Central spin models: Quantum integrability andhyperfine induced spin dynamics
B. Erbe
Abstract
The spin degree of freedom has become subject to one of the broadest and most intensively studied fields of research in physics. The present thesis is part of this field and deals with so-called central spin models. The thesis is devided into two parts. In the first one we investigate very basic properties of central spin models on an abstract level. We introduce a new, or rather enhanced, notion of quantum integrability. From this we derive an explicit and, to a certain extent, analytical relation between integrability and decoherence. Then we specify a model of two coupled Gaudin models with all coupling constants being equal to each other (``homogeneous''). We numerically study the spectral properties of the model and find the spectrum to exhibit systematically degenerate multiplets. We briefly discuss possible applications in solid state quantum information processing. The second part is devoted to concrete physical considerations in the context of solid state quantum information processing. Here we consider two exchange coupled electron spins confined in semiconductor quantum dots and evaluate the hyperfine induced spin dynamics for the case of a weak magnetic field applied to the electron spins by exact methods. In a first step we consider the two exchange coupled electron spins to interact with the same bath of nuclear spins via homogeneous couplings. In particular we derive a scaling law for the decoherence time. In a second step we try to turn vice into virtue by investigating to what extent it is possible to swap and entangle two separate nuclear spin baths. Surprisingly, it turns out that a nuclear swap is possible for weakly coupled nuclear spin baths of realistic size, but not for smaller ones. We indicate that under the same circumstances it should also be possible to fully entangle the baths. We close the thesis with a summary and an outlook on further important questions.