Variational Quantum Optimization of Noisy Polarization Qubit Experiments

Abstract:Quantum networking enables advanced communication protocols, distributed quantum computing, and enhanced sensing. These applications are often hindered by current realizations of quantum network nodes, which utilize noisy and imperfect hardware. Here, we apply variational optimization to counteract the effects of such imperfections. We parameterize network protocols for use with variational methods and then use these methods to optimize simple prepare-and-measure protocols on an optical testbed as a proof-of-principle demonstration. We demonstrate automated polarization compensation, achieving results comparable to conventional methods. We also analyze the effects of hardware imperfections and dark counts on the performance of our optimizations. We compare the performance of various gradient estimation methods and propose natural extensions, including further improvements through the use of global optimization and hybrid gradient estimation methods, as well as the application of variational optimization to nodes deployed on fiber networks.

arXiv:2610.33290 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2610.33290v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.33290 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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