Natural Dynamics of Spin Chains

In this thesis, we discuss the natural dynamics of spin chains with regards to their potential role as information carriers in quantum computers and also standalone uses in a quantum computational context. We discuss a range of spin chain devices, expanding existing results on linear chains and simple branched devices to more complex geometries and circular devices. Over the course of this work, we analyse requirements and feasibility of perfect state transfer using the natural dynamics of spin chains and present an extensive investigation into the effects of a number of perturbations on the dynamics of these devices. This includes both fabrication defects and other sources of perturbations. We also present other potential uses of spin chains, including state storage, and introduce an original protocol for the generation of cluster state ladders using only a single linear spin chain.