Robust Quantum Control Theory

The use of control theory in a LQG form for quantum mechanical situations has revealed a new conceptualization of knowledge, measurement and feedback. The benefits of state estimation by the Kalman filter has shown up in theoretical calculations for cooling and confining of an atom in a harmonic potential, surpassing previous proposals of direct feedback. The goal of this thesis is to explore the possible application of a new form of filter/controller, the risk-sensitive LEQG filter, which has been shown to enjoy a sense of robustness against model uncertainties. An investigation is launched into some simple models, and a computer simulation has highlighted circumstances where the LEQG filter does provide better control.