The purpose of this paper is to present simple and general algebraic methods for describing series connections in quantum networks. These methods build on and generalize existing methods for series (or cascade) connections by allowing for more general interfaces, and by introducing an efficient algebraic tool, the series product. We also introduce another product, which we call the concatenation product, that is useful for assembling and representing systems without necessarily having connections. We show how the concatenation and series products can be used to describe feedforward and feedback networks. A selection of examples from the quantum control literature are analyzed to illustrate the utility of our network modeling methodology.

Gough, J. E., James, M. R., Quantum Feedback Networks: Hamiltonian Formulation, Commun. Math. Phys., Volume 287, Number 3 / May, 2009, 1109-1132A quantum network is an open system consisting of several component Markovian input-output subsystems interconnected by boson field channels carrying quantum stochastic signals. Generalizing the work of Chebotarev and Gregoratti, we formulate the model description by prescribing a candidate Hamiltonian for the network including details of the component systems, the field channels, their interconnections, interactions and any time delays arising from the geometry of the network. (We show that the candidate is a symmetric operator and proceed modulo the proof of selfadjointness.) The model is non-Markovian for finite time delays, but in the limit where these delays vanish we recover a Markov model and thereby deduce the rules for introducing feedback into arbitrary quantum networks. The type of feedback considered includes that mediated by the use of beam splitters. We are therefore able to give a system-theoretic approach to introducing connections between quantum mechanical state-based input-output systems, and give a unifying treatment using non-commutative fractional linear, or M?bius, transformations.Peer reviewe

Phys. Rev. A 81, 023804 (2010) DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.81.023804 Sponsorship: EPSRCThe aim of this article is to extend linear quantum dynamical network theory to include static Bogoliubov components (such as squeezers). Within this integrated quantum network theory, we provide general methods for cascade or series connections, as well as feedback interconnections using linear fractional transformations. In addition, we define input-output maps and transfer functions for representing components and describing convergence. We also discuss the underlying group structure in this theory arising from series interconnection. Several examples illustrate the theory.preprintPeer reviewe

Funder: EPSRC RONO: EP/H016708/1We derive the stochastic master equations, that is to say, quantum filters, and master equations for an arbitrary quantum system probed by a continuous-mode bosonic input field in two types of nonclassical states. Specifically, we consider the cases where the state of the input field is a superposition or combination of (1) a continuous-mode, single-photon wave packet and vacuum, and (2) any continuous-mode coherent states.publishersversionPeer reviewe