Semicoherent symmetric quantum processes: Theory and applications

Discovering pragmatic and efficient approaches to construct ϵ-approximations of quantum operators such as real (imaginary) time-evolution propagators in terms of the basic quantum operations (gates) is challenging. Prior ϵ-approximations are invaluable, in that they enable the compilation of classical and quantum algorithm modeling of, e.g., dynamical and thermodynamic quantum properties. In parallel, symmetries are powerful tools concisely describing the fundamental laws of nature; the symmetric underpinnings of physical laws have consistently provided profound insights and substantially increased predictive power. In this work, we consider the interplay between the ϵ-approximate processes and the exact symmetries in a semicoherent context—where measurements occur at each logical clock cycle. We draw inspiration from Pascual Jordan's groundbreaking formulation of nonassociative, but commutative, symmetric algebraic form. Our symmetrized formalism is then applied in various domains such as quantum random walks, real-time evolutions, variational algorithm ansatzes, and efficient entanglement verification. Our work paves the way for a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of how symmetries can be used to control quantum dynamics in settings where coherence is a limited resource.