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Enhancing coherent transport in a photonic network using controllable decoherence.
Devon N Biggerstaff1, René Heilmann2, Aidan A Zecevik1
1Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems and Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Nature Communications
|April 16, 2016
Summary
Environment-assisted coherent transport enhances quantum system efficiency. Researchers simulated this using engineered optics, showing increased transport efficiency with controlled decoherence.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Quantum optics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Quantum transport efficiency can be improved by environmental interactions.
- This phenomenon is relevant in natural systems like photosynthesis and in quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally simulate environment-assisted coherent transport.
- To investigate the role of controlled decoherence in enhancing quantum transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an engineered network of laser-written waveguides.
- Tailored system energies and couplings to match a target Hamiltonian.
- Simulated decoherence by adjusting the bandwidth of input illumination.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a significant increase in transport efficiency with broadened illumination (simulated decoherence).
- Showcased the effectiveness of integrated optics for simulating open quantum systems.
- Validated the ability to control loss and decoherence in the experimental setup.
Conclusions:
- Integrated optics provide a versatile platform for studying quantum phenomena.
- Environment-assisted coherent transport is a viable mechanism for enhancing quantum transport efficiency.
- Controlled decoherence can be beneficial for quantum transport in engineered systems.
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