Non-Markovian dynamics and quantum jumps

Abstract

Experiments with trapped particles have demonstrated the existence of quantum jumps and the discrete nature of single-system dynamics in quantum mechanics. The concept of jumps is also a powerful tool for simulating and understanding open quantum systems. In non-Markovian systems jump probabilities can become negative due to memory effects between the system and its environment. We discuss a recently presented method that can handle both positive and negative probabilities and provides powerful insight into the dynamics of open systems with memory. The key element is a reversed quantum jump to a system state that was, in principle, already destroyed by an earlier normal jump. Instead of using artificial extensions of the system or exploiting hidden variables we take advantage of the information stored in the quantum ensemble itself.