Discrete-time quantum walk approach to state transfer

Abstract

We show that a quantum-state transfer, previously studied as a continuous-time process in networks of interacting spins, can be achieved within the model of discrete-time quantum walks with a position-dependent coin. We argue that, due to additional degrees of freedom, discrete-time quantum walks allow one to observe effects which cannot be observed in the corresponding continuous-time case. First, we study a discrete-time version of the engineered coupling protocol due to Christandl and then we discuss the general idea of conversion between continuous-time quantum walks and discrete-time quantum walks. © 2011 American Physical Society.