arXiv:1707.05946 · New Journal of Physics

Non-Markovian dynamics of a qubit due to single-photon scattering in a waveguide

Yao-Lung L. Fang, Francesco Ciccarello, Harold U. Baranger

Published Mar 28, 2018• 55 citations

Abstract

We investigate the open dynamics of a qubit due to scattering of a single photon in an infinite or semi-infinite waveguide. Through an exact solution of the time-dependent multi-photon scattering problem, we find the qubit's dynamical map. Tools of open quantum systems theory allow us then to show the general features of this map, find the corresponding non-Linbladian master equation, and assess in a rigorous way its non-Markovian nature. The qubit dynamics has distinctive features that, in particular, do not occur in emission processes. Two fundamental sources of non-Markovianity are present: the finite width of the photon wavepacket and the time delay for propagation between the qubit and the end of the semi-infinite waveguide.

DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/aaba5d

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