Randomized gap and amplitude estimation

Abstract

We provide a method for estimating spectral gaps in low-dimensional systems. Unlike traditional phase estimation, our approach does not require ancillary qubits nor does it require well characterised gates. Instead, it only requires the ability to perform approximate Haar-random unitary operations, applying the unitary whose eigenspectrum is sought out and performing measurements in the computational basis. We discuss application of these ideas to in-place amplitude estimation and quantum device calibration.

15 pages, 3 figures, minor changes from previous version