Take , , and . The overlap is , but , so the Hilbert-Schmidt Lyapunov feedback identity gives . A target overlap and the derivative of that overlap along the control direction are different quantities.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2008 iii Paper 61 4 a Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-14
The feedback law printed in the PDF is not sufficient for the asserted monotonicity. We first derive the exact identity, then give a counterexample and the corrected law. Both density operators evolve unitarily, so and are constant. ThusCyclicity of the trace gives . These drift terms cancel in the derivative of the overlap, leavingHere is real: is Hermitian, and the trace of the product of two Hermitian matrices is real. This is the Hilbert-Schmidt Lyapunov feedback identity.
For a direct counterexample to the source's overlap law, take , , and . All are admissible qubit operators and states. The printed overlap is , but gives . Hence : the distance initially increases. This proves that feedback based on state overlap need not be stabilizing.
The intended Lyapunov quantum control replaces the overlap by its control-direction derivative:The conclusion is nonincrease, not strict decrease or automatic convergence. For example, opposite computational-basis pure states, diagonal , and give and zero control even though . Target convergence requires further invariant-set and reachability conditions. A target with a different spectrum is also inaccessible under Quantum Hamiltonian evolution. The density-operator derivatives in the governing equations use the dots visible in the PDF, which the TeX loses.