Edge state preparation in a one-dimensional lattice by quantum Lyapunov control

Quantum Lyapunov control uses a feedback control methodology to determine control fields applied to control quantum systems in an open-loop way. In this work, we employ two Lyapunov control schemes to prepare an edge state for a fermionic chain consisting of cold atoms loaded in an optical lattice. Such a chain can be described by the Harper model. Corresponding to the two schemes, two types of quantum Lyapunov functions are considered. The results show that both the schemes are effective at preparing the edge state within a wide range of parameters. We found that the edge state can be prepared with high fidelity even if there are moderate fluctuations of on-site or hopping potentials. Both control schemes can be extended to similar chains (3m + d, d = 2) of different lengths. Since a regular amplitude control field is easier to apply in practice, an amplitude-modulated control field is used to replace the unmodulated one. Such control approaches provide tools to explore the edge states of one-dimensional topological materials.