Breaking the quantum adiabatic speed limit by jumping along geodesics

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Quantum technologies
• Quantum information science

Background:

• Quantum adiabatic theorem traditionally limits evolution speed by minimum energy gaps.
• Overcoming these limitations is crucial for advancing quantum technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally verify that quantum adiabatic evolution is possible despite vanishing energy gaps.
• To demonstrate a new approach to overcome conventional constraints on adiabatic methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond as the experimental platform.
• Employed fast modulation of dynamic phases to achieve adiabatic processes.
• Verified a recently derived necessary and sufficient quantum adiabatic theorem.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated quantum adiabatic evolution in the presence of vanishing energy gaps.
• Achieved near-unit-fidelity quantum adiabatic processes in finite, experimentally relevant times.
• Validated theoretical predictions for adiabatic processes beyond traditional limitations.

Conclusions:

• Quantum adiabatic evolution is achievable even when energy gaps vanish, challenging established theory.
• Fast modulation of dynamic phases offers a viable strategy for high-fidelity quantum control.
• The findings provide new pathways for developing more efficient quantum technologies.