Cats, Chaos Dissipation
ORAL
Abstract
Cat states are a promising quantum computing platform with intrinsic error correction capabilities [1]. Two-hoton dirve and confining mechanisms, such as the Kerr nonlinearity, stabilizes cats [2]. However, chaos-assisted tunneling sets a fundamental bound to the protection achievable in Kerr-cat qubits [3,4]. This picture neglects two elements. First, cat states are designed to prevent errors [1,5], so a purely Hamiltonian treatment offers only a limited perspective. Second, engineered dissipation [1,6] also stabilizes cat states.
To study these issues, we use a framework for chaotic dissipative quantum systems [7], studying cases from purely dissipative to Kerr-confined cats, as well as hybrid schemes with both confining mechanisms [8]. We investigate how single-photon loss and (colored) dephasing affect cat states in qualitatively distinct ways. We further connect the onset of chaos to thermal-like excitations, identifying it as a simultaneous breakdown of both relaxation to the “ground state” and of adiabaticity. Showing how dissipative processes trigger or prevent the onset of chaos impos constraints on parameter choices for the robust operation of cat states.
[1] Mirrahimi et al., New J. Phys. (2014)
[2] Grimm et al., Nature (2020)
[3] Chávez-Carlos et al, Quantum Science and Technology, 2024
[4] Martínez et al, arXiv (2025)
[5] Putterman et al., Nature (2025)
[6] Leghtas et al., Science (2015)
[7] Ferrari et al, Phys. Rev. Res. (2025)
[8] Ferrari et al., in preparation
To study these issues, we use a framework for chaotic dissipative quantum systems [7], studying cases from purely dissipative to Kerr-confined cats, as well as hybrid schemes with both confining mechanisms [8]. We investigate how single-photon loss and (colored) dephasing affect cat states in qualitatively distinct ways. We further connect the onset of chaos to thermal-like excitations, identifying it as a simultaneous breakdown of both relaxation to the “ground state” and of adiabaticity. Showing how dissipative processes trigger or prevent the onset of chaos impos constraints on parameter choices for the robust operation of cat states.
[1] Mirrahimi et al., New J. Phys. (2014)
[2] Grimm et al., Nature (2020)
[3] Chávez-Carlos et al, Quantum Science and Technology, 2024
[4] Martínez et al, arXiv (2025)
[5] Putterman et al., Nature (2025)
[6] Leghtas et al., Science (2015)
[7] Ferrari et al, Phys. Rev. Res. (2025)
[8] Ferrari et al., in preparation
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Publication: Ferrari et al, Phys. Rev. Res. (2025)
Ferrari et al., in preparation
Presenters
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Fabrizio Minganti
- Alice & Bob