Invariant-based inverse engineering of time-dependent, coupled harmonic oscillators

Abstract: Two-dimensional systems with time-dependent controls admit a quadratic Hamiltonian modelling near potential minima. Independent, dynamical normal modes facilitate inverse Hamiltonian engineering to control the system dynamics, but some systems are not separable into independent modes by a point transformation. For these "coupled systems" 2D invariants may still guide the Hamiltonian design. The theory to perform the inversion and two application examples are provided: (i) We control the deflection of wave packets in transversally harmonic waveguides; and (ii) we design the state transfer from one coupled oscillator to another.