Efficient real-time path integrals for non-Markovian spin-boson models

Strong coupling between a system and its environment leads to the emergence of non-Markovian dynamics, which cannot be described by a time-local master equation. One way to capture such dynamics is to use numerical real-time path integrals, where assuming a finite bath memory time enables manageable simulation scaling. However, by comparing to the exactly soluble independent boson model, we show that the presence of transient negative decay rates in the exact dynamics can result in simulations with unphysical exponential growth of density matrix elements when the finite memory approximation is used. We therefore reformulate this approximation in such a way that the exact dynamics are reproduced identically and then apply our new method to the spin-boson model with superohmic environmental coupling, commonly used to model phonon environments, but which cannot be solved exactly. Our new method allows us to easily access parameter regimes where we find revivals in population dynamics which are due to non-Markovian backflow of information from the bath to the system.Strong coupling between a system and its environment leads to the emergence of non-Markovian dynamics, which cannot be described by a time-local master equation. One way to capture such dynamics is to use numerical real-time path integrals, where assuming a finite bath memory time enables manageable simulation scaling. However, by comparing to the exactly soluble independent boson model, we show that the presence of transient negative decay rates in the exact dynamics can result in simulations with unphysical exponential growth of density matrix elements when the finite memory approximation is used. We therefore reformulate this approximation in such a way that the exact dynamics are reproduced identically and then apply our new method to the spin-boson model with superohmic environmental coupling, commonly used to model phonon environments, but which cannot be solved exactly. Our new method allows us to easily access parameter regimes where we find revivals in population dynamics which are due to non-Markovian backflow of information from the bath to the system.

arXiv:1704.04099New Journal of PhysicsSep 14, 201741 citations

Non-Markovian effects in the spin-boson model at zero temperature

Sebastian Wenderoth, Heinz‐Peter Breuer, Michael Thoss

We investigate memory effects in the spin-boson model using a recently proposed measure for non-Markovian behavior based on the information exchange between an open system and its environment. Employing the numerical exact multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree approach, we simulate the dynamics of the spin-boson model at zero temperature for a broad range of parameters. For a fast bath, i.e., in the scaling limit, we find non-Markovian dynamics for a coherently decaying spin at weak system-bath coupling, whereas memory effects are absent for stronger coupling in the regimes of incoherent decay and localization. If the timescales of system and bath are comparable, a complex, nonmonotonic dependence of non-Markovianity on the system-bath coupling strength is observed.We investigate memory effects in the spin-boson model using a recently proposed measure for non-Markovian behavior based on the information exchange between an open system and its environment. Employing the numerical exact multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree approach, we simulate the dynamics of the spin-boson model at zero temperature for a broad range of parameters. For a fast bath, i.e., in the scaling limit, we find non-Markovian dynamics for a coherently decaying spin at weak system-bath coupling, whereas memory effects are absent for stronger coupling in the regimes of incoherent decay and localization. If the timescales of system and bath are comparable, a complex, nonmonotonic dependence of non-Markovianity on the system-bath coupling strength is observed.

arXiv:2101.09463Physical Review AJul 19, 202126 citations

Numerically exact simulation of open quantum networks with strong system-bath couplings using tensor network path integrals

Quentin W. Richter, Moritz Cygorek

Non-Markovian open quantum networks are among the most challenging problems in quantum theory, as they suffer from both, the exponentially scaling many-body state space as well as long memory times when the sites are strongly coupled to structured environments. Recent efforts to address them by combining tensor networks with real-time path integrals, such as TEMPO and process tensors, were however limited to systems with rather weak system-environment couplings because strong couplings lead to large bond dimensions. Here, we devise a tensor network scheme (CTEMPO) resulting in particularly small bond dimensions for single-site problems. We then extend this to a practical scheme to simulate non-Markovian quantum networks by time-evolving a corresponding comb tensor network. Benchmarking the single-site algorithm on the spin-boson model we find orders-of-magnitude improvement over established methods. The multi-site algorithm is shown to solve the notoriously difficult problem of the 7-site Fenna-Matthews-Olson photosynthetic complex, whose spectral density contains 62 peaks. We then apply our approach to explore the scaling behavior of the superradiance of up to $N=20$ quantum dots individually coupled to super-Ohmic phonon baths. Our approach provides a turnkey solution to non-Markovian quantum networks and is compatible with more general tensor network topologies.Non-Markovian open quantum networks are among the most challenging problems in quantum theory, as they suffer from both, the exponentially scaling many-body state space as well as long memory times when the sites are strongly coupled to structured environments. Recent efforts to address them by combining tensor networks with real-time path integrals, such as TEMPO and process tensors, were however limited to systems with rather weak system-environment couplings because strong couplings lead to large bond dimensions. Here, we devise a tensor network scheme (CTEMPO) resulting in particularly small bond dimensions for single-site problems. We then extend this to a practical scheme to simulate non-Markovian quantum networks by time-evolving a corresponding comb tensor network. Benchmarking the single-site algorithm on the spin-boson model we find orders-of-magnitude improvement over established methods. The multi-site algorithm is shown to solve the notoriously difficult problem of the 7-site Fenna-Matthews-Olson photosynthetic complex, whose spectral density contains 62 peaks. We then apply our approach to explore the scaling behavior of the superradiance of up to $N=20$ quantum dots individually coupled to super-Ohmic phonon baths. Our approach provides a turnkey solution to non-Markovian quantum networks and is compatible with more general tensor network topologies.

quant-pharXiv:2610.10259Oct 8, 20260 citations

Approach to solving spin-boson dynamics via non-Markovian quantum trajectories

Zeng-Zhao Li, Cho‐Tung Yip, Hai-Yao Deng +4 more

We develop a systematic and efficient approach for numerically solving the non-Markovian quantum state diffusion equation for an open quantum system that can be strongly coupled to an environment. As an important application, we consider a real-time simulation of a spin-boson model in a strong-coupling regime that is difficult to deal with using conventional methods. We show that the non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equation can be efficiently implemented as a real-time simulation for this model, so as to give an accurate description of spin-boson dynamics beyond the rotating-wave approximation.We develop a systematic and efficient approach for numerically solving the non-Markovian quantum state diffusion equation for an open quantum system that can be strongly coupled to an environment. As an important application, we consider a real-time simulation of a spin-boson model in a strong-coupling regime that is difficult to deal with using conventional methods. We show that the non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equation can be efficiently implemented as a real-time simulation for this model, so as to give an accurate description of spin-boson dynamics beyond the rotating-wave approximation.

arXiv:1406.1753Physical Review AAug 26, 201428 citations

Efficiently Solving Spin-Boson Dynamics Via Non-Markovian Quantum Trajectories

Zeng-Zhao Li, Cho‐Tung Yip, Hai-Yao Deng +4 more

We develop a systematic and efficient approach for numerically solving the non-Markovian quantum state diffusion equations for open quantum systems coupled to an environment up to arbitrary orders of noises or coupling strengths. As an important application, we consider a real-time simulation of a spin-boson model in a strong coupling regime that is difficult to deal with using conventional methods. We show that the non-Markovian stochastic Schrodinger equation can be efficiently implemented as a real--time simulation for this model, so as to give an accurate description of spin-boson dynamics beyond the rotating-wave approximation.We develop a systematic and efficient approach for numerically solving the non-Markovian quantum state diffusion equations for open quantum systems coupled to an environment up to arbitrary orders of noises or coupling strengths. As an important application, we consider a real-time simulation of a spin-boson model in a strong coupling regime that is difficult to deal with using conventional methods. We show that the non-Markovian stochastic Schrodinger equation can be efficiently implemented as a real--time simulation for this model, so as to give an accurate description of spin-boson dynamics beyond the rotating-wave approximation.

Jun 6, 20140 citations

Efficient non-Markovian quantum dynamics using time-evolving matrix product operators

Aidan Strathearn, Peter Kirton, Dainius Kilda +2 more

In order to model realistic quantum devices it is necessary to simulate quantum systems strongly coupled to their environment. To date, most understanding of open quantum systems is restricted either to weak system-bath couplings or to special cases where specific numerical techniques become effective. Here we present a general and yet exact numerical approach that efficiently describes the time evolution of a quantum system coupled to a non-Markovian harmonic environment. Our method relies on expressing the system state and its propagator as a matrix product state and operator, respectively, and using a singular value decomposition to compress the description of the state as time evolves. We demonstrate the power and flexibility of our approach by numerically identifying the localisation transition of the Ohmic spin-boson model, and considering a model with widely separated environmental timescales arising for a pair of spins embedded in a common environment.In order to model realistic quantum devices it is necessary to simulate quantum systems strongly coupled to their environment. To date, most understanding of open quantum systems is restricted either to weak system-bath couplings or to special cases where specific numerical techniques become effective. Here we present a general and yet exact numerical approach that efficiently describes the time evolution of a quantum system coupled to a non-Markovian harmonic environment. Our method relies on expressing the system state and its propagator as a matrix product state and operator, respectively, and using a singular value decomposition to compress the description of the state as time evolves. We demonstrate the power and flexibility of our approach by numerically identifying the localisation transition of the Ohmic spin-boson model, and considering a model with widely separated environmental timescales arising for a pair of spins embedded in a common environment.

arXiv:1711.09641Nature CommunicationsAug 14, 2018401 citations

N=20

quantum dots individually coupled to super-Ohmic phonon baths. Our approach provides a turnkey solution to non-Markovian quantum networks and is compatible with more general tensor network topologies.