduce additional channels which may cause qubit state transitions. Here, we… ▽ More Despite the significant progress in superconducting quantum computation over the past years, quantum state measurement still lags nearly an order of magnitude behind quantum gate operations in speed and fidelity. The main challenge is that the strong coupling and readout signal used to probe the quantum state may also introduce additional channels which may cause qubit state transitions. Here, we design a novel architecture to implement the long-sought longitudinal interaction scheme between qubits and resonators. This architecture not only provides genuine longitudinal interaction by eliminating residual transversal couplings, but also introduces proper nonlinearity to the resonator that can further minimize decay error and measurement-induced excitation error. Our experimental results demonstrate a measurement fidelity of 99.8% in 202 ns without the need for any first-stage amplification. After subtracting the residual preparation errors, the pure measurement fidelity is above 99.9%. Our scheme is compatible with the multiplexing readout scheme and can be used for quantum error correction. △ Less

Submitted 19 December, 2024; v1 submitted 18 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters (2025)

Establishing a New Benchmark in Quantum Computational Advantage with 105-qubit Zuchongzhi 3.0 Processor

Authors: Dongxin Gao, Daojin Fan, Chen Zha, Jiahao Bei, Guoqing Cai, Jianbin Cai, Sirui Cao, Xiangdong Zeng, Fusheng Chen, Jiang Chen, Kefu Chen, Xiawei Chen, Xiqing Chen, Zhe Chen, Zhiyuan Chen, Zihua Chen, Wenhao Chu, Hui Deng, Zhibin Deng, Pei Ding, Xun Ding, Zhuzhengqi Ding, Shuai Dong, Yupeng Dong, Bo Fan , et al. (129 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In the relentless pursuit of quantum computational advantage, we present a significant advancement with the development of Zuchongzhi 3.0. This superconducting quantum computer prototype, comprising 105 qubits, achieves high operational fidelities, with single-qubit gates, two-qubit gates, and readout fidelity at 99.90%, 99.62% and 99.18%, respectively. Our experiments with an 83-qubit, 32-cycle r… ▽ More In the relentless pursuit of quantum computational advantage, we present a significant advancement with the development of Zuchongzhi 3.0. This superconducting quantum computer prototype, comprising 105 qubits, achieves high operational fidelities, with single-qubit gates, two-qubit gates, and readout fidelity at 99.90%, 99.62% and 99.18%, respectively. Our experiments with an 83-qubit, 32-cycle random circuit sampling on Zuchongzhi 3.0 highlight its superior performance, achieving one million samples in just a few hundred seconds. This task is estimated to be infeasible on the most powerful classical supercomputers, Frontier, which would require approximately $6.4\times 10^9$ years to replicate the task. This leap in processing power places the classical simulation cost six orders of magnitude beyond Google's SYC-67 and SYC-70 experiments [Nature 634, 328(2024)], firmly establishing a new benchmark in quantum computational advantage. Our work not only advances the frontiers of quantum computing but also lays the groundwork for a new era where quantum processors play an essential role in tackling sophisticated real-world challenges. △ Less

Submitted 16 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

113 km absolute ranging with nanometer precision

Authors: Yan-Wei Chen, Meng-Zhe Lian, Jin-Jian Han, Ting Zeng, Min Li, Guo-Dong Wei, Yong Wang, Yi Sheng, Ali Esamdin, Lei Hou, Qi Shen, Jian-Yu Guan, Jian-Jun Jia, Ji-Gang Ren, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Qiang Zhang, Hai-Feng Jiang, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Accurate long-distance ranging is crucial for diverse applications, including satellite formation flying, very-long-baseline interferometry, gravitational-wave observatory, geographical research, etc. The integration of the time-of-flight mesurement with phase interference in dual-comb method enables high-precision ranging with a rapid update rate and an extended ambiguity range. Pioneering experi… ▽ More Accurate long-distance ranging is crucial for diverse applications, including satellite formation flying, very-long-baseline interferometry, gravitational-wave observatory, geographical research, etc. The integration of the time-of-flight mesurement with phase interference in dual-comb method enables high-precision ranging with a rapid update rate and an extended ambiguity range. Pioneering experiments have demonstrated unprecedented precision in ranging, achieving 5 nm @ 60 ms for 1.1 m and 200 nm @ 0.5 s for 25 m. However, long-distance ranging remains technically challenging due to high transmission loss and noise. In this letter, we propose a two-way dual-comb ranging (TWDCR) approach that enables successful ranging over a distance of 113 kilometers. We employ air dispersion analysis and synthetic repetition rate technique to extend the ambiguity range of the inherently noisy channel beyond 100 km. The achieved ranging precision is 11.5 $μ$m @ 1.3 ms, 681 nm @ 1 s, and 82 nm @ 21 s, as confirmed through a comparative analysis of two independent systems. The advanced long-distance ranging technology is expected to have immediate implications for space research initiatives, such as the space telescope array and the satellite gravimetry. △ Less

Submitted 7 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures, 1 table

D-commuting SYK model: building quantum chaos from integrable blocks

Authors: Ping Gao, Han Lin, Cheng Peng

Abstract: We construct a new family of quantum chaotic models by combining multiple copies of integrable commuting SYK models. As each copy of the commuting SYK model does not commute with others, this construction breaks the integrability of each commuting SYK and the family of models demonstrates the emergence of quantum chaos. We study the spectrum of this model analytically in the double-scaled limit. A… ▽ More We construct a new family of quantum chaotic models by combining multiple copies of integrable commuting SYK models. As each copy of the commuting SYK model does not commute with others, this construction breaks the integrability of each commuting SYK and the family of models demonstrates the emergence of quantum chaos. We study the spectrum of this model analytically in the double-scaled limit. As the number of copies tends to infinity, the spectrum becomes compact and equivalent to the regular SYK model. For finite $d$ copies, the spectrum is close to the regular SYK model in UV but has an exponential tail $e^{E/T_c}$ in the IR. We identify the reciprocal of the exponent in the tail as a critical temperature $T_c$, above which the model should be quantum chaotic. $T_c$ monotonically decreases as $d$ increases, which expands the chaotic regime over the non-chaotic regime. We propose the existence of a new phase around $T_c$, and the dynamics should be very different in two phases. We further carry out numeric analysis at finite $d$, which supports our proposal. Given any finite dimensional local Hamiltonian, by decomposing it into $d$ groups, in which all terms in one group commute with each other but terms from different groups may not, our analysis can give an estimate of the critical temperature for quantum chaos based on the decomposition. We also comment on the implication of the critical temperature to future quantum simulations of quantum chaos and quantum gravity. △ Less

Submitted 4 December, 2025; v1 submitted 19 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 27 pages plus appendix, 16 figures, 2 tables

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, 066012 (2025)

Microsatellite-based real-time quantum key distribution

Authors: Yang Li, Wen-Qi Cai, Ji-Gang Ren, Chao-Ze Wang, Meng Yang, Liang Zhang, Hui-Ying Wu, Liang Chang, Jin-Cai Wu, Biao Jin, Hua-Jian Xue, Xue-Jiao Li, Hui Liu, Guang-Wen Yu, Xue-Ying Tao, Ting Chen, Chong-Fei Liu, Wen-Bin Luo, Jie Zhou, Hai-Lin Yong, Yu-Huai Li, Feng-Zhi Li, Cong Jiang, Hao-Ze Chen, Chao Wu , et al. (16 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A quantum network provides an infrastructure connecting quantum devices with revolutionary computing, sensing, and communication capabilities. As the best-known application of a quantum network, quantum key distribution (QKD) shares secure keys guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics. A quantum satellite constellation offers a solution to facilitate the quantum network on a global scale. The M… ▽ More A quantum network provides an infrastructure connecting quantum devices with revolutionary computing, sensing, and communication capabilities. As the best-known application of a quantum network, quantum key distribution (QKD) shares secure keys guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics. A quantum satellite constellation offers a solution to facilitate the quantum network on a global scale. The Micius satellite has verified the feasibility of satellite quantum communications, however, scaling up quantum satellite constellations is challenging, requiring small lightweight satellites, portable ground stations and real-time secure key exchange. Here we tackle these challenges and report the development of a quantum microsatellite capable of performing space-to-ground QKD using portable ground stations. The quantum microsatellite features a payload weighing approximately 23 kg, while the portable ground station weighs about 100 kg. These weights represent reductions by more than an order and two orders of magnitude, respectively, compared to the Micius satellite. Additionally, we multiplex bidirectional satellite-ground optical communication with quantum communication, enabling key distillation and secure communication in real-time. Using the microsatellite and the portable ground stations, we demonstrate satellite-based QKD with multiple ground stations and achieve the sharing of up to 0.59 million bits of secure keys during a single satellite pass. The compact quantum payload can be readily assembled on existing space stations or small satellites, paving the way for a satellite-constellation-based quantum and classical network for widespread real-life applications. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 40 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: Nature 640, 47-54 (2025)

Ultrabright Entanglement Based Quantum Key Distribution over a 404 km Optical Fiber

Authors: Shi-Chang Zhuang, Bo Li, Ming-Yang Zheng, Yi-Xi Zeng, Hui-Nan Wu, Guang-Bing Li, Quan Yao, Xiu-Ping Xie, Yu-Huai Li, Hao Qin, Li-Xing You, Feihu Xu, Juan Yin, Yuan Cao, Qiang Zhang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Entangled photons are crucial resources for quantum information processing. Here, we present an ultrabright polarization-entangled photon source based on a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide designed for practical quantum communication networks. Using a 780 nm pump laser, the source achieves a pair generation rate of 2.4 $\times 10^{10}$ pairs/s/mW. Remarkably, the entangled photons are… ▽ More Entangled photons are crucial resources for quantum information processing. Here, we present an ultrabright polarization-entangled photon source based on a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide designed for practical quantum communication networks. Using a 780 nm pump laser, the source achieves a pair generation rate of 2.4 $\times 10^{10}$ pairs/s/mW. Remarkably, the entangled photons are bright enough to be detected by a power meter, reaching a power of 17.9 nW under a pump power of 3.2 mW. We demonstrate the practicality of the source by conducting quantum key distribution experiments over long-distance fiber links. Wavelength-division multiplexing was employed to enhance the key generation, and nonlocal dispersion compensation was implemented to ensure precise timing coincidence measurements across a broad spectral range. By utilizing nine pairs of wavelength channels, the system achieved the applicable secure key rates of up to 440.80 bits/s over 200 km with a 62 dB loss and extended the maximum secure key generation distance to 404 km. These results demonstrate the potential of wavelength-multiplexed polarization-entangled photon sources for high-speed, long-distance quantum communication, positioning them as key components for future large-scale quantum networks. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2025; v1 submitted 8 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 27 pages, 9 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 230801 (2025)

Single-photon interference over 8.4 km urban atmosphere: towards testing quantum effects in curved spacetime with photons

Authors: Hui-Nan Wu, Yu-Huai Li, Bo Li, Xiang You, Run-Ze Liu, Ji-Gang Ren, Juan Yin, Chao-Yang Lu, Yuan Cao, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: The emergence of quantum mechanics and general relativity has transformed our understanding of the natural world significantly. However, integrating these two theories presents immense challenges, and their interplay remains untested. Recent theoretical studies suggest that the single-photon interference covering huge space can effectively probe the interface between quantum mechanics and general… ▽ More The emergence of quantum mechanics and general relativity has transformed our understanding of the natural world significantly. However, integrating these two theories presents immense challenges, and their interplay remains untested. Recent theoretical studies suggest that the single-photon interference covering huge space can effectively probe the interface between quantum mechanics and general relativity. We developed an alternative design using unbalanced Michelson interferometers to address this and validated its feasibility over an 8.4 km free-space channel. Using a high-brightness single-photon source based on quantum dots, we demonstrated single-photon interference along this long-distance baseline. We achieved a phase measurement precision of 16.2 mrad, which satisfied the measurement requirements for a gravitational redshift at the geosynchronous orbit by five times the standard deviation. Our results confirm the feasibility of the single-photon version of the Colella-Overhauser-Werner experiment for testing the quantum effects in curved spacetime. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2024; v1 submitted 6 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 22 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 020201 (2024)

Provably Efficient Adiabatic Learning for Quantum-Classical Dynamics

Authors: Changnan Peng, Jin-Peng Liu, Gia-Wei Chern, Di Luo

Abstract: Quantum-classical hybrid dynamics is crucial for accurately simulating complex systems where both quantum and classical behaviors need to be considered. However, coupling between classical and quantum degrees of freedom and the exponential growth of the Hilbert space present significant challenges. Current machine learning approaches for predicting such dynamics, while promising, remain unknown in… ▽ More Quantum-classical hybrid dynamics is crucial for accurately simulating complex systems where both quantum and classical behaviors need to be considered. However, coupling between classical and quantum degrees of freedom and the exponential growth of the Hilbert space present significant challenges. Current machine learning approaches for predicting such dynamics, while promising, remain unknown in their error bounds, sample complexity, and generalizability. In this work, we establish a generic theoretical framework for analyzing quantum-classical adiabatic dynamics with learning algorithms. Based on quantum information theory, we develop a provably efficient adiabatic learning (PEAL) algorithm with logarithmic system size sampling complexity and favorable time scaling properties. We benchmark PEAL on the Holstein model, and demonstrate its accuracy in predicting single-path dynamics and ensemble dynamics observables as well as transfer learning over a family of Hamiltonians. Our framework and algorithm open up new avenues for reliable and efficient learning of quantum-classical dynamics. △ Less

Submitted 8 August, 2024; v1 submitted 1 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

In situ Qubit Frequency Tuning Circuit for Scalable Superconducting Quantum Computing: Scheme and Experiment

Authors: Lei Jiang, Yu Xu, Shaowei Li, Zhiguang Yan, Ming Gong, Tao Rong, Chenyin Sun, Tianzuo Sun, Tao Jiang, Hui Deng, Chen Zha, Jin Lin, Fusheng Chen, Qingling Zhu, Yangsen Ye, Hao Rong, Kai Yan, Sirui Cao, Yuan Li, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, Yisen Hu, Yulin Wu, Yuhuai Li, Gang Wu , et al. (8 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Frequency tunable qubit plays a significant role for scalable superconducting quantum processors. The state-of-the-art room-temperature electronics for tuning qubit frequency suffers from unscalable limit, such as heating problem, linear growth of control cables, etc. Here we propose a scalable scheme to tune the qubit frequency by using in situ superconducting circuit, which is based on radio fre… ▽ More Frequency tunable qubit plays a significant role for scalable superconducting quantum processors. The state-of-the-art room-temperature electronics for tuning qubit frequency suffers from unscalable limit, such as heating problem, linear growth of control cables, etc. Here we propose a scalable scheme to tune the qubit frequency by using in situ superconducting circuit, which is based on radio frequency superconducting quantum interference device (rf-SQUID). We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that the qubit frequency could be modulated by inputting several single pulses into rf-SQUID. Compared with the traditional scheme, our scheme not only solves the heating problem, but also provides the potential to exponentially reduce the number of cables inside the dilute refrigerator and the room-temperature electronics resource for tuning qubit frequency, which is achieved by a time-division-multiplex (TDM) scheme combining rf-SQUID with switch arrays. With such TDM scheme, the number of cables could be reduced from the usual $\sim 3n$ to $\sim \log_2{(3n)} + 1$ for two-dimensional quantum processors comprising $n$ qubits and $\sim 2n$ couplers. Our work paves the way for large-scale control of superconducting quantum processor. △ Less

Submitted 26 December, 2024; v1 submitted 31 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 034057 (2025)

Hamiltonian Lattice Formulation of Compact Maxwell-Chern-Simons Theory

Authors: Changnan Peng, Maria Cristina Diamantini, Lena Funcke, Syed Muhammad Ali Hassan, Karl Jansen, Stefan Kühn, Di Luo, Pranay Naredi

Abstract: In this paper, a Hamiltonian lattice formulation for 2+1D compact Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory is derived. We analytically solve this theory and demonstrate that the mass gap in the continuum limit matches the well-known continuum formula. Our formulation preserves topological features such as the quantization of the Chern-Simons level, the degeneracy of energy eigenstates, the non-trivial properti… ▽ More In this paper, a Hamiltonian lattice formulation for 2+1D compact Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory is derived. We analytically solve this theory and demonstrate that the mass gap in the continuum limit matches the well-known continuum formula. Our formulation preserves topological features such as the quantization of the Chern-Simons level, the degeneracy of energy eigenstates, the non-trivial properties of Wilson loops, and the mutual and self statistics of anyons. This work lays the groundwork for future Hamiltonian-based simulations of Maxwell-Chern-Simons theory on classical and quantum computers. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2025; v1 submitted 29 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 114, 034511 (2026)

Experimental single-photon quantum key distribution surpassing the fundamental coherent-state rate limit

Authors: Yang Zhang, Xing Ding, Yang Li, Likang Zhang, Yong-Peng Guo, Gao-Qiang Wang, Zhen Ning, Mo-Chi Xu, Run-Ze Liu, Jun-Yi Zhao, Geng-Yan Zou, Hui Wang, Yuan Cao, Yu-Ming He, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Yong-Heng Huo, Sheng-Kai Liao, Chao-Yang Lu, Feihu Xu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Single-photon sources are essential for quantum networks, enabling applications ranging from quantum key distribution (QKD) to the burgeoning quantum internet. Despite the remarkable advancements, the current reliance of QKD on attenuated coherent (laser) light sources has imposed a fundamental limit on the secret key rate (SKR). This constraint is primarily attributable to the scarcity of single-… ▽ More Single-photon sources are essential for quantum networks, enabling applications ranging from quantum key distribution (QKD) to the burgeoning quantum internet. Despite the remarkable advancements, the current reliance of QKD on attenuated coherent (laser) light sources has imposed a fundamental limit on the secret key rate (SKR). This constraint is primarily attributable to the scarcity of single-photon components within coherent light, confined by an inherent upper bound of 1/e. Here, we report high-rate QKD using a high-efficiency single-photon source, enabling an SKR transcending the fundamental rate limit of coherent light. We developed an on-demand, bright semiconductor quantum-dot single-photon source with an efficiency of 0.71(2), exceeding the inherent bound of coherent light by approximately 2.87 dB. Implementing narrow-bandwidth filtering and random polarization modulation, we conducted a field QKD trial over a 14.6(1.1)-dB-loss free-space urban channel, achieving an SKR of 0.00108 bits per pulse. This surpasses the practical limit of coherent-light-based QKD by 2.53 dB. Our findings conclusively demonstrate the superior performance of nanotechnology-based single-photon sources over coherent light for QKD applications, marking a pivotal stride towards the realization of a global quantum internet. △ Less

Submitted 4 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 22 pages, 5 figures, 1 Table

Realization of fractional quantum Hall state with interacting photons

Authors: Can Wang, Feng-Ming Liu, Ming-Cheng Chen, He Chen, Xian-He Zhao, Chong Ying, Zhong-Xia Shang, Jian-Wen Wang, Yong-Heng Huo, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiaobo Zhu, Chao-Yang Lu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states, known for their robust topological order and the emergence of non-Abelian anyons, have captured significant interest due to the appealing applications in fault-tolerant quantum computing. Bottom-up approach on an engineered quantum platform will provide opportunities to operate FQH states without external magnetic field and enhance local and coherent manipulat… ▽ More Fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states, known for their robust topological order and the emergence of non-Abelian anyons, have captured significant interest due to the appealing applications in fault-tolerant quantum computing. Bottom-up approach on an engineered quantum platform will provide opportunities to operate FQH states without external magnetic field and enhance local and coherent manipulation of these exotic states. Here we demonstrate a lattice version of photon FQH state using a programmable on-chip platform based on photon blockade and engineering gauge fields on a novel two-dimensional circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) system. We first observe the effective photon Lorentz force and butterfly spectrum in the artificial gauge field, a prerequisite for FQH states. After adiabatic assembly of Laughlin FQH wavefunction of 1/2 filling factor from localized photons, we observe strong density correlation and chiral topological flow among the FQH photons. We then verify the unique features of FQH states in response to external fields, including the incompressibility of generating quasiparticles and the smoking-gun signature of fractional quantum Hall conductivity. Our work represents a significant advance in the bottom-up creation and manipulation of novel strongly correlated topological quantum matter composed of photons and opens up possibilities for fault-tolerant quantum information devices. △ Less

Submitted 30 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 6 figures

Journal ref: Science 384, 579-584 (2024)

High-rate quantum key distribution exceeding 110 Mb/s

Authors: Wei Li, Likang Zhang, Hao Tan, Yichen Lu, Sheng-Kai Liao, Jia Huang, Hao Li, Zhen Wang, Hao-Kun Mao, Bingze Yan, Qiong Li, Yang Liu, Qiang Zhang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Lixing You, Feihu Xu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) can provide fundamentally proven security for secure communication. Toward application, the secret key rate (SKR) is a key figure of merit for any QKD system. So far, the SKR has been limited to about a few megabit-per-second. Here we report a QKD system that is able to generate key at a record high SKR of 115.8 Mb/s over 10-km standard fibre, and to distribute key o… ▽ More Quantum key distribution (QKD) can provide fundamentally proven security for secure communication. Toward application, the secret key rate (SKR) is a key figure of merit for any QKD system. So far, the SKR has been limited to about a few megabit-per-second. Here we report a QKD system that is able to generate key at a record high SKR of 115.8 Mb/s over 10-km standard fibre, and to distribute key over up to 328 km of ultra-low-loss fibre. This attributes to a multi-pixel superconducting nanowire single-photon detector with ultrahigh counting rate, an integrated transmitter that can stably encode polarization states with low error, a fast post-processing algorithm for generating key in real time and the high system clock-rate operation. The results demonstrate the feasibility of practical high-rate QKD with photonic techniques, thus opening its possibility for widespread applications. △ Less

Submitted 5 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Journal ref: Nature Photonics 17, 416-421 (2023)

Pure-state photon-pair source with a long coherence time for large-scale quantum information processing

Authors: Bo Li, Yu-Huai Li, Yuan Cao, Juan Yin, Cheng-Zhi Peng

Abstract: The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference between independent photons plays a pivotal role in the large-scale quantum networks involving distant nodes. Photons need to work in a pure state for indistinguishability to reach high-quality interference. Also, they need to have a sufficiently long coherence time to reduce the time synchronization requirements in practical application. In this paper, we discuss a… ▽ More The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference between independent photons plays a pivotal role in the large-scale quantum networks involving distant nodes. Photons need to work in a pure state for indistinguishability to reach high-quality interference. Also, they need to have a sufficiently long coherence time to reduce the time synchronization requirements in practical application. In this paper, we discuss a scheme for generating a pure-state photon-pair source with a long coherence time in periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PPKTP) crystals. By selecting the appropriate pump laser and filter, we could simultaneously eliminate the frequency correlation of the parametric photons while achieving a long coherence time. We experimentally developed this pure-state photon-pair source of 780 nm on PPKTP crystals pumped by a 390 nm pulsed laser. The source provided a coherence time of tens of picoseconds, and it showed to have the potential to be applied in long-distance quantum interference. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrated the Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference between two photon sources with visibility exceeding the classical limit. △ Less

Submitted 30 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 19, 064083 (2023)

Logical Magic State Preparation with Fidelity Beyond the Distillation Threshold on a Superconducting Quantum Processor

Authors: Yangsen Ye, Tan He, He-Liang Huang, Zuolin Wei, Yiming Zhang, Youwei Zhao, Dachao Wu, Qingling Zhu, Huijie Guan, Sirui Cao, Fusheng Chen, Tung-Hsun Chung, Hui Deng, Daojin Fan, Ming Gong, Cheng Guo, Shaojun Guo, Lianchen Han, Na Li, Shaowei Li, Yuan Li, Futian Liang, Jin Lin, Haoran Qian, Hao Rong , et al. (13 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Fault-tolerant quantum computing based on surface code has emerged as an attractive candidate for practical large-scale quantum computers to achieve robust noise resistance. To achieve universality, magic states preparation is a commonly approach for introducing non-Clifford gates. Here, we present a hardware-efficient and scalable protocol for arbitrary logical state preparation for the rotated s… ▽ More Fault-tolerant quantum computing based on surface code has emerged as an attractive candidate for practical large-scale quantum computers to achieve robust noise resistance. To achieve universality, magic states preparation is a commonly approach for introducing non-Clifford gates. Here, we present a hardware-efficient and scalable protocol for arbitrary logical state preparation for the rotated surface code, and further experimentally implement it on the \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.1 superconducting quantum processor. An average of \hhl{$0.8983 \pm 0.0002$} logical fidelity at different logical states with distance-three is achieved, \hhl{taking into account both state preparation and measurement errors.} In particular, \hhl{the magic states $|A^{π/4}\rangle_L$, $|H\rangle_L$, and $|T\rangle_L$ are prepared non-destructively with logical fidelities of $0.8771 \pm 0.0009 $, $0.9090 \pm 0.0009 $, and $0.8890 \pm 0.0010$, respectively, which are higher than the state distillation protocol threshold, 0.859 (for H-type magic state) and 0.827 (for T -type magic state).} Our work provides a viable and efficient avenue for generating high-fidelity raw logical magic states, which is essential for realizing non-Clifford logical gates in the surface code. △ Less

Submitted 30 May, 2023; v1 submitted 25 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: In this version, we do not employ readout error mitigation strategies (in the previous version, we use readout transition matrix to mitigate the measurement error) to remove measurement errors because we believe it provides a more predictive assessment of the actual fidelity when generating and consuming magic states for a non-Clifford gate, as consuming the state involves measurement

On Ultrafast X-ray Methods for Magnetism

Authors: Rajan Plumley, Sathya Chitturi, Cheng Peng, Tadesse Assefa, Nicholas Burdet, Lingjia Shen, Alex Reid, Georgi Dakovski, Matthew Seaberg, Frank O'Dowd, Sergio Montoya, Hongwei Chen, Alana Okullo, Sougata Mardanya, Stephen Kevan, Peter Fischer, Eric Fullerton, Sunil Sinha, William Colocho, Alberto Lutman, Franz-Joseph Decker, Sujoy Roy, Jun Fujioka, Yoshinori Tokura, Michael P. Minitti , et al. (14 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: With the introduction of x-ray free electron laser sources around the world, new scientific approaches for visualizing matter at fundamental length and time-scales have become possible. As it relates to magnetism and "magnetic-type" systems, advanced methods are being developed for studying ultrafast magnetic responses on the time-scales at which they occur. We describe three capabilities which ha… ▽ More With the introduction of x-ray free electron laser sources around the world, new scientific approaches for visualizing matter at fundamental length and time-scales have become possible. As it relates to magnetism and "magnetic-type" systems, advanced methods are being developed for studying ultrafast magnetic responses on the time-scales at which they occur. We describe three capabilities which have the potential to seed new directions in this area and present original results from each: pump-probe x-ray scattering with low energy excitation, x-ray photon fluctuation spectroscopy, and ultrafast diffuse x-ray scattering. By combining these experimental techniques with advanced modeling together with machine learning, we describe how the combination of these domains allows for a new understanding in the field of magnetism. Finally, we give an outlook for future areas of investigation and the newly developed instruments which will take us there. △ Less

Submitted 12 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Effect of light injection on the security of practical quantum key distribution

Authors: Liying Han, Yang Li, Hao Tan, Weiyang Zhang, Wenqi Cai, Juan Yin, Jigang Ren, Feihu Xu, Shengkai Liao, Chengzhi Peng

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) based on the fundamental laws of quantum physics can allow the distribution of secure keys between distant users. However, the imperfections in realistic devices may lead to potential security risks, which must be accurately characterized and considered in practical security analysis. High-speed optical modulators, being as one of the core components of practical QKD… ▽ More Quantum key distribution (QKD) based on the fundamental laws of quantum physics can allow the distribution of secure keys between distant users. However, the imperfections in realistic devices may lead to potential security risks, which must be accurately characterized and considered in practical security analysis. High-speed optical modulators, being as one of the core components of practical QKD systems, can be used to prepare the required quantum states. Here, we find that optical modulators based on LiNbO3, including phase modulators and intensity modulators, are vulnerable to photorefractive effect caused by external light injection. By changing the power of external light, eavesdroppers can control the intensities of the prepared states, posing a potential threat to the security of QKD. We have experimentally demonstrated the influence of light injection on LiNbO3-based optical modulators and analyzed the security risks caused by the potential green light injection attack, along with the corresponding countermeasures. △ Less

Submitted 2 January, 2024; v1 submitted 26 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Experimental quantum computational chemistry with optimised unitary coupled cluster ansatz

Authors: Shaojun Guo, Jinzhao Sun, Haoran Qian, Ming Gong, Yukun Zhang, Fusheng Chen, Yangsen Ye, Yulin Wu, Sirui Cao, Kun Liu, Chen Zha, Chong Ying, Qingling Zhu, He-Liang Huang, Youwei Zhao, Shaowei Li, Shiyu Wang, Jiale Yu, Daojin Fan, Dachao Wu, Hong Su, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Yuan Li, Kaili Zhang , et al. (13 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Quantum computational chemistry has emerged as an important application of quantum computing. Hybrid quantum-classical computing methods, such as variational quantum eigensolvers (VQE), have been designed as promising solutions to quantum chemistry problems, yet challenges due to theoretical complexity and experimental imperfections hinder progress in achieving reliable and accurate results. Exper… ▽ More Quantum computational chemistry has emerged as an important application of quantum computing. Hybrid quantum-classical computing methods, such as variational quantum eigensolvers (VQE), have been designed as promising solutions to quantum chemistry problems, yet challenges due to theoretical complexity and experimental imperfections hinder progress in achieving reliable and accurate results. Experimental works for solving electronic structures are consequently still restricted to nonscalable (hardware efficient) or classically simulable (Hartree-Fock) ansatz, or limited to a few qubits with large errors. The experimental realisation of scalable and high-precision quantum chemistry simulation remains elusive. Here, we address the critical challenges {associated with} solving molecular electronic structures using noisy quantum processors. Our protocol presents significant improvements in the circuit depth and running time, key metrics for chemistry simulation. Through systematic hardware enhancements and the integration of error mitigation techniques, we push forward the limit of experimental quantum computational chemistry and successfully scale up the implementation of VQE with an optimised unitary coupled-cluster ansatz to 12 qubits. We produce high-precision results of the ground-state energy for molecules with error suppression by around two orders of magnitude. We achieve chemical accuracy for H$_2$ at all bond distances and LiH at small bond distances in the experiment, even beyond the two recent concurrent works. Our work demonstrates a feasible path towards a scalable solution to electronic structure calculation, validating the key technological features and identifying future challenges for this goal. △ Less

Submitted 17 June, 2024; v1 submitted 15 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: 11 pages, 4 figures in the main text, and 29 pages supplementary materials with 17 figures

Micius quantum experiments in space

Authors: Chao-Yang Lu, Yuan Cao, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Quantum theory has been successfully validated in numerous laboratory experiments. But would such a theory, which excellently describes the behavior of microscopic physical systems, and its predicted phenomena such as quantum entanglement, be still applicable on very large length scales? From a practical perspective, how can quantum key distribution -- where the security of establishing secret key… ▽ More Quantum theory has been successfully validated in numerous laboratory experiments. But would such a theory, which excellently describes the behavior of microscopic physical systems, and its predicted phenomena such as quantum entanglement, be still applicable on very large length scales? From a practical perspective, how can quantum key distribution -- where the security of establishing secret keys between distant parties is ensured by the laws of quantum mechanics -- be made technologically useful on a global scale? Due to photon loss in optical fibers and terrestrial free space, the achievable distance using direct transmission of single photons has been limited to a few hundred kilometers. A promising route to testing quantum physics over long distances and in the relativistic regimes, and thus realizing flexible global-scale quantum networks is via the use of satellites and space-based technologies, where a significant advantage is that the photon loss and turbulence predominantly occurs in the lower ~ 10 km of the atmosphere, and most of the photons' transmission path in the space is virtually in vacuum with almost zero absorption and decoherence. In this Article, we review the progress in free-space quantum experiments, with a focus on the fast-developing Micius satellite-based quantum communications. The perspective of space-ground integrated quantum networks and fundamental quantum optics experiments in space conceivable with satellites are discussed. △ Less

Submitted 22 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Comments: This review article focuses on the Micius satellite project with exhaustive technical details, and discusses the future plans. 53 pages, 49 figures, 254 references

Journal ref: Rev. Mod. Phys. 94, 035001 (2022)

Experimental Simulation of Larger Quantum Circuits with Fewer Superconducting Qubits

Authors: Chong Ying, Bin Cheng, Youwei Zhao, He-Liang Huang, Yu-Ning Zhang, Ming Gong, Yulin Wu, Shiyu Wang, Futian Liang, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Man-Hong Yung, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Although near-term quantum computing devices are still limited by the quantity and quality of qubits in the so-called NISQ era, quantum computational advantage has been experimentally demonstrated. Moreover, hybrid architectures of quantum and classical computing have become the main paradigm for exhibiting NISQ applications, where low-depth quantum circuits are repeatedly applied. In order to fur… ▽ More Although near-term quantum computing devices are still limited by the quantity and quality of qubits in the so-called NISQ era, quantum computational advantage has been experimentally demonstrated. Moreover, hybrid architectures of quantum and classical computing have become the main paradigm for exhibiting NISQ applications, where low-depth quantum circuits are repeatedly applied. In order to further scale up the problem size solvable by the NISQ devices, it is also possible to reduce the number of physical qubits by "cutting" the quantum circuit into different pieces. In this work, we experimentally demonstrated a circuit-cutting method for simulating quantum circuits involving many logical qubits, using only a few physical superconducting qubits. By exploiting the symmetry of linear-cluster states, we can estimate the effectiveness of circuit-cutting for simulating up to 33-qubit linear-cluster states, using at most 4 physical qubits for each subcircuit. Specifically, for the 12-qubit linear-cluster state, we found that the experimental fidelity bound can reach as much as 0.734, which is about 19\% higher than a direct simulation {on the same} 12-qubit superconducting processor. Our results indicate that circuit-cutting represents a feasible approach of simulating quantum circuits using much fewer qubits, while achieving a much higher circuit fidelity. △ Less

Submitted 1 March, 2023; v1 submitted 28 July, 2022; originally announced July 2022.

Portable ground stations for space-to-ground quantum key distribution

Authors: Ji-Gang Ren, Maimaiti Abulizi, Hai-Lin Yong, Juan Yin, Xue-Jiao Li, Yuan Jiang, Wei-Yang Wang, Hua-Jian Xue, Yu-He Chen, Biao Jin, Ya-Yun Yin, Zhou-Yu Tu, Xiao-Juan Zhu, Shuang-Qiang Zhao, Feng-Zhi Li, Sheng-Kai Liao, Wen-Qi Cai, Wei-Yue Liu, Yuan Cao, Fei Zhou, Li Li, Nai-Le Liu, Qiang Zhang, Yu-Ao Chen, Cheng-Zhi Peng , et al. (1 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to share unconditionally secure keys between distant users. Previous works based on the quantum science satellite "Micius" have initially demonstrated the feasibility of a global QKD network. However, the practical applications of space-based QKD still face many technical problems, such as the huge size and weight… ▽ More Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to share unconditionally secure keys between distant users. Previous works based on the quantum science satellite "Micius" have initially demonstrated the feasibility of a global QKD network. However, the practical applications of space-based QKD still face many technical problems, such as the huge size and weight of ground stations required to receive quantum signals. Here, we report space-to-ground QKD demonstrations based on portable receiving ground stations. The weight of the portable ground station is less than 100 kg, the space required is less than 1 m$^{3}$ and the installation time requires no more than 12 hours, all of the weight, required space and deployment time are about two orders of magnitude lower than those for the previous systems. Moreover, the equipment is easy to handle and can be placed on the roof of buildings in a metropolis. Secure keys have been successfully generated from the "Micius" satellite to these portable ground stations at six different places in China, and an average final secure key length is around 50 kb can be obtained during one passage. Our results pave the way for, and greatly accelerate the practical application of, space-based QKD. △ Less

Submitted 27 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Matrix Entanglement

Authors: Vaibhav Gautam, Masanori Hanada, Antal Jevicki, Cheng Peng

Abstract: In gauge/gravity duality, matrix degrees of freedom on the gauge theory side play important roles for the emergent geometry. In this paper, we discuss how the entanglement on the gravity side can be described as the entanglement between matrix degrees of freedom. Our approach, which we call 'matrix entanglement', is different from 'target-space entanglement' proposed and discussed recently by seve… ▽ More In gauge/gravity duality, matrix degrees of freedom on the gauge theory side play important roles for the emergent geometry. In this paper, we discuss how the entanglement on the gravity side can be described as the entanglement between matrix degrees of freedom. Our approach, which we call 'matrix entanglement', is different from 'target-space entanglement' proposed and discussed recently by several groups. We consider several classes of quantum states to which our approach can play important roles. When applied to fuzzy sphere, matrix entanglement can be used to define the usual spatial entanglement in two-brane or five-brane world-volume theory nonperturbatively in a regularized setup. Another application is to a small black hole in AdS5*S5 that can evaporate without being attached to a heat bath, for which our approach suggests a gauge theory origin of the Page curve. The confined degrees of freedom in the partially-deconfined states play the important roles. △ Less

Submitted 13 May, 2022; v1 submitted 13 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 37 pages, 11 figures, references added

Report number: DMUS-MP-22/03

A quantum-inspired tensor network method for constrained combinatorial optimization problems

Authors: Tianyi Hao, Xuxin Huang, Chunjing Jia, Cheng Peng

Abstract: Combinatorial optimization is of general interest for both theoretical study and real-world applications. Fast-developing quantum algorithms provide a different perspective on solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, we propose a quantum-inspired tensor-network-based algorithm for general locally constrained combinatorial optimization problems. Our algorithm constructs a Hamilto… ▽ More Combinatorial optimization is of general interest for both theoretical study and real-world applications. Fast-developing quantum algorithms provide a different perspective on solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, we propose a quantum-inspired tensor-network-based algorithm for general locally constrained combinatorial optimization problems. Our algorithm constructs a Hamiltonian for the problem of interest, effectively mapping it to a quantum problem, then encodes the constraints directly into a tensor network state and solves the optimal solution by evolving the system to the ground state of the Hamiltonian. We demonstrate our algorithm with the open-pit mining problem, which results in a quadratic asymptotic time complexity. Our numerical results show the effectiveness of this construction and potential applications in further studies for general combinatorial optimization problems. △ Less

Submitted 5 September, 2022; v1 submitted 29 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Journal ref: Frontiers in Physics, Volume 10, Article 906590 (2022)

Realization of fast all-microwave CZ gates with a tunable coupler

Authors: Shaowei Li, Daojin Fan, Ming Gong, Yangsen Ye, Xiawei Chen, Yulin Wu, Huijie Guan, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, He-Liang Huang, Chen Zha, Kai Yan, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, Haibin Zhang, Fusheng Chen, Qingling Zhu, Youwei Zhao, Shiyu Wang, Chong Ying, Sirui Cao, Jiale Yu, Futian Liang, Yu Xu, Jin Lin , et al. (7 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The development of high-fidelity two-qubit quantum gates is essential for digital quantum computing. Here, we propose and realize an all-microwave parametric Controlled-Z (CZ) gates by coupling strength modulation in a superconducting Transmon qubit system with tunable couplers. After optimizing the design of the tunable coupler together with the control pulse numerically, we experimentally realiz… ▽ More The development of high-fidelity two-qubit quantum gates is essential for digital quantum computing. Here, we propose and realize an all-microwave parametric Controlled-Z (CZ) gates by coupling strength modulation in a superconducting Transmon qubit system with tunable couplers. After optimizing the design of the tunable coupler together with the control pulse numerically, we experimentally realized a 100 ns CZ gate with high fidelity of 99.38%$ \pm$0.34% and the control error being 0.1%. We note that our CZ gates are not affected by pulse distortion and do not need pulse correction, {providing a solution for the real-time pulse generation in a dynamic quantum feedback circuit}. With the expectation of utilizing our all-microwave control scheme to reduce the number of control lines through frequency multiplexing in the future, our scheme draws a blueprint for the high-integrable quantum hardware design. △ Less

Submitted 14 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Journal ref: Chin. Phys. Lett.,39 (3): 030302 (2022)

Quantum Neuronal Sensing of Quantum Many-Body States on a 61-Qubit Programmable Superconducting Processor

Authors: Ming Gong, He-Liang Huang, Shiyu Wang, Chu Guo, Shaowei Li, Yulin Wu, Qingling Zhu, Youwei Zhao, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, Yangsen Ye, Chen Zha, Fusheng Chen, Chong Ying, Jiale Yu, Daojin Fan, Dachao Wu, Hong Su, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Kaili Zhang, Sirui Cao, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Lihua Sun , et al. (11 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Classifying many-body quantum states with distinct properties and phases of matter is one of the most fundamental tasks in quantum many-body physics. However, due to the exponential complexity that emerges from the enormous numbers of interacting particles, classifying large-scale quantum states has been extremely challenging for classical approaches. Here, we propose a new approach called quantum… ▽ More Classifying many-body quantum states with distinct properties and phases of matter is one of the most fundamental tasks in quantum many-body physics. However, due to the exponential complexity that emerges from the enormous numbers of interacting particles, classifying large-scale quantum states has been extremely challenging for classical approaches. Here, we propose a new approach called quantum neuronal sensing. Utilizing a 61 qubit superconducting quantum processor, we show that our scheme can efficiently classify two different types of many-body phenomena: namely the ergodic and localized phases of matter. Our quantum neuronal sensing process allows us to extract the necessary information coming from the statistical characteristics of the eigenspectrum to distinguish these phases of matter by measuring only one qubit. Our work demonstrates the feasibility and scalability of quantum neuronal sensing for near-term quantum processors and opens new avenues for exploring quantum many-body phenomena in larger-scale systems. △ Less

Submitted 20 November, 2022; v1 submitted 15 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures in the main text, and 13 pages, 13 figures, and 1 table in supplementary materials

Journal ref: Science Bulletin, 68(9):906-912 (2023)

Realization of an Error-Correcting Surface Code with Superconducting Qubits

Authors: Youwei Zhao, Yangsen Ye, He-Liang Huang, Yiming Zhang, Dachao Wu, Huijie Guan, Qingling Zhu, Zuolin Wei, Tan He, Sirui Cao, Fusheng Chen, Tung-Hsun Chung, Hui Deng, Daojin Fan, Ming Gong, Cheng Guo, Shaojun Guo, Lianchen Han, Na Li, Shaowei Li, Yuan Li, Futian Liang, Jin Lin, Haoran Qian, Hao Rong , et al. (14 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Quantum error correction is a critical technique for transitioning from noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to fully fledged quantum computers. The surface code, which has a high threshold error rate, is the leading quantum error correction code for two-dimensional grid architecture. So far, the repeated error correction capability of the surface code has not been realized experimental… ▽ More Quantum error correction is a critical technique for transitioning from noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to fully fledged quantum computers. The surface code, which has a high threshold error rate, is the leading quantum error correction code for two-dimensional grid architecture. So far, the repeated error correction capability of the surface code has not been realized experimentally. Here, we experimentally implement an error-correcting surface code, the distance-3 surface code which consists of 17 qubits, on the \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.1 superconducting quantum processor. By executing several consecutive error correction cycles, the logical error can be significantly reduced after applying corrections, achieving the repeated error correction of surface code for the first time. This experiment represents a fully functional instance of an error-correcting surface code, providing a key step on the path towards scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing. △ Less

Submitted 29 January, 2022; v1 submitted 26 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 030501 (2022)

Implementation of a 46-node quantum metropolitan area network

Authors: Teng-Yun Chen, Xiao Jiang, Shi-Biao Tang, Lei Zhou, Xiao Yuan, Hongyi Zhou, Jian Wang, Yang Liu, Luo-Kan Chen, Wei-Yue Liu, Hong-Fei Zhang, Ke Cui, Hao Liang, Xiao-Gang Li, Yingqiu Mao, Liu-Jun Wang, Si-Bo Feng, Qing Chen, Qiang Zhang, Li Li, Nai-Le Liu, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiongfeng Ma, Yong Zhao, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables secure key exchanges between two remote users. The ultimate goal of secure communication is to establish a global quantum network. The existing field tests suggest that quantum networks are feasible. To achieve a practical quantum network, we need to overcome several challenges, including realising versatile topologies for large scales, simple network mainten… ▽ More Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables secure key exchanges between two remote users. The ultimate goal of secure communication is to establish a global quantum network. The existing field tests suggest that quantum networks are feasible. To achieve a practical quantum network, we need to overcome several challenges, including realising versatile topologies for large scales, simple network maintenance, extendable configuration, and robustness to node failures. To this end, we present a field operation of a quantum metropolitan-area network with 46 nodes and show that all these challenges can be overcome with cutting-edge quantum technologies. In particular, we realise different topological structures and continuously run the network for 31 months, by employing standard equipment for network maintenance with an extendable configuration. We realise QKD pairing and key management with a sophisticated key control center. In this implementation, the final keys have been used for secure communication such as real-time voice telephone, text messaging, and file transmission with one-time pad encryption, which can support 11 pairs of users to make audio calls simultaneously. Combined with inter-city quantum backbone and ground-satellite links, our metropolitan implementation paves the way toward a global quantum network. △ Less

Submitted 10 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Comments: 14 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: npj Quantum Information volume 7, 134 (2021)

Quantum Computational Advantage via 60-Qubit 24-Cycle Random Circuit Sampling

Authors: Qingling Zhu, Sirui Cao, Fusheng Chen, Ming-Cheng Chen, Xiawei Chen, Tung-Hsun Chung, Hui Deng, Yajie Du, Daojin Fan, Ming Gong, Cheng Guo, Chu Guo, Shaojun Guo, Lianchen Han, Linyin Hong, He-Liang Huang, Yong-Heng Huo, Liping Li, Na Li, Shaowei Li, Yuan Li, Futian Liang, Chun Lin, Jin Lin, Haoran Qian , et al. (28 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: To ensure a long-term quantum computational advantage, the quantum hardware should be upgraded to withstand the competition of continuously improved classical algorithms and hardwares. Here, we demonstrate a superconducting quantum computing systems \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.1, which has 66 qubits in a two-dimensional array in a tunable coupler architecture. The readout fidelity of \textit{Zuchongzhi}… ▽ More To ensure a long-term quantum computational advantage, the quantum hardware should be upgraded to withstand the competition of continuously improved classical algorithms and hardwares. Here, we demonstrate a superconducting quantum computing systems \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.1, which has 66 qubits in a two-dimensional array in a tunable coupler architecture. The readout fidelity of \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.1 is considerably improved to an average of 97.74\%. The more powerful quantum processor enables us to achieve larger-scale random quantum circuit sampling, with a system scale of up to 60 qubits and 24 cycles. The achieved sampling task is about 6 orders of magnitude more difficult than that of Sycamore [Nature \textbf{574}, 505 (2019)] in the classic simulation, and 3 orders of magnitude more difficult than the sampling task on \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.0 [arXiv:2106.14734 (2021)]. The time consumption of classically simulating random circuit sampling experiment using state-of-the-art classical algorithm and supercomputer is extended to tens of thousands of years (about $4.8\times 10^4$ years), while \textit{Zuchongzhi} 2.1 only takes about 4.2 hours, thereby significantly enhancing the quantum computational advantage. △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2021; v1 submitted 8 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Quantum design for advanced qubits: plasmonium

Authors: Feng-Ming Liu, Ming-Cheng Chen, Can Wang, Shao-Wei Li, Zhong-Xia Shang, Chong Ying, Jian-Wen Wang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiaobo Zhu, Chao-Yang Lu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: The increasingly complex quantum electronic circuits with a number of coupled quantum degrees of freedom will become intractable to be simulated on classical computers, and requires quantum computers for an efficient simulation. In turn, it will be a central concept in quantum-aided design for next-generation quantum processors. Here, we demonstrate variational quantum eigensolvers to simulate sup… ▽ More The increasingly complex quantum electronic circuits with a number of coupled quantum degrees of freedom will become intractable to be simulated on classical computers, and requires quantum computers for an efficient simulation. In turn, it will be a central concept in quantum-aided design for next-generation quantum processors. Here, we demonstrate variational quantum eigensolvers to simulate superconducting quantum circuits with varying parameters covering a plasmon-transition regime, which reveals an advanced post-transmon qubit, "plasmonium". We fabricate this new qubit and demonstrate that it exhibits not only high single- and two-qubit gate fidelities (99.85(1)% and 99.58(3)%, respectively), but also a shrinking (by 60%) physical size and larger (by 50%) anharmonicity than the transmon, which can bring a number of advantages for scaling up multi-qubit devices. Our work opens the way to designing advanced quantum processors using existing quantum computing resources. △ Less

Submitted 5 August, 2022; v1 submitted 2 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Comments: We demonstrate quantum computer-aided design of a new high-performance superconducting quantum processor

Floquet Prethermal Phase Protected by U(1) Symmetry on a Superconducting Quantum Processor

Authors: Chong Ying, Qihao Guo, Shaowei Li, Ming Gong, Xiu-Hao Deng, Fusheng Chen, Chen Zha, Yangsen Ye, Can Wang, Qingling Zhu, Shiyu Wang, Youwei Zhao, Haoran Qian, Shaojun Guo, Yulin Wu, Hao Rong, Hui Deng, Futian Liang, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Chao-Yang Lu, Zhang-Qi Yin, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Periodically driven systems, or Floquet systems, exhibit many novel dynamics and interesting out-of-equilibrium phases of matter. Those phases arising with the quantum systems' symmetries, such as global $U(1)$ symmetry, can even show dynamical stability with symmetry-protection. Here we experimentally demonstrate a $U(1)$ symmetry-protected prethermal phase, via performing a digital-analog quantu… ▽ More Periodically driven systems, or Floquet systems, exhibit many novel dynamics and interesting out-of-equilibrium phases of matter. Those phases arising with the quantum systems' symmetries, such as global $U(1)$ symmetry, can even show dynamical stability with symmetry-protection. Here we experimentally demonstrate a $U(1)$ symmetry-protected prethermal phase, via performing a digital-analog quantum simulation on a superconducting quantum processor. The dynamical stability of this phase is revealed by its robustness against external perturbations. We also find that the spin glass order parameter in this phase is stabilized by the interaction between the spins. Our work reveals a promising prospect in discovering emergent quantum dynamical phases with digital-analog quantum simulators. △ Less

Submitted 15 July, 2021; originally announced July 2021.

Comments: 14 pages, 4 figures, and supplementary materials

Strong quantum computational advantage using a superconducting quantum processor

Authors: Yulin Wu, Wan-Su Bao, Sirui Cao, Fusheng Chen, Ming-Cheng Chen, Xiawei Chen, Tung-Hsun Chung, Hui Deng, Yajie Du, Daojin Fan, Ming Gong, Cheng Guo, Chu Guo, Shaojun Guo, Lianchen Han, Linyin Hong, He-Liang Huang, Yong-Heng Huo, Liping Li, Na Li, Shaowei Li, Yuan Li, Futian Liang, Chun Lin, Jin Lin , et al. (29 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Scaling up to a large number of qubits with high-precision control is essential in the demonstrations of quantum computational advantage to exponentially outpace the classical hardware and algorithmic improvements. Here, we develop a two-dimensional programmable superconducting quantum processor, \textit{Zuchongzhi}, which is composed of 66 functional qubits in a tunable coupling architecture. To… ▽ More Scaling up to a large number of qubits with high-precision control is essential in the demonstrations of quantum computational advantage to exponentially outpace the classical hardware and algorithmic improvements. Here, we develop a two-dimensional programmable superconducting quantum processor, \textit{Zuchongzhi}, which is composed of 66 functional qubits in a tunable coupling architecture. To characterize the performance of the whole system, we perform random quantum circuits sampling for benchmarking, up to a system size of 56 qubits and 20 cycles. The computational cost of the classical simulation of this task is estimated to be 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than the previous work on 53-qubit Sycamore processor [Nature \textbf{574}, 505 (2019)]. We estimate that the sampling task finished by \textit{Zuchongzhi} in about 1.2 hours will take the most powerful supercomputer at least 8 years. Our work establishes an unambiguous quantum computational advantage that is infeasible for classical computation in a reasonable amount of time. The high-precision and programmable quantum computing platform opens a new door to explore novel many-body phenomena and implement complex quantum algorithms. △ Less

Submitted 28 June, 2021; originally announced June 2021.

Ruling out real-valued standard formalism of quantum theory

Authors: Ming-Cheng Chen, Can Wang, Feng-Ming Liu, Jian-Wen Wang, Chong Ying, Zhong-Xia Shang, Yulin Wu, Ming Gong, Hui Deng, Futian Liang, Qiang Zhang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Xiaobo Zhu, Adan Cabello, Chao-Yang Lu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Standard quantum theory was formulated with complex-valued Schrodinger equations, wave functions, operators, and Hilbert spaces. Previous work attempted to simulate quantum systems using only real numbers by exploiting an enlarged Hilbert space. A fundamental question arises: are complex numbers really necessary in the standard formalism of quantum theory? To answer this question, a quantum game h… ▽ More Standard quantum theory was formulated with complex-valued Schrodinger equations, wave functions, operators, and Hilbert spaces. Previous work attempted to simulate quantum systems using only real numbers by exploiting an enlarged Hilbert space. A fundamental question arises: are complex numbers really necessary in the standard formalism of quantum theory? To answer this question, a quantum game has been developed to distinguish standard quantum theory from its real-number analog by revealing a contradiction in the maximum game scores between a high-fidelity multi-qubit quantum experiment and players using only real-number quantum theory. Here, using superconducting qubits, we faithfully experimentally implement the quantum game based on entanglement swapping with a state-of-the-art fidelity of 0.952(1), which beats the real-number bound of 7.66 by 43 standard deviations. Our results disprove the real-number formulation and establish the indispensable role of complex numbers in the standard quantum theory. △ Less

Submitted 12 February, 2022; v1 submitted 14 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: submitted on March 2021

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 040403 (2022)

Observation of strong and weak thermalization in a superconducting quantum processor

Authors: Fusheng Chen, Zheng-Hang Sun, Ming Gong, Qingling Zhu, Yu-Ran Zhang, Yulin Wu, Yangsen Ye, Chen Zha, Shaowei Li, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, He-Liang Huang, Jiale Yu, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Lihua Sun, Cheng Guo, Na Li, Futian Liang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Heng Fan, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: We experimentally study the ergodic dynamics of a 1D array of 12 superconducting qubits with a transverse field, and identify the regimes of strong and weak thermalization with different initial states. We observe convergence of the local observable to its thermal expectation value in the strong-thermalizaion regime. For weak thermalization, the dynamics of local observable exhibits an oscillation… ▽ More We experimentally study the ergodic dynamics of a 1D array of 12 superconducting qubits with a transverse field, and identify the regimes of strong and weak thermalization with different initial states. We observe convergence of the local observable to its thermal expectation value in the strong-thermalizaion regime. For weak thermalization, the dynamics of local observable exhibits an oscillation around the thermal value, which can only be attained by the time average. We also demonstrate that the entanglement entropy and concurrence can characterize the regimes of strong and weak thermalization. Our work provides an essential step towards a generic understanding of thermalization in quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 17 February, 2021; originally announced February 2021.

Comments: 6+6 pages, 4+8 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 020602 (2021)

Quantum walks on a programmable two-dimensional 62-qubit superconducting processor

Authors: Ming Gong, Shiyu Wang, Chen Zha, Ming-Cheng Chen, He-Liang Huang, Yulin Wu, Qingling Zhu, Youwei Zhao, Shaowei Li, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, Yangsen Ye, Fusheng Chen, Chong Ying, Jiale Yu, Daojin Fan, Dachao Wu, Hong Su, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Kaili Zhang, Sirui Cao, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Lihua Sun , et al. (11 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Quantum walks are the quantum mechanical analogue of classical random walks and an extremely powerful tool in quantum simulations, quantum search algorithms, and even for universal quantum computing. In our work, we have designed and fabricated an 8x8 two-dimensional square superconducting qubit array composed of 62 functional qubits. We used this device to demonstrate high fidelity single and two… ▽ More Quantum walks are the quantum mechanical analogue of classical random walks and an extremely powerful tool in quantum simulations, quantum search algorithms, and even for universal quantum computing. In our work, we have designed and fabricated an 8x8 two-dimensional square superconducting qubit array composed of 62 functional qubits. We used this device to demonstrate high fidelity single and two particle quantum walks. Furthermore, with the high programmability of the quantum processor, we implemented a Mach-Zehnder interferometer where the quantum walker coherently traverses in two paths before interfering and exiting. By tuning the disorders on the evolution paths, we observed interference fringes with single and double walkers. Our work is an essential milestone in the field, brings future larger scale quantum applications closer to realization on these noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2021; v1 submitted 4 February, 2021; originally announced February 2021.

Comments: 13 pages, 4 figures, and supplementary materials with 21 pages, 13 figures and 1 table

Journal ref: Science 372, 948-952 (2021)

Observation of thermalization and information scrambling in a superconducting quantum processor

Authors: Qingling Zhu, Zheng-Hang Sun, Ming Gong, Fusheng Chen, Yu-Ran Zhang, Yulin Wu, Yangsen Ye, Chen Zha, Shaowei Li, Shaojun Guo, Haoran Qian, He-Liang Huang, Jiale Yu, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Lihua Sun, Cheng Guo, Na Li, Futian Liang, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Heng Fan, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Understanding various phenomena in non-equilibrium dynamics of closed quantum many-body systems, such as quantum thermalization, information scrambling, and nonergodic dynamics, is a crucial for modern physics. Using a ladder-type superconducting quantum processor, we perform analog quantum simulations of both the $XX$ ladder and one-dimensional (1D) $XX$ model. By measuring the dynamics of local… ▽ More Understanding various phenomena in non-equilibrium dynamics of closed quantum many-body systems, such as quantum thermalization, information scrambling, and nonergodic dynamics, is a crucial for modern physics. Using a ladder-type superconducting quantum processor, we perform analog quantum simulations of both the $XX$ ladder and one-dimensional (1D) $XX$ model. By measuring the dynamics of local observables, entanglement entropy and tripartite mutual information, we signal quantum thermalization and information scrambling in the $XX$ ladder. In contrast, we show that the $XX$ chain, as free fermions on a 1D lattice, fails to thermalize, and local information does not scramble in the integrable channel. Our experiments reveal ergodicity and scrambling in the controllable qubit ladder, and opens the door to further investigations on the thermodynamics and chaos in quantum many-body systems. △ Less

Submitted 20 January, 2021; originally announced January 2021.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures, and supplementary materials with 10 pages, 3 tables and 14 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 160502 (2022)

Quantum Random Number Generation with Uncharacterized Laser and Sunlight

Authors: Yu-Huai Li, Xuan Han, Yuan Cao, Xiao Yuan, Zheng-Ping Li, Jian-Yu Guan, Juan Yin, Qiang Zhang, Xiongfeng Ma, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: The entropy or randomness source is an essential ingredient in random number generation. Quantum random number generators generally require well modeled and calibrated light sources, such as a laser, to generate randomness. With uncharacterized light sources, such as sunlight or an uncharacterized laser, genuine randomness is practically hard to be quantified or extracted owing to its unknown or c… ▽ More The entropy or randomness source is an essential ingredient in random number generation. Quantum random number generators generally require well modeled and calibrated light sources, such as a laser, to generate randomness. With uncharacterized light sources, such as sunlight or an uncharacterized laser, genuine randomness is practically hard to be quantified or extracted owing to its unknown or complicated structure. By exploiting a recently proposed source-independent randomness generation protocol, we theoretically modify it by considering practical issues and experimentally realize the modified scheme with an uncharacterized laser and a sunlight source. The extracted randomness is guaranteed to be secure independent of its source and the randomness generation speed reaches 1 Mbps, three orders of magnitude higher than the original realization. Our result signifies the power of quantum technology in randomness generation and paves the way to high-speed semi-self-testing quantum random number generators with practical light sources. △ Less

Submitted 9 January, 2021; originally announced January 2021.

Comments: 24 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: npj Quantum Information 5, 97 (2019)

Experimental characterization of quantum many-body localization transition

Authors: Ming Gong, Gentil D. de Moraes Neto, Chen Zha, Yulin Wu, Hao Rong, Yangsen Ye, Shaowei Li, Qingling Zhu, Shiyu Wang, Youwei Zhao, Futian Liang, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Hui Deng, Abolfazl Bayat, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: As strength of disorder enhances beyond a threshold value in many-body systems, a fundamental transformation happens through which the entire spectrum localizes, a phenomenon known as many-body localization. This has profound implications as it breaks down fundamental principles of statistical mechanics, such as thermalization and ergodicity. Due to the complexity of the problem, the investigation… ▽ More As strength of disorder enhances beyond a threshold value in many-body systems, a fundamental transformation happens through which the entire spectrum localizes, a phenomenon known as many-body localization. This has profound implications as it breaks down fundamental principles of statistical mechanics, such as thermalization and ergodicity. Due to the complexity of the problem, the investigation of the many-body localization transition has remained a big challenge. The experimental exploration of the transition point is even more challenging as most of the proposed quantities for studying such effect are practically infeasible. Here, we experimentally implement a scalable protocol for detecting the many-body localization transition point, using the dynamics of a $N=12$ superconducting qubit array. We show that the sensitivity of the dynamics to random samples becomes maximum at the transition point which leaves its fingerprints in all spatial scales. By exploiting three quantities, each with different spatial resolution, we identify the transition point with excellent match between simulation and experiment. In addition, one can detect the evidence of mobility edge through slight variation of the transition point as the initial state varies. The protocol is easily scalable and can be performed across various physical platforms. △ Less

Submitted 21 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: 7 pages and 4 figures together with supplementary materials

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Research 3, 033043 (2021)

Single-mode fiber coupling with a M-SPGD algorithm for long-range quantum communications

Authors: Kui-Xing Yang, Maimaiti Abulizi, Yu-Huai Li, Bo-Yang Zhang, Shuang-Lin Li, Wei-Yue Liu, Juan Yin, Yuan Cao, Ji-Gang Ren, Cheng-Zhi Peng

Abstract: Satellite-based quantum communication is a promising approach for realizing global-scale quantum networks. For free-space quantum channel, single-mode fiber coupling is particularly important for improving signal-to-noise ratio of daylight quantum key distribution (QKD) and compatibility with standard fiber-based QKD. However, achieving a highly efficient and stable single-mode coupling efficiency… ▽ More Satellite-based quantum communication is a promising approach for realizing global-scale quantum networks. For free-space quantum channel, single-mode fiber coupling is particularly important for improving signal-to-noise ratio of daylight quantum key distribution (QKD) and compatibility with standard fiber-based QKD. However, achieving a highly efficient and stable single-mode coupling efficiency under strong atmospheric turbulence remains experimentally challenging. Here, we develop a single-mode receiver with an adaptive optics (AO) system based on a modal version of the stochastic parallel gradient descent (M-SPGD) algorithm and test its performance over an 8 km urban terrestrial free-space channel. Under strong atmospheric turbulence, the M-SPGD AO system obtains an improvement of about 3.7 dB in the single-mode fiber coupling efficiency and a significant suppression of fluctuation, which can find its applications in free-space long-range quantum communications. △ Less

Submitted 8 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: 11 pages, 5 figures

Journal ref: Optics Express 28, 24, 36600 (2020)

Experimental Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks for Image Generation

Authors: He-Liang Huang, Yuxuan Du, Ming Gong, Youwei Zhao, Yulin Wu, Chaoyue Wang, Shaowei Li, Futian Liang, Jin Lin, Yu Xu, Rui Yang, Tongliang Liu, Min-Hsiu Hsieh, Hui Deng, Hao Rong, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Chao-Yang Lu, Yu-Ao Chen, Dacheng Tao, Xiaobo Zhu, Jian-Wei Pan

Abstract: Quantum machine learning is expected to be one of the first practical applications of near-term quantum devices. Pioneer theoretical works suggest that quantum generative adversarial networks (GANs) may exhibit a potential exponential advantage over classical GANs, thus attracting widespread attention. However, it remains elusive whether quantum GANs implemented on near-term quantum devices can ac… ▽ More Quantum machine learning is expected to be one of the first practical applications of near-term quantum devices. Pioneer theoretical works suggest that quantum generative adversarial networks (GANs) may exhibit a potential exponential advantage over classical GANs, thus attracting widespread attention. However, it remains elusive whether quantum GANs implemented on near-term quantum devices can actually solve real-world learning tasks. Here, we devise a flexible quantum GAN scheme to narrow this knowledge gap, which could accomplish image generation with arbitrarily high-dimensional features, and could also take advantage of quantum superposition to train multiple examples in parallel. For the first time, we experimentally achieve the learning and generation of real-world hand-written digit images on a superconducting quantum processor. Moreover, we utilize a gray-scale bar dataset to exhibit the competitive performance between quantum GANs and the classical GANs based on multilayer perceptron and convolutional neural network architectures, respectively, benchmarked by the Fréchet Distance score. Our work provides guidance for developing advanced quantum generative models on near-term quantum devices and opens up an avenue for exploring quantum advantages in various GAN-related learning tasks. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2021; v1 submitted 13 October, 2020; originally announced October 2020.

Comments: This work was completed in 2019, and the first version of manuscript was submitted to the journal in January 2020

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 16, 024051 (2021)