Quantum Circuit Confusion On Time Evolution

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implementation of time evolution in quantum circuits using the Heisenberg picture, specifically through the Hamiltonians H1 and H2. The user expresses confusion regarding the representation of the operator O(t) when conjugated by unitaries e^{-iH1t} and e^{-iH2t}, especially when [H1, H2] ≠ 0. The key point raised is whether the time elapsed is significant in the stacking of gates, which leads to the necessity of finding an operator H that satisfies e^{iH1t}e^{iH2t}=e^{iHt}. The Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula is identified as a crucial tool for this purpose.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, particularly the Heisenberg picture
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonians and their role in quantum evolution
  • Knowledge of unitary operators and their properties
  • Comprehension of the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula
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  • Study the application of the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of non-commuting Hamiltonians in quantum circuits
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Quantum physicists, quantum computing researchers, and students studying advanced quantum mechanics concepts will benefit from this discussion.

thatboi
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Hi all,
When working in the Heisenberg picture, we can represent implementing time evolution on an operator via a Hamiltonian H through a quantum circuit type picture like the following:
1686890731927.png

where time is on the vertical axis and increases going up and the block represents the unitary gate ##e^{-iHt}##. However, I am struggling to picture how this would look on a circuit if instead, we wanted to conjugate some operator ##O## via the unitaries ##e^{-iH_{1}t},e^{-iH_{2}t}## where ##[H_{1},H_{2}] \neq 0##. That is, ##O(t) = e^{-iH_{2}t}e^{-iH_{1}t}Oe^{iH_{1}t}e^{iH_{2}t}##. Vertically stacking the gates on top of each other doesn't seem to make much sense to me since it would then seem to imply that we have elapsed a time ##2t## through this time evolution.
Any thoughts?
 
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Is it really important how much time was spent? If not, then vertically stacking gates is OK. If yes, then you need to find an operator ##H## such that
$$e^{iH_1t}e^{iH_2t}=e^{iHt}$$
For that purpose, you need to use some version of Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula.
 

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