Entanglement entropy fluctuation and distribution for open systems

Abstract

The entanglement entropy generated by quantum transport, similar to any physical observable quantity, is a stochastic variable that has its distribution and can fluctuate. The fundamental question is how to define the entanglement entropy operator which allows one to discuss entanglement entropy fluctuation. By introducing the entanglement entropy operator, we develop a theoretical framework to calculate the entanglement entropy fluctuation as well as its higher order cumulants generated by electronic transport in open systems. The distribution of entanglement entropy generated by opening or closing a quantum point contact (QPC) is solved exactly. When the transmission coefficient of QPC is one-half, the entanglement entropy is maximized and fluctuationless. We also establish a general relation between the generated entanglement entropy fluctuation and charge fluctuation. We apply our theory to electronic transport through a quantum dot and study the generated entanglement entropy in the transient regime. Universal behavior is found for the cumulants of entanglement entropy at short times.