Floquet engineering with quantum optimal control theory

Abstract

Floquet engineering consists in the modification of physical systems by the application of periodic time-dependent perturbations. The search for the shape of the periodic perturbation that best modifies the properties of a system in order to achieve some predefined metastable target behavior can be formulated as an optimal control problem. We discuss several ways to formulate and solve this problem. We present, as examples, some applications in the context of material science, although the methods discussed here are valid for any quantum system (from molecules and nanostructures to extended periodic and non periodic quantum materials). In particular, we show how one can achieve the manipulation of the Floquet pseudo-bandstructure of a transition metal dichalcogenide monolayer (MoS2).

Molecular Control of Floquet Topological Phase in Non-adiabatic Thouless Pumping

“…We have also shown that the Floquet topological phase can be directly linked to the well-established description of valence bond theory. There is an increasing effort to develop a molecular-level understanding of topological materials from the perspective of chemistry, − which would open up the field for exploration with a more intuitive viewpoint based on the arrangement of atoms. Having established the connection between the Floquet topological phase in the Thouless pump and the valence bond description, an important question now is to what extent this topological phenomenon can be controlled rationally in terms of chemical understanding.…”