Work

Quantum walks: First hitting times with weak measurements

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We study the first detected recurrence time problem of continuous-time quantum walks on graphs. While previous works have employed projective measurements to determine the first return time, we implement a protocol based on weak measurements on a dilated system, enabling minimally invasive monitoring throughout the evolution. To achieve this, we implement a weak measurement protocol theoretically and complement it with both numerical simulations and investigations on an IBM quantum computer. Despite the implementation of a generalized measurement, the proposed protocol provides a description purely within the Hilbert space of the quantum system. Our results reveal that for rank-one monitored, pure initial states, the first hitting timescales inversely with the coupling parameter between the ancilla and the quantum system.

Source: Physical Review A

DOI: 10.1103/j2yb-fmw1

Authors: Tim Heine, Eli Barkai, Klaus Ziegler, Sabine Tornow

Institutions: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR), Bar-Ilan University, City University of New York, University of Augsburg, Universität der Bundeswehr München

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,675

Funders: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, International Business Machines Corporation, Israel Science Foundation