@article {2268, title = {QFlow lite dataset: A machine-learning approach to the charge states in quantum dot experiments}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {2018}, pages = {e0205844}, type = {2018/10/17}, abstract = {

Over the past decade, machine learning techniques have revolutionized how research is done, from designing new materials and predicting their properties to assisting drug discovery to advancing cybersecurity. Recently, we added to this list by showing how a machine learning algorithm (a so-called learner) combined with an optimization routine can assist experimental efforts in the realm of tuning semiconductor quantum dot (QD) devices. Among other applications, semiconductor QDs are a candidate system for building quantum computers. The present-day tuning techniques for bringing the QD devices into a desirable configuration suitable for quantum computing that rely on heuristics do not scale with the increasing size of the quantum dot arrays required for even near-term quantum computing demonstrations. Establishing a reliable protocol for tuning that does not rely on the gross-scale heuristics developed by experimentalists is thus of great importance. To implement the machine learning-based approach, we constructed a dataset of simulated QD device characteristics, such as the conductance and the charge sensor response versus the applied electrostatic gate voltages. Here, we describe the methodology for generating the dataset, as well as its validation in training convolutional neural networks. We show that the learner\&$\#$39;s accuracy in recognizing the state of a device is ~96.5 \% in both current- and charge-sensor-based training. We also introduce a tool that enables other researchers to use this approach for further research: QFlow lite - a Python-based mini-software suite that uses the dataset to train neural networks to recognize the state of a device and differentiate between states in experimental data. This work gives the definitive reference for the new dataset that will help enable researchers to use it in their experiments or to develop new machine learning approaches and concepts

}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205844}, url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.10018}, author = {Justyna P. Zwolak and Sandesh S. Kalantre and Xingyao Wu and Stephen Ragole and J. M. Taylor} } @article {2103, title = {Machine Learning techniques for state recognition and auto-tuning in quantum dots}, year = {2017}, month = {2017/12/13}, abstract = {

Recent progress in building large-scale quantum devices for exploring quantum computing and simulation paradigms has relied upon effective tools for achieving and maintaining good experimental parameters, i.e. tuning up devices. In many cases, including in quantum-dot based architectures, the parameter space grows substantially with the number of qubits, and may become a limit to scalability. Fortunately, machine learning techniques for pattern recognition and image classification using so-called deep neural networks have shown surprising successes for computer-aided understanding of complex systems. In this work, we use deep and convolutional neural networks to characterize states and charge configurations of semiconductor quantum dot arrays when one can only measure a current-voltage characteristic of transport (here conductance) through such a device. For simplicity, we model a semiconductor nanowire connected to leads and capacitively coupled to depletion gates using the Thomas-Fermi approximation and Coulomb blockade physics. We then generate labeled training data for the neural networks, and find at least 90 \% accuracy for charge and state identification for single and double dots purely from the dependence of the nanowire\’s conductance upon gate voltages. Using these characterization networks, we can then optimize the parameter space to achieve a desired configuration of the array, a technique we call \‘auto-tuning\’. Finally, we show how such techniques can be implemented in an experimental setting by applying our approach to an experimental data set, and outline further problems in this domain, from using charge sensing data to extensions to full one and two-dimensional arrays, that can be tackled with machine learning.

}, url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/1712.04914}, author = {Sandesh S. Kalantre and Justyna P. Zwolak and Stephen Ragole and Xingyao Wu and Neil M. Zimmerman and M. D. Stewart and J. M. Taylor} } @article {2055, title = {Thermodynamic limits for optomechanical systems with conservative potentials}, journal = {Physical Review B}, volume = {96}, year = {2017}, month = {2017/11/13}, pages = {184106}, abstract = {

The mechanical force from light \– radiation pressure \– provides an intrinsic nonlinear interaction. Consequently, optomechanical systems near their steady state, such as the canonical optical spring, can display non-analytic behavior as a function of external parameters. This non-analyticity, a key feature of thermodynamic phase transitions, suggests that there could be an effective thermodynamic description of optomechanical systems. Here we explicitly define the thermodynamic limit for optomechanical systems and derive a set of sufficient constraints on the system parameters as the mechanical system grows large. As an example, we show how these constraints can be satisfied in a system with Z2 symmetry and derive a free energy, allowing us to characterize this as an equilibrium phase transition.

}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevB.96.184106}, url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/1707.05771}, author = {Stephen Ragole and Haitan Xu and John Lawall and J. M. Taylor} } @article {1736, title = {Interacting atomic interferometry for rotation sensing approaching the Heisenberg Limit}, journal = {Physical Review Letters}, volume = {117}, year = {2016}, month = {2016/11/11}, pages = {203002}, abstract = {

Atom interferometers provide exquisite measurements of the properties of non-inertial frames. While atomic interactions are typically detrimental to good sensing, efforts to harness entanglement to improve sensitivity remain tantalizing. Here we explore the role of interactions in an analogy between atomic gyroscopes and SQUIDs, motivated by recent experiments realizing ring shaped traps for ultracold atoms. We explore the one-dimensional limit of these ring systems with a moving weak barrier, such as that provided by a blue-detuned laser beam. In this limit, we employ Luttinger liquid theory and find an analogy with the superconducting phase-slip qubit, in which the topological charge associated with persistent currents can be put into superposition. In particular, we find that strongly-interacting atoms in such a system could be used for precision rotation sensing. We compare the performance of this new sensor to an equivalent non-interacting atom interferometer, and find improvements in sensitivity and bandwidth beyond the atomic shot-noise limit.

}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.203002}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.203002}, author = {Stephen Ragole and J. M. Taylor} } @article {1604, title = {Observation of optomechanical buckling phase transitions}, year = {2015}, month = {2015/10/16}, abstract = {

Correlated phases of matter provide long-term stability for systems as diverse as solids, magnets, and potential exotic quantum materials. Mechanical systems, such as relays and buckling transition spring switches can yield similar stability by exploiting non-equilibrium phase transitions. Curiously, in the optical domain, observations of such phase transitions remain elusive. However, efforts to integrate optical and mechanical systems -- optomechanics -- suggest that a hybrid approach combining the quantum control of optical systems with the engineerability of mechanical systems may provide a new avenue for such explorations. Here we report the first observation of the buckling of an optomechanical system, in which transitions between stable mechanical states corresponding to both first- and second-order phase transitions are driven by varying laser power and detuning. Our results enable new applications in photonics and, given rapid progress in pushing optomechanical systems into the quantum regime, the potential for explorations of quantum phase transitions.

}, url = {http://arxiv.org/abs/1510.04971v1}, author = {Haitan Xu and Utku Kemiktarak and Jingyun Fan and Stephen Ragole and John Lawall and J. M. Taylor} }