Time-Optimal Generation of Cluster States

The definition of a cluster state naturally suggests an implementation scheme: find a physical system with an Ising coupling topology identical to that of the target state, and evolve freely for a time of 1/2J. Using the tools of optimal control theory, we address the question of whether or not this implementation is time-optimal. We present some examples where it is not and provide an explanation in terms of geodesics on the Bloch-sphere.