Enhanced spreading in continuous-time quantum walks using aperiodic temporal modulation of defects
Phys. Rev. A 113, 022410 – Published 10 February, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/r2xh-yyns
Abstract
Parrondo's paradox, where the alternation of two losing strategies can produce a winning outcome, has recently been demonstrated in continuous-time quantum walks (CTQWs) through periodic defect modulation. We extend this phenomenon to aperiodic protocols. We show that deterministic, nonrepetitive defect switching can enhance quantum spreading in CTQWs compared to the defect-free case. Furthermore, we establish that the degree of this enhancement is strongly influenced by the autocorrelation and persistence characteristics of the applied aperiodic sequence. Our findings indicate that aperiodic defect modulation reliably maintains Parrondo's effect and provides new ways to control wavepacket properties in CTQWs.
