Semiclassical fast-forward shortcuts to adiabaticity

Abstract

In fast forward quantum shortcuts to adiabaticity, a designed potential $U_{FF}(q,t)$ steers a wavefunction to evolve from the $n$'th eigenstate of an initial Hamiltonian $\hat H(0)$ to the $n$'th eigenstate of a final Hamiltonian $\hat H(\tau)$, in finite time $\tau$. Previously proposed strategies for constructing $U_{FF}$ are (in the absence of special symmetries) limited to the ground state, $n=0$. We develop a method that overcomes this limitation, thereby substantially expanding the applicability of this shortcut to adiabaticity, and we illustrate its effectiveness with numerical simulations. Semiclassical analysis provides insight and establishes a close correspondence with the analogous classical fast forward method.