Emulating quantum state transfer through a spin-1 chain on a 1D lattice of superconducting qutrits

Spin-1 systems, in comparison to spin-1/2 systems, offer a better security for encoding and transfer of quantum information, primarily due to their larger Hilbert spaces. Superconducting artificial atoms possess multiple energy-levels, and thereby capable of emulating higher-spin systems. Here we consider a 1D lattice of nearest-neighbor-coupled superconducting transmon systems, and devise a scheme to transfer an arbitrary qutrit-state (a state encoded in a three-level quantum system) across the chain. We assume adjustable couplings between adjacent transmons, derive an analytic constraint for the control-pulse, and show how to satisfy the constraint to achieve a high-fidelity state-transfer under current experimental conditions. Our protocol thus enables enhanced quantum communication and information processing with promising superconducting qutrits.