We propose a method to manipulate four-level systems with specific coupling configurations by means of time-dependent couplings and constant energy shifts (detunings in quantum-optical realizations). We inversely engineer the Hamiltonian, in ladder, tripod, or diamond configurations, to prepare arbitrary states using the geometry of four-dimensional rotations to set the state populations; specifically, we use Cayley's factorization of a general rotation into right- and left-isoclinic rotations.

• Received 27 October 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.97.013830