Discrete-time Quantum Walk on Multilayer Networks

Abstract: Multilayer network is a potent platform which paves a way to study the interactions among entities in various networks with multiple types of relationships. In this study, the dynamics of discrete-time quantum walk on a multilayer network are explored in detail. We derive recurrence formulae for the coefficients of the wave function of a quantum walker on an undirected graph with finite number of nodes. By extending these formulae to include extra layers, we develop a simulation model to describe the time-evolution of the quantum walker on a multilayer network. The time-averaged probability and the return probability of the quantum walker are studied in relation to Fourier and Grover walks on multilayer networks. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of decoherence on the quantum transport, shedding light on how environmental interactions may impact the behavior of quantum walkers on multilayer network structures.