The purpose of this paper is to present simple and general algebraic methods for describing series connections in quantum networks. These methods build on and generalize existing methods for series (or cascade) connections by allowing for more general interfaces, and by introducing an efficient algebraic tool, the series product. We also introduce another product, which we call the concatenation product, that is useful for assembling and representing systems without necessarily having connections. We show how the concatenation and series products can be used to describe feedforward and feedback networks. A selection of examples from the quantum control literature are analyzed to illustrate the utility of our network modeling methodology.

The aim of this article is to extend linear quantum dynamical network theory to include static Bogoliubov components (such as squeezers). Within this integrated quantum network theory, we provide general methods for cascade or series connections, as well as feedback interconnections using linear fractional transformations. In addition, we define input-output maps and transfer functions for representing components and describing convergence. We also discuss the underlying group structure in this theory arising from series interconnection. Several examples illustrate the theory.

The purpose of this paper is to extend J.C. Willems' theory of dissipative systems to open quantum systems described by quantum noise models. This theory, which combines ideas from quantum physics and control theory, provides useful methods for analysis and design of dissipative quantum systems. We describe the interaction of the plant and a class of external systems, called exosystems, in terms of feedback networks of interconnected open quantum systems. Our results include an infinitesimal characterization of the dissipation property, which generalizes the well-known Positive Real and Bounded Real Lemmas, and is used to study some properties of quantum dissipative systems. We also show how to formulate control design problems using network models for open quantum systems, which implements Willems' “control by interconnection” for open quantum systems. This control design formulation includes, for example, standard problems of stabilization, regulation, and robust control.

We derive the stochastic master equations, that is to say, quantum filters, and master equations for an arbitrary quantum system probed by a continuous-mode bosonic input field in two types of nonclassical states. Specifically, we consider the cases where the state of the input field is a superposition or combination of (1) a continuous-mode, single-photon wave packet and vacuum, and (2) any continuous-mode coherent states.

The mathematical theory of quantum feedback networks has recently been developed [J. Gough and M. R. James, e-print arXiv:0804.3442v2] for general open quantum dynamical systems interacting with bosonic input fields. In this article we show, for the special case of linear dynamical Markovian systems with instantaneous feedback connections, that the transfer functions can be deduced and agree with the algebraic rules obtained in the nonlinear case. Using these rules, we derive the transfer functions for linear quantum systems in series, in cascade, and in feedback arrangements mediated by beam splitter devices.