anti-Zeno Effect Research Articles

Rapid state transfer for a two-level non-Markovian quantum system

In quantum information processing, rapid control is a basic requirement for performance improvement because a realistic quantum system cannot be perfectly separated from its environment, which will cause relaxation or decoherence effect. Rapid control may make the control law more robust to uncertainties in the model or in the control process. From the time optimization standpoint, bang-bang control is an excellent method for engineering practice. However, quantum bang-bang control relies on quantum Zeno effect, quantum anti-Zeno effect will occur under low measurement frequency, which intensifies the decoherence and leads to high-frequency oscillation phenomenon. In order to realize rapid state transfer and avoid high-frequency oscillation with an infinitesimal period in bang-bang Lyapunov control, we design control fields to realize arbitrary state transfer for non-Markovian system with phase relaxation and energy dissipative relaxation by Lyapunov stability theory. The numerical simulations illustrate that arbitrary state (eigenstate, superposition state or mixed state) transfer and maintenance for non-Markovian system can be realized under the approximate bang-bang Lyapunov control.

The quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects with strong system-environment coupling

To date, studies of the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects focus on quantum systems that are weakly interacting with their environment. In this paper, we investigate what happens to a quantum system under the action of repeated measurements if the quantum system is strongly interacting with its environment. We consider as the quantum system a single two-level system coupled strongly to a collection of harmonic oscillators. A so-called polaron transformation is then used to make the problem in the strong system-environment coupling regime tractable. We find that the strong coupling case exhibits quantitative and qualitative differences as compared with the weak coupling case. In particular, the effective decay rate does not depend linearly on the spectral density of the environment. This then means that, in the strong coupling regime that we investigate, increasing the system-environment coupling strength can actually decrease the effective decay rate. We also consider a collection of two-level atoms coupled strongly with a common environment. In this case, we find that there are further differences between the weak and strong coupling cases since the two-level atoms can now indirectly interact with one another due to the common environment.

True quantum face of the \u201cexponential\u201d decay law

Results of theoretical studies of the quantum unstable systems caused that there are rather widespread belief that a universal feature of the quantum decay process is the presence of three time regimes of the decay process: the early time (initial) leading to the Quantum Zeno (or Anti Zeno) Effects, “exponential” (or “canonical”) described by the decay law of the exponential form, and late time characterized by the decay law having inverse-power law form. Based on the fundamental principles of the quantum theory we give the proof that there is no time interval in which the survival probability (decay law) could be a decreasing function of time of the purely exponential form but even at the “exponential” regime the decay curve is oscillatory modulated with a smaller or a large amplitude of oscillations depending on parameters of the model considered.Graphical abstract

On a barrier anti-Zeno effect in a special model allowing for an analytical solution

We consider a situation when observations can increase particle flow across a barrier by many orders of magnitude compared with the tunneling probability (a barrier anti-Zeno effect). It may be of interest for explaining the paradoxical results of experiments on “cold fusion” that has earlier been observed by other authors for various systems. We examine the anti-Zeno effect in a model of a barrier of a special shape, which has similarities with the form of barriers to nuclear fusion in a solid, and moreover has an analytic solution. We have deducted formulas that demonstrate the conditions of increasing the barrier permeability.

Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in quantum dissipative systems

We investigate the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in quantum dissipative systems by employing a hierarchical equations of motion approach which is beyond the usual Markovian approximation, the rotating wave approximation, and the perturbative approximation. The quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno dynamics of a biased qubit-boson model and a biased qutrit-boson model are provided as illustrative examples. It is found that (i) there exists multiple Zeno-anti-Zeno crossover phenomena, (ii) the non-Markovian characteristic of the bath may be favorable for the accessibility of the Zeno dynamics, and (iii) high bath temperature may add the difficulty in observing the quantum Zeno effect in quantum dissipative systems.

Free dynamics and quantum Zeno effect of qubit coupled to a single mode field in dissipation environment

We investigate the long time evolution of a qubit coupled to an intrinsic bath and a single mode field which is coupled with a cavity bath, with and without repetitive measurements. We also analyze the measurement-modified decay rate, which shows that the free decay rate does not necessarily exist in some systems. The free decay rate is widely used to distinguish the quantum Zeno effect and anti-Zeno effect (AZE). It indicates that one cannot always make that clear if a decay of a system is accelerated. Our model confirms this conclusion; it shows that the AZE is not a universal concept.

Theoretical study of Zeno and anti-Zeno effects on photodissociation dynamics: A model approach

Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in the evolution of the multi-photonic dissociation dynamics of the diatomic molecule HBr[Formula: see text] owing to repeated measurements demand if the system in the initial state have been studied. The effects have been calculated numerically for the case of vibrational population transfer and dissociation dynamics of HBr[Formula: see text] taking it as a model. We use time-dependent Fourier grid Hamiltonian (TDFGH) method as a mathematical tool in presence of intense radiation field as perturbation. The effects have been explored through a probable mechanism of population transfer from the ground vibrational state to the different upper vibrational states which ultimately go to the dissociation continuum. The results show significant differences in the mechanism of population transfer and the significant role of time interval of measurement ([Formula: see text] in Zeno and anti-Zeno effects. In case of survival probability of ground vibrational states, there is Zeno effect when the frequency of the laser to which the molecule is submitted is near the vibrational [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] resonance, while there is anti-Zeno effect if it is far from this resonance.

Quantum Hamlet Effect—A New Example

In this work we consider a new example of the recently introduced quantum Hamlet effect. We consider an especial, abstract, unstable quantum system whose evolution during a small time interval is interrupted by frequent measurements. Here three different final situations exist. First one corresponds to quantum Zeno effect, second one - to quantum anti-Zeno effect and third one - to so-called quantum Hamlet effect. By quantum Zeno effect final non-decay probability is function of number of the decay measurements variable and dynamical degree parameter equivalent to two. When measurements number tends toward infinity non-decay probability has the one limit, or, it tends analytically toward one and system stands non-decayed. By quantum anti-Zeno effect final non-decay probability is function of number of the decay measurements variable and dynamical degree parameter equivalent to one. When measurements number tends toward infinity non-decay probability has the zero limit, or, it tends analytically toward zero and system becomes decayed. By quantum Hamlet effect, final non-decay probability is function of two variable, number of the decay measurements and dynamical degree. When measurements number tends toward infinity and dynamical degree toward one, final non-decay probability depends not only of final value of given variables, but, also, on the ways on which given variables tends toward their final values. It means that final no-decay probability has not (analytical) limit, or that there is no {\it analytical} prediction on the final no-decay probability. To be decayed or no-decayed that is analytically unsolvable question for given quantum system.

Controllable decay in an optical waveguide system

The optical waveguide arrays can be employed to simulate the unstable quantum systems when the light propagates in them, which can present the optical Zeno and anti-Zeno effects. In this paper, we propose the scheme of periodic modulation of the coupling coefficient based on the coupling between the straight and cosine bend optical waveguides, which can realize the controllable optical Zeno and anti-Zeno effects. Based on the special decay law, the decay of light intensity in the straight waveguide can be freely controlled by selecting the appropriate observation positions.

Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects on the entanglement dynamics of qubits dissipating into a common and non-Markovian environment

We investigate the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects on pairwise entanglement dynamics of a collective of non-interacting qubits which have been initially prepared in a Werner state and are off-resonantly coupled to a common and non-Markovian environment. We obtain the analytical expression of the concurrence in the absence and presence of the non-selective measurements. In particular, we express our results in the strong and weak coupling regimes and examine the role of the system size, and the effect of the detuning from the cavity field frequency on the temporal behaviour of the pairwise entanglement. We show that, the detuning parameter has a positive role in the protection of entanglement in the absence of the measurement for weak coupling regime. We find that for the values of detuning parameter less than the cavity damping rate, the quantum Zeno effect is always dominant, while for the values greater than the cavity damping rate, both Zeno and anti-Zeno effects can occur, depending on the measurement intervals. We also find that the anti-Zeno effect can occur in the pairwise entanglement dynamics in the absence and presence of the detuning in the strong coupling regime.

A general framework for the Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects.

Repeated measurements can slow down (the quantum Zeno effect) or speed up (the quantum anti-Zeno effect) the temporal evolution of a quantum system. In this paper, a general treatment of the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects is presented which is valid for an arbitrary system-environment model in the weak system-environment coupling regime. It is shown that the effective lifetime of a quantum state that is subjected to repeated projective measurements depends on the overlap of the spectral density of the environment and a generalized ‘filter function’. This filter function depends on the system-environment Hamiltonian, the state of the environment, and the measurement being performed. Our general framework is then used to study explicitly the Zeno to anti-Zeno crossover behaviour for the spin-boson model where a single two-level system is coupled to a bosonic environment. It is possible to not only reproduce results for the usual population decay case as well as for the pure dephasing model, but to also study the regime where both decay and dephasing take place. These results are then extended to many two-level systems coupled collectively to the bosonic environment to further illustrate the importance of the correct evaluation of the effective decay rate.

On atomic nuclear fusion processes at low temperatures. Enhancement of potential barrier transmission probability due to the so-called barrier anti-Zeno effect

It is known that in quantum mechanics the observation of an experiment may in some cases change the results of this experiment. In particular, this occurs for the so-called Zeno effect. It is shown that, unlike the standard Zeno effect for which observation reduces its probability, for a particle that penetrates a potential barrier the opposite situation (called the barrier anti-Zeno effect) can occur, i.e., observation can considerably increase the probability of barrier penetration. The possibility of utilizing the barrier anti-Zeno effect for explaining the paradoxical results of experiments on “cold nuclear fusion” that have been observed in various, including biological, systems is discussed. (According to the experimentalists who performed such studies, in these systems energy release that cannot be explained by any chemical processes, as well as changes of the isotope and even elemental composition of the studied substance, occur).

Linear and nonlinear quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in a nonlinear optical coupler

Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects are studied in a symmetric nonlinear optical coupler, which is composed of two nonlinear ($\chi^{\left(2\right)}$) waveguides that are interacting with each other via the evanescent waves. Both the waveguides operate under second harmonic generation. However, to study quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects one of them is considered as the system and the other one is considered as the probe. Considering all the fields involved as weak, a completely quantum mechanical description is provided, and the analytic solutions of Heisenberg's equations of motion for all the field modes are obtained using a perturbative technique. Photon number statistics of the second harmonic mode of the system is shown to depend on the presence of the probe, and this dependence is considered as quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects. Further, it is established that as a special case of the momentum operator for $\chi^{\left(2\right)}-\chi^{\left(2\right)}$ symmetric coupler we can obtain momentum operator of $\chi^{\left(2\right)}-\chi^{\left(1\right)}$ asymmetric coupler with linear ($\chi^{\left(1\right)}$) waveguide as the probe, and in such a particular case, the expressions obtained for Zeno and anti-Zeno effects with nonlinear probe (which we referred to as nonlinear quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects) may be reduced to the corresponding expressions with linear probe (which we referred to as the linear quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects). Linear and nonlinear quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects are rigorously investigated, and it is established that in the stimulated case, we may switch between quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects just by controlling the phase of the second harmonic mode of the system or probe.

Quantum Zeno and Anti-Zeno Effects in Classical Noise

Quantum Zeno and Anti-Zeno Effects in Classical Noise

Dynamical decoupling assisted acceleration of two-spin evolution in XY spin-chain environment

We study the speed-up role of dynamical decoupling in an open system, which is modeled as two central spins coupled to their own XY spin-chain environment. We show that the fast bang–bang pulses can suppress the system evolution, which manifests the quantum Zeno effect. In contrast, with the increasing of the pulse interval time, the bang–bang pulses can enhance the decay of the quantum speed limit time and induce the speed-up process, which displays the quantum anti-Zeno effect. In addition, we show that the random pulses can also induce the speed-up of quantum evolution.

Quantum Zeno Effect in Sleep Disorders and Treatment by the Anti-Zeno Effect

It is proposed on the basis of a recent quantum mechanical approach to the states of consciousness that for those sleep disorders of psychological origin which can be considered to be a Quantum Zeno Effect-type phenomenon of persistence in the waking state due to the inhibition of the transition to the Deep Sleep state, the treatment may very well lie in the application of the principle of accelerating the decay by the introduction of a third state which facilitates the transition as realized in the Quantum Anti-Zeno effect. Steps of practical therapeutic implementation of the program are delineated as an appendix.

Dynamical decoupling of local transverse random telegraph noise in a two-qubit gate

Achieving high-fidelity universal two-qubit gates is a central requisite of any implementation of quantum information processing. The presence of spurious fluctuators of various physical origin represents a limiting factor for superconducting nanodevices. Operating qubits at optimal points, where the qubit-fluctuator interaction is transverse with respect to the single qubit Hamiltonian, considerably improved single qubit gates. Further enhancement has been achieved by dynamical decoupling (DD). In this article we investigate DD of transverse random telegraph noise acting locally on each of the qubits forming an entangling gate. Our analysis is based on the exact numerical solution of the stochastic Schrödinger equation. We evaluate the gate error under local periodic, Carr–Purcell and Uhrig DD sequences. We find that a threshold value of the number, n, of pulses exists above which the gate error decreases with a sequence-specific power-law dependence on n. Below threshold, DD may even increase the error with respect to the unconditioned evolution, a behaviour reminiscent of the anti-Zeno effect.

Nonlinear Zeno dynamics due to atomic interactions in Bose–Einstein condensate

We show that nonlinear interactions induce both the Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in the generalized Bose–Josephson model (with the on-site interactions and the second-order tunneling) describing Bose–Einstein condensate in double-well trap subject to particle removal from one of the wells. We find that the on-site interactions induce only the Zeno effect, which appears at long evolution times, whereas the second-order tunneling leads to a strong decay of the atomic population at short evolution times, reminiscent of the anti-Zeno effect, and destroys the nonlinear Zeno effect due to the on-site interactions at long times.

Zeno and anti-Zeno effects on dephasing

Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects on pure dephasing are studied using exactly solvable microscopic models. The crossover between these two opposite effects is investigated. The case of a single two-level system undergoing dephasing is already different from the previously studied population decay problem, even without taking into account any back action from the environment. For many two-level systems interacting with a common environment, multiple transitions between Zeno and anti-Zeno regimes are predicted. Finally, if the system-environment coupling strength is not weak, we show that the nontrivial evolution of the environment between measurements can considerably alter the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects.

Environment-induced dephasing versus von Neumann measurements in proton tunneling

In this work we compare two theoretical approaches to modeling the action of the environment on an open quantum system. It is often assumed that as the temperature of the environment surrounding a quantum system increases, so does the speed of environment-induced dephasing, or decoherence (dynamical noise), and so the efficacy of processes such as quantum tunneling drops. An alternative way of viewing the action of the environment is to consider it as carrying out von Neumann--type measurements that, in the limit of continuous observation, lead to the so-called quantum Zeno effect, whereby the system is never allowed to evolve because its wave function is collapsed to its initial state with overwhelming likelihood. However, it has been established in recent years that under certain conditions quantum processes such as tunneling can actually be enhanced (thermally assisted) when the system couples to its environment, as this allows transitions to higher-energy eigenstates closer to the top of the potential barrier. Here we show that, over a specific temperature range, increasing the temperature of the heat bath to encourage such thermally induced tunneling is equivalent to increasing the frequency of a von Neumann--type measurement on the system by the environment (an anti-Zeno effect). However, this correspondence between these two independent pictures of quantum measurement breaks down above a certain limit: Increasing the frequency of measurement above this limit leads to a reversal from an anti-Zeno to a Zeno effect and the tunneling rate decreases again, whereas raising the temperature further leads to a leveling off in the tunneling probability.