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Non-ergodicity through quantum feedback

Lewis A. Clark, Fiona Torzewska, Ben Maybee, Almut Beige

Published Nov 11, 2016• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Open quantum systems usually reach a unique stationary state with ergodic dynamics. In other words, the ensemble averages and the time averages of the expectation values of open quantum systems are usually the same for all quantum trajectories. Although open quantum systems are in general ergodic, many classical stochastic processes are not. Hence if classical physics emerges from microscopic quantum models, there have to be mechanisms which induce non-ergodicity in open quantum systems. In this paper, we identify such a mechanism by showing that quantum feedback dramatically alters the dynamics of open quantum systems, thereby possibly inducing non-ergodicity and a persistent dependence of ensemble averages on initial conditions. As a concrete example, we study an optical cavity inside an instantaneous quantum feedback loop.

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Open quantum systems usually reach a unique stationary state with ergodic dynamics. In other words, the ensemble averages and the time averages of the expectation values of open quantum systems are usually the same for all quantum trajectories. Although open quantum systems are in general ergodic, many classical stochastic processes are not. Hence if classical physics emerges from microscopic quantum models, there have to be mechanisms which induce non-ergodicity in open quantum systems. In this paper, we identify such a mechanism by showing that quantum feedback dramatically alters the dynamics of open quantum systems, thereby possibly inducing non-ergodicity and a persistent dependence of ensemble averages on initial conditions. As a concrete example, we study an optical cavity inside an instantaneous quantum feedback loop.
It is well known that quantum feedback can alter the dynamics of open quantum systems dramatically. In this paper, we show that non-ergodicity may be induced through quantum feedback and resultantly create system dynamics that have lasting dependence on initial conditions. To demonstrate this, we consider an optical cavity inside an instantaneous quantum feedback loop, which can be implemented relatively easily in the laboratory. Non-ergodic quantum systems are of interest for applications in quantum information processing, quantum metrology and quantum sensing and could potentially aid the design of thermal machines whose efficiency is not limited by the laws of classical thermodynamics.
© CopyrightEPLA, 2020.It is well known that quantum feedback can alter the dynamics of open quantum systems dramatically. In this paper, we show that non-Ergodicity may be induced through quantum feedback and resultantly create system dynamics that have lasting dependence on initial conditions. To demonstrate this, we consider an optical cavity inside an instantaneous quantum feedback loop, which can be implemented relatively easily in the laboratory. Non-Ergodic quantum systems are of interest for applications in quantum information processing, quantum metrology and quantum sensing and could potentially aid the design of thermal machines whose efficiency is not limited by the laws of classical thermodynamics.
Abstract The theoretical cornerstone of statistical mechanics is the ergodic assumption, i.e. the assumption that the time average of an observable equals its ensemble average. Here, we show how such a property is present when an open quantum system is continuously perturbed by an external environment effectively observing the system at random times while the system dynamics approaches the quantum Zeno regime. In this context, by large deviation theory we analytically show how the most probable value of the probability for the system to be in a given state eventually deviates from the non-stochastic case when the Zeno condition is not satisfied. We experimentally test our results with ultra-cold atoms prepared on an atom chip.
It is widely believed that quantum physics is a fundamental theory describing the Universe. As such, one would expect to be able to see how classical physics that is observed in the macroscopic world emerges from quantum theory. This has so far largely eluded physicists, due to the inherent linear nature of quantum physics and the non-linear behaviour of classical physics. One of the principle differences between classical and quantum physics is the statistical, probabilistic nature of quantum theory. It is from this property that non-classical states can arise, such as entangled states. These states possess maximal correlations. However, they are not the only way in which correlations are created in quantum systems. This thesis aims to show how open quantum systems naturally contain correlations from their quantum nature. Moreover, even seemingly simple open quantum systems can behave far more complexly than expected upon the introduction of quantum feedback. Using this effect, the dynamics may become non-linear and as such behave non-trivially. Furthermore, it is shown how these effects may be exploited for a variety of tasks, including a computational application in hidden quantum Markov models and a quantum metrology scheme that does not require the use of exotic quantum states. This results in the design of systems that benefit from the use of quantum mechanics, but are not constrained by the use of experimentally difficulties such as entanglement.