Time optimal quantum control of two-qubit systems

We study the optimal quantum control of heteronuclear two-qubit systems described by a Hamiltonian containing both nonlocal internal drift and local control terms. We derive an explicit formula to compute the minimum time required to steer the system from an initial state to a specified final state. As applications the minimal time to implement Controlled-NOT gate, SWAP gate and Controlled-U gate is calculated in detail. The experimental realizations of these quantum gates are explicitly presented.