Optimal state pairs for non-Markovian quantum dynamics

We study a recently proposed measure for the quantification of quantum non-Markovianity in the dynamics of open systems which is based on the exchange of information between the open system and its environment. This measure relates the degree of memory effects to certain optimal initial state pairs...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Wissmann, Steffen, Karlsson, Antti, Elsi-Mari Laine, Piilo, Jyrki, Breuer, Heinz-Peter
Format Paper Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 22.09.2012
Subjects
Information flow
Markov processes
Open systems
Physics - Quantum Physics
Quantum phenomena
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:We study a recently proposed measure for the quantification of quantum non-Markovianity in the dynamics of open systems which is based on the exchange of information between the open system and its environment. This measure relates the degree of memory effects to certain optimal initial state pairs featuring a maximal flow of information from the environment back to the open system. We rigorously prove that the states of these optimal pairs must lie on the boundary of the space of physical states and that they must be orthogonal. This implies that quantum memory effects are maximal for states which are initially distinguishable with certainty, having a maximal information content. Moreover, we construct an explicit example which demonstrates that optimal quantum states need not be pure states.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.1209.4989