Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
11:03
An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Adiabatic markovian dynamics
Ognyan Oreshkov1, John Calsamiglia
1Física Teòrica: Informació i Fenòmens Quàntics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Physical Review Letters
|September 28, 2010
Summary
We introduce a new theory of adiabaticity for quantum systems interacting with their environment. This framework defines adiabaticity using noiseless subsystems, enabling novel quantum computation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Physics
- Quantum Information Theory
- Open Quantum Systems
Background:
- Adiabaticity is crucial in quantum mechanics, typically defined for isolated systems.
- Open quantum systems, governed by Markovian dynamics, present challenges for defining adiabaticity.
- Existing approaches often lack physical intuition or rely on non-physical constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a physically grounded theory of adiabaticity for open quantum systems.
- To connect adiabaticity with the concept of noiseless subsystems in Markovian dynamics.
- To explore new applications in quantum computation enabled by this theory.
Main Methods:
- Decomposing the Hilbert space based on the asymptotic behavior of the Lindblad semigroup.
- Identifying noiseless subsystems as the generalization of eigenspaces for open systems.
- Analyzing the interplay between dissipation and quantum information processing.
Main Results:
- A novel definition of adiabaticity for open quantum systems is established.
- The theory links adiabaticity directly to the existence of noiseless subsystems.
- Two distinct applications are proposed: decoherence-assisted computation and dissipation-driven holonomic computation.
Conclusions:
- The proposed theory provides an intuitive, Hilbert-space-level understanding of adiabaticity in open quantum systems.
- It offers a powerful framework for designing advanced quantum computing protocols.
- The theory highlights the potential of engineered dissipation for quantum information tasks.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Adiabatic Processes for an Ideal Gas
When an ideal gas is compressed adiabatically, that is, without adding heat, work is done on it, and its temperature increases. In an adiabatic expansion, the gas does work, and its temperature drops. Adiabatic compressions actually occur in the cylinders of a car, where the compressions of the gas-air mixture take place so quickly that there is no time for the mixture to exchange heat with its environment. Nevertheless, because work is done on the mixture during the compression, its...
01:21Isochoric and Isobaric Processes
A thermodynamic process that occurs at constant volume is called an isochoric process. According to the first law of thermodynamics, heat supplied or removed from the system is partially utilized to perform work and change the internal energy of the system. However, in an isochoric process, the volume remains constant. Hence, the work done by the system is zero. Therefore, the exchange of heat changes the internal energy of the system only.
Suppose 1000 g of water is heated from 40 degrees...
Suppose 1000 g of water is heated from 40 degrees...
01:27Pressure and Volume in an Adiabatic Process
Free expansion of a gas is an adiabatic process. However, there are few differences between free expansion and adiabatic expansion. During free expansion, no work is done, and there is no change in internal energy. But, for an adiabatic expansion, work is done, and there is a change in internal energy. During an adiabatic process, the relation between the pressure and volume is obtained from the condition for the adiabatic process, that is,
02:39Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
The physical form of a substance changes on changing its temperature. For example, raising the temperature of a liquid causes the liquid to vaporize (convert into vapor). The process is called vaporization—a surface phenomenon. Vaporization occurs when the thermal motion of the molecules overcome the intermolecular forces, and the molecules (at the surface) escape into the gaseous state. When a liquid vaporizes in a closed container, gas molecules cannot escape. As these gas phase molecules...
02:33Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
Some solids can transition directly into the gaseous state, bypassing the liquid state, via a process known as sublimation. At room temperature and standard pressure, a piece of dry ice (solid CO2) sublimes, appearing to gradually disappear without ever forming any liquid. Snow and ice sublimate at temperatures below the melting point of water, a slow process that may be accelerated by winds and the reduced atmospheric pressures at high altitudes. When solid iodine is warmed, the solid sublimes...
01:20Work Done in an Adiabatic Process
Consider the adiabatic compression of an ideal gas in the cylinder of an automobile diesel engine. The gasoline vapor is injected into the cylinder of an automobile engine when the piston is in its expanded position. The temperature, pressure, and volume of the resulting gas-air mixture are 20 °C, 1.00 x 105 N/m2, and 240 cm3 , respectively. The mixture is then compressed adiabatically to a volume of 40 cm3. Note that, in the actual operation of an automobile engine, the compression is not...