Isoprobability Models of Qubit Dynamics: Demonstration via Time-Dependent Phase Control on IBM Quantum

Abstract: Efficient quantum control is a cornerstone for the advancement of quantum technologies, from computation to sensing and communications. Several approaches in quantum control, e.g. optimal control and inverse engineering, use the pulse amplitude and frequency shaping as the control tools. Often, these approaches prescribe pulse shapes which are difficult or impossible to implement. To this end, we develop the concept of isoprobability classes of models of qubit dynamics, in which various pairs of time-dependent pulse amplitude and frequency generate the same transition probability profile (albeit different temporal evolutions toward this probability). In this manner, we introduce an additional degree of freedom, and hence flexibility in qubit control, as some models can be easier to implement than others. We demonstrate this approach with families of isoprobability models, which derive from the established Landau-Majorana-St\"uckelberg-Zener (LMSZ) and Allen-Eberly-Hioe (AEH) classes. We demonstrate the isoprobability performance of these models on an IBM Quantum processor. Instead of frequency (i.e. detuning) shaping, which is difficult to implement on this platform, we exploit the time-dependent phase of the driving field to induce an effective detuning. Indeed, the temporal derivative of the phase function emulates a variable detuning, thereby obviating the need for direct detuning control. The experimental validation of the isoprobability concept with the time-dependent phase control underscores the potential of this robust and accessible method for high-fidelity quantum operations, paving the way for scalable quantum control in a variety of applications.