The brachistochrone problem in open quantum systems

Abstract

Recently, the quantum brachistochrone problem has been discussed in the literature by using non-Hermitian Hamilton operators of different types. Here, it is demonstrated that the passage time is tunable in realistic open quantum systems due to the biorthogonality of the eigenfunctions of the non-Hermitian Hamilton operator. As an example, the numerical results obtained by Bulgakov et al for the transmission through microwave cavities of different shapes are analyzed from the point of view of the brachistochrone problem. The passage time is shortened in the crossover from the weak-coupling to the strong-coupling regime where the resonance states overlap and many branch points (exceptional points) in the complex plane exist. The effect can not be described in the framework of the standard quantum mechanics with the Hermitian Hamilton operator and consideration of S matrix poles.