Static Quantum Dot EPR Pair Generation via Electrostatic Wave Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for forming fully entangled electron spin EPR pairs and interconverting static and flying qubits in solid-state systems face challenges in controlling the degree of entanglement and decoherence, particularly in achieving full entanglement in a controlled manner.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a static quantum dot and electrostatic waves to form and manipulate electron spin EPR pairs, where electrons are trapped in a singlet ground state and transferred between static and moving quantum dots using a synchronously varying confining potential, preserving entanglement during transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surface acoustic waves are used to generate electron spin EPR pairs, then electron entanglement can be achieved, but control of the degree of entanglement becomes extremely difficult due to exponential change in exchange coupling with distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentanglement controlVSAvoidentanglement degree control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A static quantum dot is introduced as an intermediary system to mediate the entanglement generation process. The quantum dot provides a controlled environment where two electrons can be trapped and allowed to relax into a singlet ground state, ensuring full entanglement without the exponential distance dependence problem of surface acoustic wave methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The confining potential of the quantum dot is dynamically adjusted by applying a time-dependent voltage to the gate electrode. This parameter change synchronizes with the electrostatic wave to control electron tunneling timing, enabling precise control over when electrons are transferred between static and moving quantum dots while maintaining entanglement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If quantum dots are used to delocalize electron spins for EPR pair generation, then entanglement can be formed, but the process must occur in much shorter time than decoherence times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentanglement formationVSAvoidprocess time vs decoherence time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Two electrons are first trapped in the static quantum dot and allowed to relax into the singlet ground state before being ejected. This preliminary entanglement formation occurs in a controlled static environment where decoherence is minimized, ensuring full entanglement is achieved before the time-sensitive ejection process begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An electrostatic wave with periodic minima is applied along the quantum wire, creating moving quantum dots that periodically pass by the static quantum dot. This periodic action provides multiple opportunities for electron transfer while maintaining synchronization with the entanglement formation process, enabling the ejection to occur within the available decoherence time window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrons are transferred from static to moving quantum dots, then flying qubits can be created for transport, but control of the transfer process must be precise to preserve entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit interconversionVSAvoidentanglement preservation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically interconverts between static quantum dots (for stable entanglement formation) and moving quantum dots (for transport). The electrostatic wave creates moving quantum dots that periodically interact with the static quantum dot, enabling controlled transfer of electrons while preserving their spin entanglement state throughout the conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The timing of the confining potential adjustment is synchronized with the arrival of electrostatic wave minima at the quantum dot location. This feedback mechanism ensures that electron transfer occurs at the optimal moment when entanglement is preserved, coordinating the static-to-moving quantum dot conversion with the wave phase to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a practical and controllable method for generating fully entangled EPR electron spin pairs and interconverting static and flying qubits, maintaining entanglement while allowing for precise control and efficient transfer of electrons, thereby overcoming decoherence issues.

Implementation Method 1

means for generating an electrostatic wave propagating along the quantum wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic wave: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

Another suggested approach is to utilise the interaction between electrons carried by surface acoustic waves (SAWs)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 3

tunnel out of the static quantum dot and into a minimum of the electrostatic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuantum tunneling:

Implementation Method 4

The state evolves via non-adiabatic Landua- Zener transitions which enable the state to retain its initial character without spin excitations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLandau-Zener transitions:

Implementation Method 5

Vc(χi, xi) is the Coulomb interaction between the two electrons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoulomb interaction: Coulomb's Law

Data Source

PatentEP2108170B1EPR pair generation
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 QINETIQ LTD
  • EP2108170B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2d
  • EP2108170B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4
  • EP2108170B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(c)

AI summary

The present invention relates to the formation of electron spin EPR pairs and manipulation of such entangled electrons. The invention comprises a static quantum dot located part way along a quantum wire with means for adjusting the confining potential of the quantum dot. The quantum wire may for instance be formed by gate electrode (4, 6) with the quantum dot formed by a further gate electrode (8). The invention also comprises means for generating a electrostatic wave propagating along the wire, such as a surface acoustic wave transducer (10). In use a pair of electrons may be loaded into the static quantum dot and allowed to relax to a singlet ground state, in which the electrons are spin entangled. The propagating electrostatic wave acts as a series of quantum dots moving along the quantum wire. The confining potential of the static quantum dot is adjusted in time with arrival of a moving quantum dot so that one of the spin entangled electrons will tunnel to the moving quantum dot with preserved entanglement. The same process can be used to separately eject the remaining electron. The process can also be applied in reverse transport electrons from a moving quantum dot into a static dot.