Qubit state transfer via discrete-time quantum walks

Abstract

We propose a scheme for perfect transfer of an unknown qubit state via the discrete-time quantum walk on a line or a circle. For this purpose, we introduce an additional coin operator which is applied at the end of the walk. This operator does not depend on the state to be transferred. We show that perfect state transfer over an arbitrary distance can be achieved only if the walk is driven by an identity or a flip coin operator. Other biased coin operators and the Hadamard coin allow perfect state transfer over finite distances only. Furthermore, we show that quantum walks ending with a perfect state transfer are periodic.