Abstract This thesis has two parts, in the first, the Caldeira-Leggett model is introduced; its derivation and general consequences are explored following a paper by Caldeira and Leggett[1]. An operator-formalism shortcut through some of the more mathematically cumbersome parts of the derivation of the model is also developed. The correlation of the force resulting from reservoir-interaction is examined in the high- and low-temperature limits, and the Langevin equation is shown to emerge in the classical limit.Abstract The second part introduces decoherence through a thought experiment that demonstrates the destructive effect of random phase shifts on interference terms, and then follows another paper by Caldeira and Leggett[2] in applying their model further to study the phenomenon of dissipative decoherence. The time-evolution of the interference terms in a superposition of Gaussian wave packets in a harmonic oscillator potential is studied when interacting with a heat bath, and they are shown to vanish at a rate much faster than the relaxation of the system.

Thesis (M.F.A.)--College of Fine Arts, University of new South Wales, 1999. / Bibliography: p. 113-115. Also available online.

L'invalidité de la mesure quantique est une propriété des phénomènes quantiques.Elle est reliée au fait que la mesure de systèmes quantiques peut les affecter d'une façon que ne peut pas être décrite au sein de la physique classique.Cette thèse étudie la question de l'invasivité des mesures quantiques à travers l'inégalité de Leggett-Garg et d'une autre inégalité basée sur la condition de non perturbation (\ non-disturbance condition "). La violation de ces inégalités témoigne de l'invasivité des mesures quantiques. Dans un premier temps, nous _étudierons un modèle pour la violation de l'inégalité de Leggett-Garg, qui permettra une caractérisation opérationnelle de l'invasivité de la mesure quantique à travers un paramètre appelé la mesurabilité du système physique. Ce paramètre contrôle la violation de l'inégalité de Leggett-Garg et peut être reliée à des tests expérimentaux de cette inégalité. De cette façon, ce paramètre permet la compréhension et l'interprétation de ces violations. Nous avons également étudie, via ce modèle, la relation entre l'invasivité et une définition particulière de la « macroscopicité", associée la »taille " de systèmes de spin. Nous avons ensuite étudie une application de l'invasivité de la mesure quantique dans le cadre des protocoles pour l'estimation de paramètres en métrologie quantique. Une relation générale entre l'information de Fisher et les corrélations quantiques temporelles a été établie, et permet la caractérisation de la robustesse au bruit de scenarios de métrologie. Cette relation sert de ligne directrice pour la connexion entre l'invasivité de la mesure quantique et des scenarios (quasi-)optimaux en métrologie. Nous avons également établi une relation entre l'invasivité de la mesure quantique et une définition de la cohérence macroscopique. Pour finir, nous avons proposé un protocole pour tester la non-invasivité de mesures, basé sur la condition de non perturbation, pour des systèmes de spin de taille arbitraire. Cette inégalité permet de s'assurer contre la possibilité que sa violation soit due à des perturbations classiques de la mesure. Nous avons montré que la valeur maximale pour la violation de l'inégalité correspond au nombre de particules qui constitue le système / Quantum measurement invasiveness is a feature of quantum phenomena, i.e. associated with the fact that measurements can affect quantum systems in a manner which cannot be described by classical physics. In this thesis we will investigate measurement invasiveness through the Leggett-Garg inequality and another inequality based on the non-disturbance condition, both of which, when violated, witness measurement invasiveness. First, we will study a model for the violation of the Leggett-Garg inequality, which will allow us to provide an operational characterization of measurement invasiveness through a parameter called the measurability of the physical system. This parameter controls Leggett-Garg inequality violation and can be associated with experimental tests of this inequality, helping one to understand and interpret them. We will also investigate, through this model, the relationship between measurement invasiveness and a specific definition of macroscopicity, related to the \size" of spin systems. We will then seek to study an application of measurement invasiveness in the context of protocols for parameter estimation or quantum metrology. A general relationship between the Fisher information and temporal quantum correlations will be established, allowing one to characterize the robustness of metrological scenarios against the presence of noise. This relationship will also serve as a guideline for a connection between measurement invasiveness and (nearly-) optimal metrological scenarios. We will also establish a relationship between measurement invasiveness and a definition of a measure of macroscopic coherence. Lastly, we will propose a protocol for testing measurement noninvasiness based on the non-disturbance condition for spin systems of arbitrary size. This inequality allows one to argue against the possibility of its violation being due to the classical disturbance of measurements. We will show that the maximum value for the violation of this inequality Corresponds to the number of particles which constitutes the system.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第23717号 / 理博第4807号 / 新制||理||1688(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科化学専攻 / (主査)教授 谷村 吉隆, 教授 林 重彦, 教授 渡邊 一也 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Open quantum systems have become a rapidly developing sector for research. Such systems present novel physical phenomena, such as topological chirality, enhanced sensitivity, and unidirectional invisibility resulting from both their non-equilibrium dynamics and the presence of exceptional points. We begin by introducing the core features of open systems governed by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, providing the PT -dimer as an illustrative example. Proceeding, we introduce the Lindblad master equation which provides a working description of decoherence in quantum systems, and investigate its properties through the Decohering Dimer and periodic potentials. We then detail our preferred experimental apparatus governed by the Lindbladian. Finally, we introduce the Liouvillian, its relation to non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and Lindbladians, and through it investigate multiple properties of open quantum systems.

Various properties of linear infinite-dimensional Hamiltonian systems are studied. The structural stability of the Vlasov-Poisson equation linearized around a homogeneous stable equilibrium [mathematical symbol] is investigated in a Banach space setting. It is found that when perturbations of [mathematical symbols] are allowed to live in the space [mathematical symbols], every equilibrium is structurally unstable. When perturbations are restricted to area preserving rearrangements of [mathematical symbol], structural stability exists if and only if there is negative signature in the continuous spectrum. This analogizes Krein's theorem for linear finite-dimensional Hamiltonian systems. The techniques used to prove this theorem are applied to other aspects of the linearized Vlasov-Poisson equation, in particular the energy of discrete modes which are embedded within the continuous spectrum. In the second part, an integral transformation that exactly diagonalizes the Caldeira-Leggett model is presented. The resulting form of the Hamiltonian, derived using canonical transformations, is shown to be identical to that of the linearized Vlasov-Poisson equation. The damping mechanism in the Caldeira-Leggett model is identified with the Landau damping of a plasma. The correspondence between the two systems suggests the presence of an echo effect in the Caldeira-Leggett model. Generalizations of the Caldeira-Leggett model with negative energy are studied and interpreted in the context of Krein's theorem. / text

<p>Open quantum systems have become a rapidly developing sector for research. Such systems present novel physical phenomena, such as topological chirality, enhanced sensitivity, and unidirectional invisibility resulting from both their non-equilibrium dynamics and the presence of exceptional points.</p> <p><br></p> <p>We begin by introducing the core features of open systems governed by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, providing the PT -dimer as an illustrative example. Proceeding, we introduce the Lindblad master equation which provides a working description of decoherence in quantum systems, and investigate its properties through the Decohering Dimer and periodic potentials. We then detail our preferred experimental apparatus governed by the Lindbladian. Finally, we introduce the Liouvillian, its relation to non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and Lindbladians, and through it investigate multiple properties of open quantum systems.</p>

In this thesis we study the edge currents and the multi-band superconductivity in the unconventional superconductor Sr2RuO4. Numerous measurements have given strong support for a topologically non-trivial time-reversal symmetry breaking chiral p-wave state in this material. However, the spontaneous edge current expected for this order has eluded experimental detection. In this thesis, we present a general theoretical description of the edge currents in chiral superconductors. Our results elucidate the connection between the edge currents and the topological property of the chiral pairing. On this basis, we argue that superconducting gap anisotropy, combined with surface disorder, may provide an explanation for the absence of observable edge currents in Sr2RuO4. In addition, contrary to intuitive expectations, the integrated edge current is found to identically vanish for any non-p-wave chiral superconductor in the continuum limit-- a result which may be connected with the orbital angular momentum problem in chiral superfluids, such as the A phase of He-3. In lattice models, the integrated edge current may not vanish in non-p-wave superconductors but, in general, is substantially smaller compared to that of a simple chiral p-wave. In a separate study, we investigate the multi-band nature of the superconductivity in Sr2RuO4, via explicit microscopic calculations of the multi-band interactions. Our results indicate comparable pairing correlations on all of the bands and the existence of soft collective phase fluctuations--a Leggett mode. We also examine the possibility of alternative time-reversal symmetry breaking multi-band superconductivity which does not necessarily require chiral p-wave pairing. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Orientador: Amir Ordacgi Caldeira / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-06T02:34:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Brito_FredericoBorgesde_D.pdf: 5789237 bytes, checksum: 6648aaced89bad6ff2fc57794c0ae747 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Resumo: Esta tese teve como objetivo estudar processos de perda de coerência quântica, chamados de descoerência, em sistemas de matéria condensada eleitos pela literatura como possíveis implementações do bit quântico (qubit). Esta perda de coerência quântica ocorre devido ao inevitável acoplamento do sistema de interesse com o seu ambiente. Como os estados de superposição quântica são a chave para a realização de operações baseadas na lógica quântica, tem-se que tais processos limitam ou até mesmo impedem o uso de determinados sistemas na esperada realização física do computador quântico. Os sistemas de matéria condensada padecem de uma dificuldade maior para se isolar o qubit do seu ambiente, o que acarreta, em geral, na observação de tempos de coerência piores do que os encontrados em seus concorrentes. Por outro lado, a possibilidade de construção de vários qubits acoplados e de manipulação de cada um de modo individual, usando-se técnicas convencionais de engenharia, têm impulsionado esforços nestes tipos de dispositivos. Os sistemas abordados na tese foram: qubits supercondutores contendo junções Josephson; e qubits de pontos quânticos. Para a investigação completa do primeiro tipo tivemos que desenvolver o modelo Caldeira-Leggett para o caso de várias fontes de dissipação acopladas ao qubit. Com a prescrição apresentada aqui, pudemos determinar o número de banhos de osciladores necessários para a correta descrição das fontes, e verificar que as taxas totais de relaxação e de descoerência não são necessariamente as somas das taxas devido a cada fonte individualmente. Além disso, pudemos aplicar o formalismo desenvolvido no estudo de um qubit de uxo em investigação. Para o sistema de pontos quânticos seguimos a linha de determinação do banho efetivo visto pelo grau de liberdade de spin do elétron aprisionado no ponto quântico. Determinada a função espectral efetiva, pudemos encontrar soluções analíticas para a dinâmica do valor esperado para cada uma das componentes de spin s x,y,z. o que permitiu uma análise completa dos efeitos de cada parâmetro físico do sistema. Em ambos os casos, fomos capazes de indicar os melhores regimes de operação de cada qubit, e dar estimativas dos tempos de relaxação e de descoerência / Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to study the process of loss of quantum coherence, named decoherence, in condensed matter systems cited in the literature as possible candidates for the implementation of a quantum bit (qubit). Decoherence occurs due to the inevitable coupling of the system of interest to its environment. Once the quantum superposition states are the key to perform operations based on quantum logic, these processes limit, or even hinder, the utilization of some of those systems in the physical realization of the quantum computer. Relatively to its competitors, condensed matter systems usually present a higher degree of difficulty as one tries to minimize the coupling between the qubit and its environment, which, generally, worsens its coherence time observations. On the other hand, these devices present advantages which stimulates its study, such as: the possibility of construction of several coupled qubits and the possibility of manipulating each one individually, using conventional engineering techniques. The systems studied in this thesis were: superconducting qubits with Josephson junctions; and electronic spins quantum dots. Aiming at a complete investigation of the first system, we developed the Caldeira-Leggett model for the case of several dissipation sources coupled to the qubit. With the prescription presented here, we determine the number of oscillator baths needed to the correct description of the noise sources, and verify that the total relaxation and decoherence rates are not necessarily the sum of the individual rates relative to each source. Moreover, we applied this formalism to the study of a ux qubit currently under investigation. For the quantum dot qubits, we employed the effective bath approach to treat the dynamics of the spin of the electron localized in the quantum dot. As a result, we found analytical solutions for the dynamics of the average value of each one of the spin components s x,y,z . In both cases, we indicated the best operational regime of each qubit and gave estimates of the relaxation and decoherence times / Doutorado / Física da Matéria Condensada / Doutor em Ciências

In this thesis I discuss the nature of ‘measurement’ in quantum theory. ‘Measurement’ is associated with several different processes: the gradual imprinting of information about one system onto another, which is well understood; the collapse of the wavefunction, which is ill-defined and troublesome; and finally, the means by which inferences about unknown experimental parameters are made. I present a theoretical extension to an experimental proposal from Leggett and Garg, who suggested that the quantum-or-classical reality of a macroscopic system may be probed with successive measurements arrayed in time. The extension allows for a finite level of imperfection in the protocol, and makes use of Leggett’s ‘null result’ measurement scheme. I present the results of an experiment conducted in Oxford that, up to certain loopholes, defies a non-quantum interpretation of the dynamics of phosphorous nuclei embedded in silicon. I also present the theory of statistical parameter estimation, and discover that a recent trend to employ time symmetric ‘postselected’ measurements offers no true advantage over standard methods. The technique, known as weak-value amplification, combines a weak transfer of quantum information from system to meter with conditional data rejection, to surprising effect. The Fisher information is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of any parameter estimation model, and it reveals the technique to be worse than ordinary, preselected only measurements. That this is true despite the presence of noise (including magnetic field fluctuations causing deco- herence, poor resolution detection, and random displacements), casts serious doubt on the utility of the method.