Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

A non-Markovian stochastic Schrodinger equation developed from a hidden variable interpretation

Jay Gambetta, Howard M. Wiseman

Published May 16, 2003• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Do non-Markovian diffusive stochastic Schroedinger equations (SSEs) for open quantum systems have a physical interpretation? In a recent paper we investigated this question using the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics. We found that the solution of a non-Markovian SSE at time t represents the state the system would be in at that time if a measurement was performed on the environment at that time, and yielded a particular result. However, the linking of solutions at different times to make a trajectory is, we concluded, a fiction. In this paper we show that such trajectories be interpreted using a non-standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, namely hidden variables theory. The simplest example is a non-Markovian SSE, which we call a position unraveling, which results from a description of the bath using Bohmian mechanics. We find that the noise function z(t) appearing in the non-Markovian SSE can be interpreted as a weighted sum of trajectories for the positions of the bath modes. The solution of the non-Markovian SSE is the state of the system 'conditioned' on values of the bath positions. It also determines the guiding wave for these positions. We also discuss previously used unravelings which have the Markovian limits of homodyne and heterodyne detection.

DOI
10.1117/12.496938

Related papers

Interpretation of non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equations as a hidden-variable theory

Jay Gambetta, Howard M. Wiseman

Do diffusive non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations (SSEs) for open quantum systems have a physical interpretation? In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. A 66, 012108 (2002)] we investigated this question using the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics. We found that the solution of a non-Markovian SSE represents the state the system would be in at that time if a measurement was performed on the environment at that time, and yielded a particular result. However, the linking of solutions at different times to make a trajectory is, we concluded, a fiction. In this paper we investigate this question using the modal (hidden variable) interpretation of quantum mechanics. We find that the noise function $z(t)$ appearing in the non-Markovian SSE can be interpreted as a hidden variable for the environment. That is, some chosen property (beable) of the environment has a definite value $z(t)$ even in the absence of measurement on the environment. The non-Markovian SSE gives the evolution of the state of the system ``conditioned'' on this environment hidden variable. We present the theory for diffusive non-Markovian SSEs that have as their Markovian limit SSEs corresponding to homodyne and heterodyne detection, as well as one which has no Markovian limit.

arXiv:quant-ph/0307078•Physical Review A•Dec 9, 2003•64 citations

Non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equations: Generalization to real-valued noise using quantum-measurement theory

Jay Gambetta, Howard M. Wiseman

Do stochastic Schr\"odinger equations, also known as unravelings, have a physical interpretation? In the Markovian limit, where the system on average obeys a master equation, the answer is yes. Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations generate quantum trajectories for the system state conditioned on continuously monitoring the bath. For a given master equation, there are many different unravelings, corresponding to different sorts of measurement on the bath. In this paper we address the non-Markovian case, and in particular the sort of stochastic Schr\"odinger equation introduced by Strunz, Di\'osi, and Gisin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 1801 (1999)]. Using a quantum-measurement theory approach, we rederive their unraveling that involves complex-valued Gaussian noise. We also derive an unraveling involving real-valued Gaussian noise. We show that in the Markovian limit, these two unravelings correspond to heterodyne and homodyne detection, respectively. Although we use quantum-measurement theory to define these unravelings, we conclude that the stochastic evolution of the system state is not a true quantum trajectory, as the identity of the state through time is a fiction.

arXiv:quant-ph/0202117•Physical Review A•Jul 29, 2002•82 citations

The non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equation for the position unravelling

Jay Gambetta, Howard M. Wiseman

An important and well established area of quantum optics is the theory of Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations (or by another name quantum trajectory theory). Recently stochastic Schr\"odinger equations have been developed for non-Markovian systems. In this paper we extend the current known stochastic Schr\"odinger equations for non-Markovian systems to include the position unraveling. We also discuss and illustrate that this stochastic Schr\"odinger equation can have an interpretation under both the orthodox and the de Broglie-Bohm hidden variable interpretation of quantum mechanics. We conclude that only the de Broglie-Bohm hidden variable theory provides a continuous-in-time interpretation of the non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equation.

arXiv:quant-ph/0305047•Journal of Optics B Quantum and Semiclassical Optics•Jul 28, 2004•6 citations

Jumplike unravelings for non-Markovian open quantum systems

Jay Gambetta, T. Askerud, Howard M. Wiseman

Non-Markovian evolution of an open quantum system can be ``unraveled'' into pure state trajectories generated by a non-Markovian stochastic (diffusive) Schr\"odinger equation, as introduced by Di\'osi, Gisin, and Strunz. Recently we have shown that such equations can be derived using the modal (hidden variable) interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this paper we generalize this theory to treat jumplike unravelings. To illustrate the jumplike behavior we consider a simple system: a classically driven (at Rabi frequency $\ensuremath{\Omega}$) two-level atom coupled linearly to a three mode optical bath, with a central frequency equal to the frequency of the atom, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$, and the two side bands have frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\Omega}$. In the large $\ensuremath{\Omega}$ limit we observed that the jumplike behavior is similar to that observed in this system with a Markovian (broad band) bath. This is expected as in the Markovian limit the fluorescence spectrum for a strongly driven two level atom takes the form of a Mollow triplet. However, the length of time for which the Markovian-like behavior persists depends upon which jumplike unraveling is used.

arXiv:quant-ph/0401171•Physical Review A•May 10, 2004•22 citations

Pure-State Quantum Trajectories for General Non-Markovian Systems Do Not Exist

Howard M. Wiseman, Jay Gambetta

Since the first derivation of non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equations, their interpretation has been contentious. In a recent Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 080401 (2008)10.1103/Phys. Rev. Lett.100.080401], Diósi claimed to prove that they generate "true single system trajectories [conditioned on] continuous measurement." In this Letter, we show that his proof is fundamentally flawed: the solution to his non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equation at any particular time can be interpreted as a conditioned state, but joining up these solutions as a trajectory creates a fiction.

arXiv:0806.3101•Physical Review Letters•Sep 30, 2008•84 citations

Quantum trajectories: Memory and continuous observation

Alberto Barchielli, Clément Pellegrini, Francesco Petruccione

Starting from a generalization of the quantum trajectory theory [based on the stochastic Schr\"odinger equation (SSE)], non-Markovian models of quantum dynamics are derived. In order to describe non-Markovian effects, the approach used in this article is based on the introduction of random coefficients in the usual linear SSE. A major interest is that this allows a consistent theory of quantum measurement in continuous time to be developed for these non-Markovian quantum trajectory models. In this context, the notions of ``instrument,'' ``a priori,'' and ``a posteriori'' states can be introduced. The key point is that by starting from a stochastic equation on the Hilbert space of the system, we are able to respect the complete positivity of the mean dynamics for the statistical operator and the requirements of the axioms of quantum measurement theory. The flexibility of the theory is next illustrated by a concrete physical model of a noisy oscillator where non-Markovian effects come from the random environment, colored noises, randomness in the stimulating light, and delay effects. The statistics of the emitted photons and the heterodyne and homodyne spectra are studied, and we show how these quantities are sensitive to the non-Markovian features of the system dynamics, so that, in principle, the observation and analysis of the fluorescent light could reveal the presence of non-Markovian effects and allow for a measure of the spectra of the noises affecting the system dynamics.

arXiv:1207.1610•Physical Review A•Dec 14, 2012•20 citations
Do non-Markovian diffusive stochastic Schroedinger equations (SSEs) for open quantum systems have a physical interpretation? In a recent paper we investigated this question using the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics. We found that the solution of a non-Markovian SSE at time t represents the state the system would be in at that time if a measurement was performed on the environment at that time, and yielded a particular result. However, the linking of solutions at different times to make a trajectory is, we concluded, a fiction. In this paper we show that such trajectories be interpreted using a non-standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, namely hidden variables theory. The simplest example is a non-Markovian SSE, which we call a position unraveling, which results from a description of the bath using Bohmian mechanics. We find that the noise function z(t) appearing in the non-Markovian SSE can be interpreted as a weighted sum of trajectories for the positions of the bath modes. The solution of the non-Markovian SSE is the state of the system 'conditioned' on values of the bath positions. It also determines the guiding wave for these positions. We also discuss previously used unravelings which have the Markovian limits of homodyne and heterodyne detection.
Do diffusive non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations (SSEs) for open quantum systems have a physical interpretation? In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. A 66, 012108 (2002)] we investigated this question using the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics. We found that the solution of a non-Markovian SSE represents the state the system would be in at that time if a measurement was performed on the environment at that time, and yielded a particular result. However, the linking of solutions at different times to make a trajectory is, we concluded, a fiction. In this paper we investigate this question using the modal (hidden variable) interpretation of quantum mechanics. We find that the noise function z(t)z(t)z(t) appearing in the non-Markovian SSE can be interpreted as a hidden variable for the environment. That is, some chosen property (beable) of the environment has a definite value z(t)z(t)z(t) even in the absence of measurement on the environment. The non-Markovian SSE gives the evolution of the state of the system ``conditioned'' on this environment hidden variable. We present the theory for diffusive non-Markovian SSEs that have as their Markovian limit SSEs corresponding to homodyne and heterodyne detection, as well as one which has no Markovian limit.
Do stochastic Schr\"odinger equations, also known as unravelings, have a physical interpretation? In the Markovian limit, where the system on average obeys a master equation, the answer is yes. Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations generate quantum trajectories for the system state conditioned on continuously monitoring the bath. For a given master equation, there are many different unravelings, corresponding to different sorts of measurement on the bath. In this paper we address the non-Markovian case, and in particular the sort of stochastic Schr\"odinger equation introduced by Strunz, Di\'osi, and Gisin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 1801 (1999)]. Using a quantum-measurement theory approach, we rederive their unraveling that involves complex-valued Gaussian noise. We also derive an unraveling involving real-valued Gaussian noise. We show that in the Markovian limit, these two unravelings correspond to heterodyne and homodyne detection, respectively. Although we use quantum-measurement theory to define these unravelings, we conclude that the stochastic evolution of the system state is not a true quantum trajectory, as the identity of the state through time is a fiction.
An important and well established area of quantum optics is the theory of Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equations (or by another name quantum trajectory theory). Recently stochastic Schr\"odinger equations have been developed for non-Markovian systems. In this paper we extend the current known stochastic Schr\"odinger equations for non-Markovian systems to include the position unraveling. We also discuss and illustrate that this stochastic Schr\"odinger equation can have an interpretation under both the orthodox and the de Broglie-Bohm hidden variable interpretation of quantum mechanics. We conclude that only the de Broglie-Bohm hidden variable theory provides a continuous-in-time interpretation of the non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equation.
Non-Markovian evolution of an open quantum system can be ``unraveled'' into pure state trajectories generated by a non-Markovian stochastic (diffusive) Schr\"odinger equation, as introduced by Di\'osi, Gisin, and Strunz. Recently we have shown that such equations can be derived using the modal (hidden variable) interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this paper we generalize this theory to treat jumplike unravelings. To illustrate the jumplike behavior we consider a simple system: a classically driven (at Rabi frequency $\ensuremath{\Omega}$) two-level atom coupled linearly to a three mode optical bath, with a central frequency equal to the frequency of the atom, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$, and the two side bands have frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\Omega}$. In the large $\ensuremath{\Omega}$ limit we observed that the jumplike behavior is similar to that observed in this system with a Markovian (broad band) bath. This is expected as in the Markovian limit the fluorescence spectrum for a strongly driven two level atom takes the form of a Mollow triplet. However, the length of time for which the Markovian-like behavior persists depends upon which jumplike unraveling is used.
Since the first derivation of non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equations, their interpretation has been contentious. In a recent Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 080401 (2008)10.1103/Phys. Rev. Lett.100.080401], Diósi claimed to prove that they generate "true single system trajectories [conditioned on] continuous measurement." In this Letter, we show that his proof is fundamentally flawed: the solution to his non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equation at any particular time can be interpreted as a conditioned state, but joining up these solutions as a trajectory creates a fiction.
Starting from a generalization of the quantum trajectory theory [based on the stochastic Schr\"odinger equation (SSE)], non-Markovian models of quantum dynamics are derived. In order to describe non-Markovian effects, the approach used in this article is based on the introduction of random coefficients in the usual linear SSE. A major interest is that this allows a consistent theory of quantum measurement in continuous time to be developed for these non-Markovian quantum trajectory models. In this context, the notions of ``instrument,'' ``a priori,'' and ``a posteriori'' states can be introduced. The key point is that by starting from a stochastic equation on the Hilbert space of the system, we are able to respect the complete positivity of the mean dynamics for the statistical operator and the requirements of the axioms of quantum measurement theory. The flexibility of the theory is next illustrated by a concrete physical model of a noisy oscillator where non-Markovian effects come from the random environment, colored noises, randomness in the stimulating light, and delay effects. The statistics of the emitted photons and the heterodyne and homodyne spectra are studied, and we show how these quantities are sensitive to the non-Markovian features of the system dynamics, so that, in principle, the observation and analysis of the fluorescent light could reveal the presence of non-Markovian effects and allow for a measure of the spectra of the noises affecting the system dynamics.