Exact Master Equation Research Articles

Quantum speedup and non-Markovianity of an atom in structured reservoirs: pseudomodes as a good description of environmental memory

Following the recent paper (Teittinen et al 2019 New J. Phys. 21 123041), one can see that in general there is no simple relation between non-Markovianity and quantum speed limit. Here, we investigate the connection between quantum speed limit time and non-Markovianity of an atom in structured environments (reservoirs) whose dynamics is governed by an exact pseudomode master equation (Garraway 1997 Phys. Rev. A 55 2290). In particular, we find an inverse relation between them, which means that the non-Markovian feature of the quantum process leads to speedup of evolution. Thus, there is a link between quantum speedup and memory effects for specific cases of dynamical evolution. Our results might shed light on the relationship between the speedup of quantum evolution and the backflow of information from the environment to the system.

Bexcitonics: Quasiparticle approach to open quantum dynamics.

We develop a quasiparticle approach to capture the dynamics of open quantum systems coupled to bosonic thermal baths of arbitrary complexity based on the Hierarchical Equations of Motion (HEOM). This is done by generalizing the HEOM dynamics and mapping it into that of the system in interaction with a few bosonic fictitious quasiparticles that we call bexcitons. Bexcitons arise from a decomposition of the bath correlation function into discrete features. Specifically, bexciton creation and annihilation couple the auxiliary density matrices in the HEOM. The approach provides a systematic strategy to construct exact quantum master equations that include the system-bath coupling to all orders even for non-Markovian environments. Specifically, by introducing different metrics and representations for the bexcitons it is possible to straightforwardly generate different variants of the HEOM, demonstrating that all these variants share a common underlying quasiparticle picture. Bexcitonic properties, while unphysical, offer a coarse-grained view of the correlated system-bath dynamics and its numerical convergence. For instance, we use it to analyze the instability of the HEOM when the bath is composed of underdamped oscillators and show that it leads to the creation of highly excited bexcitons. The bexcitonic picture can also be used to develop more efficient approaches to propagate the HEOM. As an example, we use the particle-like nature of the bexcitons to introduce mode-combination of bexcitons in both number and coordinate representation that uses the multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree to efficiently propagate the HEOM dynamics.

Diagrammatic representation and nonperturbative approximations of the exact time-convolutionless master equation.

The time-convolutionless master equation provides a general framework to model the non-Markovian dynamics of an open quantum system with a time-local generator. A diagrammatic representation is developed and proven for the perturbative expansion of the exact time-local generator for an open quantum system interacting with arbitrary environments. A truncation of the perturbation expansion leads to perturbative time-convolutionless quantum master equations. We further introduce a general iterative approach to construct nonperturbative approximations for the time-local generator as nested time-ordered exponential operators.

Dynamical quantum phase transitions following a noisy quench

We study how time-dependent energy fluctuations impact the dynamical quantum phase transitions (DQPTs) following a noisy ramped quench of the transverse magnetic field in a quantum Ising chain. By numerically solving the stochastic Schrödinger equation of the mode-decoupled fermionic Hamiltonian of the problem, we identify two generic scenarios: Depending on the amplitude of the noise and the rate of the ramp, the expected periodic sequence of noiseless DQPTs may either be uniformly shifted in time or else replaced by a disarray of closely spaced DQPTs. Guided by an exact noise master equation, we trace the phenomenon to the interplay between noise-induced excitations which accumulate during the quench and the near-adiabatic dynamics of the massive modes of the system. Our analysis generalizes to any one-dimensional fermionic two-band model subject to a noisy quench. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Dynamically emergent quantum thermodynamics: Non-Markovian Otto cycle

Employing a recently developed approach to dynamically emergent quantum thermodynamics, we revisit the thermodynamic behavior of the quantum Otto cycle with a focus on memory effects and strong system-bath couplings. Our investigation is based on an exact treatment of non-Markovianity by means of an exact quantum master equation, modeling the dynamics through the Fano-Anderson model featuring a peaked environmental spectral density. By comparing the results to the standard Markovian case, we find that non-Markovian baths can induce work transfer to the system, and identify specific parameter regions which lead to enhanced work output and efficiency of the cycle. In particular, we demonstrate that these improvements arise when the cycle operates in a frequency interval which contains the peak of the spectral density. This can be understood from an analysis of the renormalized frequencies emerging through the system-bath couplings. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Improved modeling of dynamic quantum systems using exact Lindblad master equations

Improved modeling of dynamic quantum systems using exact Lindblad master equations

Generic two-phase coexistence in a type-2 Schloegl model for autocatalysis on a square lattice: Analysis via heterogeneous master equations.

Schloegl's second model (also known as the quadratic contact process) on a square lattice involves spontaneous annihilation of particles at lattice sites at rate p, and their autocatalytic creation at unoccupied sites with n≥2 occupied neighbors at rate k_{n}. Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation reveals that these models exhibit a nonequilibrium discontinuous phase transition with generic two-phase coexistence: the p value for equistability of coexisting populated and vacuum states, p_{eq}(S), depends on the orientation or slope, S, of a planar interface separating those phases. The vacuum state displaces the populated state for p>p_{eq}(S), and the opposite applies for p<p_{eq}(S) for 0<S<∞. The special "combinatorial" rate choice k_{n}=n(n-1)/12 facilitates an appealing simplification of the exact master equations for the evolution of spatially heterogeneous states in the model, which aids analytic investigation of these equations via hierarchical truncation approximations. Truncation produces coupled sets of lattice differential equations which can describe orientation-dependent interface propagation and equistability. The pair approximation predicts that p_{eq}(max)=p_{eq}(S=1)=0.09645 and p_{eq}(min)=p_{eq}(S→∞)=0.08827, values deviating less than 15% from KMC predictions. In the pair approximation, a perfect vertical interface is stationary for all p<p_{eq}(S=∞)=0.08907, a value exceeding p_{eq}(S→∞). One can regard an interface for large S→∞ as a vertical interface decorated with isolated kinks. For p<p_{eq}(S=∞), the kink can move in either direction along this otherwise stationary interface depending upon p, but for p=p_{eq}(min) the kink is also stationary.

Strongly coupled quantum Otto cycle with single qubit bath.

We discuss a model of a closed quantum evolution of two qubits where the joint Hamiltonian is so chosen such that one of the qubits acts as a bath and thermalizes the other qubit which is acting as the system. The corresponding exact master equationfor the system is derived. Interestingly, for a specific choice of parameters the master equationtakes the Gorini-Kossakowski-Lindblad-Sudarshan (GKLS) form, with constant coefficients representing pumping and damping of a single qubit system. Based on this model we construct an Otto cycle connected to a single qubit bath and study its thermodynamic properties. Our analysis goes beyond the conventional weak coupling scenario and illustrates the effects of finite baths, including non-Markovianity. We find closed form expressions for efficiency (coefficient of performance), power (cooling power) for the heat engine regime (refrigerator regime), and for different modifications of the joint Hamiltonian.

Decoherence of a spin-valley qubit in a MoS2 quantum dot

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-based quantum dots (QDs) have proven to be a successful and promising device for physically implementing electron spin-valley based qubits. Although the electron spin in a TMDs monolayer semiconductor QD can be isolated and controlled with high precision, decoherence occurs due to unavoidable coupling with the surrounding environment, such as nuclear spin environments. In this paper, using an exact master equation (ME) of spin qubit dynamics coupled to a nuclear spin bath in terms of hyperfine interaction (HI), we have investigated the controllability of dynamics processes with varying degrees of non-Markovianity. In large magnetic fields, we show that pure spin or valley qubits can be created. We calculate the loss of fidelity due to the Overhauser field of HI in a wide range of nuclear spin. In this context, we prove that this field restricts the decoherence process of the central electron spin, which can regain its coherence. Finally, we discuss how the coherence of the spin qubit remains robust for large .

Exact master equation for generalized quantum Brownian motion with momentum-dependent system-environment couplings

In this paper, we generalize the quantum Brownian motion to include momentum-dependent system-environment couplings. The conventional QBM model corresponds to the spacial case $W_k = V_k$. The generalized QBM is more complicated but the generalization is necessary. This is because the particle transition and the pair production between the system and the environment represent two very different physical processes, and usually cannot have the same coupling strengths. Thus, the conventional QBM model, which is well-defined at classical level, is hardly realized in real quantum physical world. We discuss the physical realizations of the generalized QBM in different physical systems, and derive its exact master equation for both the initial decoupled states and initial correlated states. The Hu-Paz-Zhang master equation of the conventional QBM model is reproduced as a special case. We find that the renormalized Brownian particle Hamiltonian after traced out all the environmental states induced naturally a momentum-dependent potential, which also shows the necessity of including the momentum-dependent coupling in the QBM Hamiltonian. In the Hu-Paz-Zhang master equation, such a renormalized potential is misplaced so that the correct renormalization Hamiltonian has not been found. With the exact master equation for both the initial decoupled and and initial correlated states, the issues about the initial jolt which is a long-stand problem in the Hu-Paz-Zhang master equation is also re-examined. We find that the so-called "initial jolt", which has been thought to be an artificial effect due to the use of the initial decoupled system-environment states, has nothing do to with the initial decoupled state. The new exact master equation for the generalized QBM also has the potential applications to photonics quantum computing.

Open-system approach to nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics at arbitrary coupling

We develop a general theory describing the thermodynamical behavior of open quantum systems coupled to thermal baths beyond perturbation theory. Our approach is based on the exact time-local quantum master equation for the reduced open system states, and on a principle of minimal dissipation. This principle leads to a unique prescription for the decomposition of the master equation into a Hamiltonian part representing coherent time evolution and a dissipator part describing dissipation and decoherence. Employing this decomposition we demonstrate how to define work, heat, and entropy production, formulate the first and second law of thermodynamics, and establish the connection between violations of the second law and quantum non-Markovianity.

Nonperturbative renormalization of quantum thermodynamics from weak to strong couplings

By solving the exact master equation of open quantum systems, we formulate the quantum thermodynamics from weak to strong couplings. The open quantum systems exchange matters, energies and information with their reservoirs through quantum particles tunnelings that are described by the generalized Fano-Anderson Hamiltonians. We find that the exact solution of the reduced density matrix of these systems approaches a Gibbs-type state in the steady-state limit for both the weak and strong system-reservoir coupling strengths. When the couplings become strong, thermodynamic quantities of the system must be renormalized. The renormalization effects are obtained nonperturbatively after exactly traced over all reservoir states through the coherent state path integrals. The renormalized system Hamiltonian is characterized by the renormalized system energy levels and interactions, corresponding to the quantum work done by the system. The renormalized temperature is introduced to characterize the entropy production counting the heat transfer between the system and the reservoir. We further find that only with the renormalized system Hamiltonian and other renormalized thermodynamic quantities, can the exact steady state of the system be expressed as the standard Gibbs state. Consequently, the corresponding exact steady-state particle occupations in the renormalized system energy levels obey the Bose-Einstein and the Fermi-Dirac distributions for bosonic and fermionic systems, respectively. Thus, the conventional statistical mechanics and thermodynamics are thereby rigorously deduced from quantum dynamical evolution.

Exact master equation for an open Jaynes–Cummings system

A master equation for the Jaynes–Cummings (JC) system interacting with a bosonic reservoir through a conserved quantity is derived analytically without any approximation. The derivation is valid for any initial JC state that has no correlation with the initial reservoir at any temperature and yields a Gorini–Kossakowski–Lindblad–Sudarshan-type master equation with time-dependent coefficients. Several physical quantities of the open JC system are examined and the validity or limit of some of the standard approximations used to derive the master equation is discussed on the basis of the exact results obtained here.

Revisiting the Quantum Open System Dynamics of Central Spin Model

In this work, we revisit the theory of open quantum systems from the perspective of fermionic baths. Specifically, we concentrate on the dynamics of a central spin half particle interacting with a spin bath. We have calculated the exact reduced dynamics of the central spin and constructed the Kraus operators in relation to that. Further, the exact Lindblad type canonical master equation corresponding to the reduced dynamics is constructed. We have also briefly touched upon the aspect of non-Markovianity from the backdrop of the reduced dynamics of the central spin.Quanta 2021; 10: 55–64.

Manipulating Majorana qubit states without braiding

We propose a scheme to manipulate the Majorana qubit states other than braiding. By utilizing electron transport through Majorana zero modes and tuning the magnetic flux in the setup, the aim of Majorana qubit state manipulation can be fulfilled. The principal part in the setup is an Aharonov-Bohm (AB) interferometer consisting of two topological superconducting chains (TSCs) connected to two leads. We obtain the exact master equation as well as its solution and study the general properties of the real-time dynamics of the Majorana qubit states. The parity of the Majorana qubit state can be almost perfectly polarized by tuning the bias and can also be flipped by switching the sign of the cross couplings between the TSCs and the leads. Moreover, the qubit coherence shows a phase rigidity due to the intrinsic particle-hole symmetry of the Majorana AB interferometer, which is different from that in the double-quantum-dot AB interferometers without topological properties.

Non-Markovian Dynamics of Geometric Quantum Discord in a Double Quantum Dot System

In this paper, we study the geometric quantum discord dynamics of the double quantum dot charge qubit in the non-Markovian environment. We apply the non-perturbative non-Markovian quantum state diffusion method to obtain the exact master equation of the double quantum dot system coupled to two independent non-zero temperature electronic baths. Then, we use this master equation to investigate the effects of non-Markovianity, inter-dot coupling strength and bath temperature on the dynamics of geometric quantum discord. Our studies show that the geometric quantum discord of a double quantum dot system can be modified and enhanced in some cases via these factors.

Exact classical noise master equations: Applications and connections

All quantum systems are subject to noise and imperfections due to stray fields, inhomogeneities or drifting experimental controls. An understanding of the effects of noise and decoherence is critical to the progress towards fully functional quantum devices. In this perspective, we focus on noise in quantum systems which are modelled by a dynamic stochastic parameter in the Hamiltonian. We will outline exact evolution equations describing the ensemble average dynamics for a variety of common noise types and their connections. We will also highlight an approximate evolution equation valid in the weak noise limit for an arbitrary classical stochastic field. This framework should serve as a starting point for identifying signatures of differing noise types and optimisation of robust control protocols.

Decay rates and decoherence of an interstitial two-level spin impurity in a ferromagnetic lattice

The decay rate of an interstitial two-level spin impurity, located in the center of a unit cell of an anisotropic ferromagnetic lattice subjected to an external magnetic field, is derived. The impurity is coupled to nearest-neighbor spins through a Heisenberg $XY$ interaction. By mapping the lattice spin operators using the Holstein-Primakoff transformation, we establish the similarity with the Fano-Anderson model at low temperatures, and we calculate the retarded Green's function in one and two dimensions analytically for arbitrary coupling strength. It is shown that the reduced density matrix of the impurity satisfies an exact master equation in Lindblad form, from which the decay rate and the Lamb shift are deduced. The evolution in time of the latter together with the excited-state occupation probability is investigated and its dependence on the applied magnetic field is discussed. It is found that there exists a critical resonance-like value of the magnetic field around which the behavior of the decay rate and the density matrix changes drastically. The Markovian decay law, as given by the Fermi golden rule, does not hold in the weak-coupling regime unless the magnetic field is weak, typically less than the critical value. The weak-coupling regime is further treated perturbatively up to second order, and the obtained results are compared with the exact solution. We also discuss the Zeno regime of the dynamics, where it is shown that, at short times, the effective decay rate is twice as small as the exact decay rate, and that when the impurity energy lies outside the lattice continuum, the measurement speeds up the decay of the survival probability.

Non-Markovian decoherence dynamics of strong-coupling hybrid quantum systems: A master equation approach

Based on the recent experiments on the hybrid quantum system of a superconducting microwave cavity coupling strongly to an inhomogeneous broadening spin ensemble under an external driving field, we use the exact master equation approach to investigate its non-Markovian decoherence dynamics. Here the spin ensemble is made by negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defects in diamond. Our exact master equation theory for open systems depicts the experimental decoherence results and reveals the mechanism how the decoherence induced by the inhomogeneous broadening is suppressed in the strong-coupling regime. Moreover, we show how the spectral hole burning generates localized states to further suppress the cavity decoherence. We also investigate the two-time correlations in this system to further show how quantum fluctuations manifest quantum memory.

Generalized theory of pseudomodes for exact descriptions of non-Markovian quantum processes

We develop an exact framework to describe the non-Markovian dynamics of an open quantum system interacting with an environment modeled by a generalized spectral density function. The approach relies on mapping the initial system onto an auxiliary configuration, comprising the original open system coupled to a small number of discrete modes, which in turn are each coupled to an independent Markovian reservoir. Based on the connection between the discrete modes and the poles of the spectral density function, we show how expanding the system using the discrete modes allows for the full inclusion non-Markovian effects within an enlarged open system whose dynamics is governed by an exact Lindblad master equation. Initially we apply this result to obtain a generalization of the pseudomode method [B. M. Garraway, Phys. Rev. A 55, 2290 (1997)] in cases where the spectral density function has a Lorentzian structure. For many other types of spectral density function, we extend our proof to show that an open system dynamics may be modeled physically using discrete modes which admit a non-Hermitian coupling to the system, and for such cases determine the equivalent master equation to no longer be of Lindblad form. For applications involving two discrete modes, we demonstrate how to convert between pathological and Lindblad forms of the master equation using the techniques of the pseudomode method.