State transfer in latent-symmetric networks

Jonas Himmel; Max Ehrhardt; Matthias Heinrich; Sebastian Weidemann; Tom A. W. Wolterink; Malte Röntgen; Peter Schmelcher; Alexander Szameit

doi:10.1186/s43593-025-00114-9

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State transfer in latent-symmetric networks

eLight Vol. 6, (2026)

Research Article | Updated：2026-03-16

- State transfer in latent-symmetric networks
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- DOI：10.1186/s43593-025-00114-9
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- Received：15 May 2025，
  
  Revised：2025-10-07，
  
  Accepted：24 October 2025，
  
  Online First：13 January 2026，
  
  Published：2026-12
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Jonas Himmel, Max Ehrhardt, Matthias Heinrich, et al. State transfer in latent-symmetric networks[J]. eLight, 2026, 6.
DOI：

Jonas Himmel, Max Ehrhardt, Matthias Heinrich, et al. State transfer in latent-symmetric networks[J]. eLight, 2026, 6. DOI： 10.1186/s43593-025-00114-9.

摘要

Abstract

The transport of quantum states is a crucial aspect of information processing systems

facilitating operations such as quantum key distribution and inter-component communication within quantum computers. Most quantum networks rely on symmetries to achieve an efficient state transfer. A straightforward way to design such networks is to use spatial symmetries

which severely limits the design space. Our work takes a novel approach to designing photonic networks that do not exhibit any conventional spatial symmetries

yet nevertheless support an efficient transfer of quantum states. Paradoxically

while a perfect transfer efficiency is technically unattainable in these networks

a fidelity arbitrarily close to unity is always reached within a finite time of evolution. Key to this approach are so-called latent

or 'hidden'

symmetries

which are embodied in the spectral properties of the network. Latent symmetries substantially expand the design space of quantum networks and hold significant potential for applications in quantum cryptography and secure state transfer. We experimentally realize such a nine-site latent-symmetric network and successfully observe state transfer between two sites with a measured fidelity of 75%. Furthermore

by launching a two-photon state

we show that quantum interference is preserved by the network. This demonstrates that the latent symmetries enable efficient quantum state transfer

while offering greater flexibility in designing quantum networks.

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Keywords

references

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