QDT — A Matlab toolbox for the simulation of coupled quantum systems and coherent multidimensional spectroscopy

Abstract

We present QDT (“quantum dynamics toolbox”), an open-source Matlab software package that enables users to simulate coupled quantum systems in the subsystem energy eigenbasis using modular functions. QDT requires no user knowledge of operator matrix assembly and automatically performs all necessary operator constructions and Hilbert space expansions. Density matrix propagation is performed by numerically solving the Liouville–von-Neumann equation. In order to simulate dissipation and decoherence effects, the Lindblad formalism is implemented. Furthermore, QDT supplies practical analysis and plotting functions, such as visualization of density matrix and expectation value dynamics, that facilitate the evaluation of simulation results. QDT further provides a module for the simulation of coherent multidimensional spectroscopy. Program summaryProgram Title: QDT — A Quantum Dynamics ToolboxCPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/786vb4rgy3.1Code Ocean capsule:https://codeocean.com/capsule/4608215Licensing provisions: MITProgramming language: Matlab R2018a (and above) with parallel computing toolbox (optional) [1]Supplementary material: Available on the QDT website [2]Nature of problem: Coupled quantum systems can be easily set up and discussed as level schemes in the subsystem energy eigenbasis. The simulation of the time evolution of these systems by numerically solving differential equations is not straightforward, however. Simulation code that is written from scratch is time-consuming to create and prone to errors during implementation. Furthermore, if code bases deviate drastically between research groups, reproducibility of results becomes challenging, and communication is hindered.Solution method: QDT addresses the above issues by providing a modular toolbox that contains, among others, elements for the simulation of multi-level quantum systems, quantum harmonic oscillators, their interaction with external electric fields, and dissipation. These elements can be combined by the user to build a specific system of interest. All operators are created and expanded automatically based on a single script file provided by the user. Simulation tasks are automated by a single function call, and parallelized in case of extensive tasks.