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Decoherence and thermalization
M Merkli1, I M Sigal, G P Berman
1Department of Mathematics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2E4. merkli@math.mun.ca
Physical Review Letters
|May 16, 2007
Summary
We analyzed quantum decoherence in N-level systems interacting with bosonic fields, finding results applicable to qubits without master equation approximations.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Quantum information science
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Quantum decoherence is a fundamental process limiting quantum system performance.
- Understanding decoherence is crucial for developing quantum technologies.
- Previous studies often relied on approximations like the master equation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a rigorous analysis of decoherence for general N-level systems.
- To apply these findings to the specific case of the qubit.
- To develop an approach independent of master equation approximations.
Main Methods:
- Developed a general theoretical framework for analyzing decoherence.
- Focused on systems coupled to reservoirs of free massless bosonic fields.
- Avoided master equation approximations in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Derived general results for decoherence in N-level systems.
- Demonstrated the applicability of these results to qubits.
- Showcased the method's validity for non-explicitly solvable systems.
Conclusions:
- The presented approach offers a robust method for studying quantum decoherence.
- This work provides insights applicable to a broad range of quantum systems.
- The findings are relevant for quantum computing and quantum information processing.
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