Scattering theory of topological phases in discrete-time quantum walks

Tarasinski, B. and Asbóth, János Károly and Dahlhaus, J. P. (2014) Scattering theory of topological phases in discrete-time quantum walks. PHYSICAL REVIEW A, 89 (4). ISSN 2469-9926

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Abstract

One-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks show a rich spectrum of topological phases that have so far been exclusively analysed based on the Floquet operator in momentum space. In this work we introduce an alternative approach to topology which is based on the scattering matrix of a quantum walk, adapting concepts from time-independent systems. For quantum walks with gaps in the quasienergy spectrum at 0 and π, we find three different types of topological invariants, which apply dependent on the symmetries of the system. These determine the number of protected boundary states at an interface between two quantum walk regions. Unbalanced quantum walks on the other hand are characterised by the number of perfectly transmitting unidirectional modes they support, which is equal to their non-trivial quasienergy winding. Our classification provides a unified framework that includes all known types of topology in one dimensional discrete-time quantum walks and is very well suited for the analysis of finite size and disorder effects. We provide a simple scheme to directly measure the topological invariants in an optical quantum walk experiment.

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