Manipulation of the stationary entanglement of three atoms coupled to a common environment

Abstract

In this work, we study the dynamics of three entangled atoms coupled to a common structured reservoir. The atoms are initially prepared in different W-like states characterized by different relative phases. We examine the roles of initial relative phases on the energy transfers among the individual atoms as well as atomic entanglement dynamics. We show that the features of quantum interferences induced by initial relative phases greatly affect the energy transfers and entanglement dynamics. In particular, a suitable choice of initial phases can increase atomic stationary entanglement over their initial value. The results imply a possible control strategy for atomic entanglement dynamics.