Dropout is all you need: robust two-qubit gate with reinforcement learning

Abstract

In the realm of quantum control, reinforcement learning, a prominent branch of machine learning, emerges as a competitive candidate for computer-assisted optimal design for experiments. This study investigates the extent to which guidance from human experts is necessary for the effective implementation of reinforcement learning in designing quantum control protocols. Specifically, we focus on the engineering of a robust two-qubit gate within a nuclear magnetic resonance system, utilizing a combination of analytical solutions as prior knowledge and techniques from the field of computer science. Through extensive benchmarking of different models, we identify dropout, a widely-used method for mitigating overfitting in machine learning, as an especially robust approach. Our findings demonstrate the potential of incorporating computer science concepts to propel the development of advanced quantum technologies.