Relation between two-phase quantum walks and the topological invariant

Takako Endo, Norio Konno, Hideaki Obuse

Published 2015-11-13Version 1

We study a position-dependent discrete-time quantum walk (QW) in one dimension, whose time-evolution operator is built up from two coin operators which are distinguished by phase factors from $x\geq0$ and $x\leq-1$. We call the QW the ${\it complete\;two}$-${\it phase\;QW}$ to discern from the two-phase QW with one defect[13,14]. Because of its localization properties, the two-phase QWs can be considered as an ideal mathematical model of topological insulators which are novel quantum states of matter characterized by topological invariants. Employing the complete two-phase QW, we present the stationary measure, and two kinds of limit theorems concerning ${\it localization}$ and the ${\it ballistic\;spreading}$, which are the characteristic behaviors in the long-time limit of discrete-time QWs in one dimension. As a consequence, we obtain the mathematical expression of the whole picture of the asymptotic behavior of the walker in the long-time limit. We also clarify relevant symmetries, which are essential for topological insulators, of the complete two-phase QW, and then derive the topological invariant. Having established both mathematical rigorous results and the topological invariant of the complete two-phase QW, we provide solid arguments to understand localization of QWs in term of topological invariant. Furthermore, by applying a concept of ${\it\;topological\;protections}$, we clarify that localization of the two-phase QW with one defect, studied in the previous work[13], can be related to localization of the complete two-phase QW under symmetry preserving perturbations.