Search Results (19)

The exact response theory based on the Dissipation Function applies to general dynamical systems and has yielded excellent results in various applications. In this article, we propose a method to apply it to quantum mechanics. In many quantum systems, it has not yet been possible to overcome the perturbative approach, and the most developed theory is the linear one. Extensions of the exact response theory developed in the field of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics could prove useful in quantum mechanics, as perturbations of small systems or far-from-equilibrium states cannot always be taken as small perturbations. Here, we introduce a quantum analogue of the classical Dissipation Function. We then derive a quantum expression for the exact calculation of time-dependent expectation values of observables, in a form analogous to that of the classical theory. We restrict our analysis to finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces, for the sake of simplicity, and we apply our method to specific examples, like qubit systems, for which exact results can be obtained by standard techniques. This way, we prove the consistency of our approach with the existing methods, where they apply. Although not required for open systems, we propose a self-adjoint version of our Dissipation Operator, obtaining a second equivalent expression of response, where the contribution of an anti-self-adjoint operator appears. We conclude by using new formalism to solve the Lindblad equations, obtaining exact results for a specific case of qubit decoherence, and suggesting possible future developments of this work. Full article

We reformulate holographic space–time models in terms of Hilbert bundles over the space of the time-like geodesics in a Lorentzian manifold. This reformulation resolves the issue of the action of non-compact isometry groups on finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces. Following Jacobson, I view the background geometry as a hydrodynamic flow, whose connection to an underlying quantum system follows from the Bekenstein–Hawking relation between area and entropy, generalized to arbitrary causal diamonds. The time-like geodesics are equivalent to the nested sequences of causal diamonds, and the area of the holoscreen (The holoscreen is the maximal $d-2$ volume (“area”) leaf of a null foliation of the diamond boundary. I use the term area to refer to its volume.) encodes the entropy of a certain density matrix on a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. I review arguments that the modular Hamiltonian of a diamond is a cutoff version of the Virasoro generator $L_0$ of a $1+1$-dimensional CFT of a large central charge, living on an interval in the longitudinal coordinate on the diamond boundary. The cutoff is chosen so that the von Neumann entropy is $\ln {\mathrm{D}}_{\diamond },$ up to subleading corrections, in the limit of a large-dimension diamond Hilbert space. I also connect those arguments to the derivation of the ’t Hooft commutation relations for horizon fluctuations. I present a tentative connection between the ’t Hooft relations and $U\left(1\right)$ currents in the CFTs on the past and future diamond boundaries. The ’t Hooft relations are related to the Schwinger term in the commutator of the vector and axial currents. The paper in can be read as evidence that the near-horizon dynamics for causal diamonds much larger than the Planck scale is equivalent to a topological field theory of the ’t Hooft CR plus small fluctuations in the transverse geometry. Connes’ demonstration that the Riemannian geometry is encoded in the Dirac operator leads one to a completely finite theory of transverse geometry fluctuations, in which the variables are fermionic generators of a superalgebra, which are the expansion coefficients of the sections of the spinor bundle in Dirac eigenfunctions. A finite cutoff on the Dirac spectrum gives rise to the area law for entropy and makes the geometry both “fuzzy” and quantum. Following the analysis of Carlip and Solodukhin, I model the expansion coefficients as two-dimensional fermionic fields. I argue that the local excitations in the interior of a diamond are constrained states where the spinor variables vanish in the regions of small area on the holoscreen. This leads to an argument that the quantum gravity in asymptotically flat space must be exactly supersymmetric. Full article

In this letter, we highlight the structure and main properties of an abstract approach to quantum cosmology and gravity, dubbed $SU(\infty )$-QGR. Beginning from the concept of the Universe as an isolated quantum system, the main axiom of the model is the existence of an infinite number of mutually commuting observables. Consequently, the Hilbert space of the Universe represents $SU(\infty )$ symmetry. This Universe as a whole is static and topological. Nonetheless, quantum fluctuations induce local clustering in its quantum state and divide it into approximately isolated subsystems representing $G\times SU(\infty )$, where G is a generic finite-rank internalsymmetry. Due to the global $SU(\infty )$ each subsystem is entangled to the rest of the Universe. In addition to parameters characterizing the representation of G, quantum states of subsystems depend on four continuous parameters: two of them characterize the representation of $SU(\infty )$, a dimensionful parameter arises from the possibility of comparing representations of $SU(\infty )$ by different subsystems, and the fourth parameter is a measurable used as time registered by an arbitrary subsystem chosen as a quantum clock. It introduces a relative dynamics for subsystems, formulated by a symmetry-invariant effective Lagrangian defined on the (3+1)D space of the continuous parameters. At lowest quantum order, the Lagrangian is a Yang–Mills field theory for both $SU(\infty )$ and internal symmetries. We identify the common $SU(\infty )$ symmetry and its interaction with gravity. Consequently, $SU(\infty )$-QGR predicts a spin-1 mediator for quantum gravity (QGR). Apparently, this is in contradiction with classical gravity. Nonetheless, we show that an observer who is unable to detect the quantumness of gravity perceives its effect as curvature of the space of average values of the continuous parameters. We demonstrate Lorentzian geometry of this emergent classical spacetime. Full article

Infinite-dimensional systems play an important role in the continuous-variable quantum computation model, which can compete with a more standard approach based on qubit and quantum circuit computation models. But, in many cases, the value of entropy unfortunately cannot be easily computed for states originating from an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. Therefore, in this article, the unified quantum entropy (which extends the standard von Neumann entropy) notion is extended to the case of infinite-dimensional systems by using the Fredholm determinant theory. Some of the known (in the finite-dimensional case) basic properties of the introduced unified entropies were extended to this case study. Certain numerical examples for computing the proposed finite- and infinite-dimensional entropies are outlined as well, which allowed us to calculate the entropy values for infinite Hilbert spaces. Full article

The concept of quantum acceleration limit has been recently introduced for any unitary time evolution of quantum systems under arbitrary nonstationary Hamiltonians. While Alsing and Cafaro used the Robertson uncertainty relation in their derivation, employed the Robertson–Schrödinger uncertainty relation to find the upper bound on the temporal rate of change of the speed of quantum evolutions. In this paper, we provide a comparative analysis of these two alternative derivations for quantum systems specified by an arbitrary finite-dimensional projective Hilbert space. Furthermore, focusing on a geometric description of the quantum evolution of two-level quantum systems on a Bloch sphere under general time-dependent Hamiltonians, we find the most general conditions needed to attain the maximal upper bounds on the acceleration of the quantum evolution. In particular, these conditions are expressed explicitly in terms of two three-dimensional real vectors, the Bloch vector that corresponds to the evolving quantum state and the magnetic field vector that specifies the Hermitian Hamiltonian of the system. For pedagogical reasons, we illustrate our general findings for two-level quantum systems in explicit physical examples characterized by specific time-varying magnetic field configurations. Finally, we briefly comment on the extension of our considerations to higher-dimensional physical systems in both pure and mixed quantum states. Full article

Quantum contextuality describes situations where the statistics observed in different measurement contexts cannot be explained by a measurement of the independent reality of the system. The most simple case is observed in a three-dimensional Hilbert space, with five different measurement contexts related to each other by shared measurement outcomes. The quantum formalism defines the relations between these contexts in terms of well-defined relations between operators, and these relations can be used to reconstruct an unknown quantum state from a finite set of measurement results. Here, I introduce a reconstruction method based on the relations between the five measurement contexts that can violate the bounds of non-contextual statistics. A complete description of an arbitrary quantum state requires only five of the eight elements of a Kirkwood–Dirac quasiprobability, but only an overcomplete set of eleven elements provides an unbiased description of all five contexts. A set of five fundamental relations between the eleven elements reveals a deterministic structure that links the five contexts. As illustrated by a number of examples, these relations provide a consistent description of contextual realities for the measurement outcomes of all five contexts. Full article

The common geometrical (symplectic) structures of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and classical thermodynamics are unveiled with three pictures. These cardinal theories, mainly at the non-relativistic approximation, are the cornerstones for studying chemical dynamics and chemical kinetics. Working in extended phase spaces, we show that the physical states of integrable dynamical systems are depicted by Lagrangian submanifolds embedded in phase space. Observable quantities are calculated by properly transforming the extended phase space onto a reduced space, and trajectories are integrated by solving Hamilton’s equations of motion. After defining a Riemannian metric, we can also estimate the length between two states. Local constants of motion are investigated by integrating Jacobi fields and solving the variational linear equations. Diagonalizing the symplectic fundamental matrix, eigenvalues equal to one reveal the number of constants of motion. For conservative systems, geometrical quantum mechanics has proved that solving the Schrödinger equation in extended Hilbert space, which incorporates the quantum phase, is equivalent to solving Hamilton’s equations in the projective Hilbert space. In classical thermodynamics, we take entropy and energy as canonical variables to construct the extended phase space and to represent the Lagrangian submanifold. Hamilton’s and variational equations are written and solved in the same fashion as in classical mechanics. Solvers based on high-order finite differences for numerically solving Hamilton’s, variational, and Schrödinger equations are described. Employing the Hénon–Heiles two-dimensional nonlinear model, representative results for time-dependent, quantum, and dissipative macroscopic systems are shown to illustrate concepts and methods. High-order finite-difference algorithms, despite their accuracy in low-dimensional systems, require substantial computer resources when they are applied to systems with many degrees of freedom, such as polyatomic molecules. We discuss recent research progress in employing Hamiltonian neural networks for solving Hamilton’s equations. It turns out that Hamiltonian geometry, shared with all physical theories, yields the necessary and sufficient conditions for the mutual assistance of humans and machines in deep-learning processes. Full article

Any single system whose space of states is given by a separable Hilbert space is automatically equipped with infinitely many hidden tensor-like structures. This includes all quantum mechanical systems as well as classical field theories and classical signal analysis. Accordingly, systems as simple as a single one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, an infinite potential well, or a classical finite-amplitude signal of finite duration can be decomposed into an arbitrary number of subsystems. The resulting structure is rich enough to enable quantum computation, violation of Bell’s inequalities, and formulation of universal quantum gates. Less standard quantum applications involve a distinction between position and hidden position. The hidden position can be accompanied by a hidden spin, even if the particle is spinless. Hidden degrees of freedom are, in many respects, analogous to modular variables. Moreover, it is shown that these hidden structures are at the roots of some well-known theoretical constructions, such as the Brandt–Greenberg multi-boson representation of creation–annihilation operators, intensively investigated in the context of higher-order or fractional-order squeezing. In the context of classical signal analysis, the discussed structures explain why it is possible to emulate a quantum computer by classical analog circuit devices. Full article

A witness of non-Markovianity based on the Hilbert–Schmidt speed (HSS), a special type of quantum statistical speed, has been recently introduced for low-dimensional quantum systems. Such a non-Markovianity witness is particularly useful, being easily computable since no diagonalization of the system density matrix is required. We investigate the sensitivity of this HSS-based witness to detect non-Markovianity in various high-dimensional and multipartite open quantum systems with finite Hilbert spaces. We find that the time behaviors of the HSS-based witness are always in agreement with those of quantum negativity or quantum correlation measure. These results show that the HSS-based witness is a faithful identifier of the memory effects appearing in the quantum evolution of a high-dimensional system with a finite Hilbert space. Full article

We consider three types of entities for quantum measurements. In order of generality, these types are observables, instruments and measurement models. If $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are entities, we define what it means for $\alpha$ to be a part of $\beta$. This relationship is essentially equivalent to $\alpha$ being a function of $\beta$ and in this case $\beta$ can be employed to measure $\alpha$. We then use the concept to define the coexistence of entities and study its properties. A crucial role is played by a map $\widehat{\alpha }$ which takes an entity of a certain type to one of a lower type. For example, if $\mathcal{I}$ is an instrument, then $\widehat{\mathcal{I}}$ is the unique observable measured by $\mathcal{I}$. Composite systems are discussed next. These are constructed by taking the tensor product of the Hilbert spaces of the systems being combined. Composites of the three types of measurements and their parts are studied. Reductions in types to their local components are discussed. We also consider sequential products of measurements. Specific examples of Lüders, Kraus and trivial instruments are used to illustrate various concepts. We only consider finite-dimensional systems in this article. Finally, we mention the role of symmetry representations for groups using quantum channels. Full article

A classical random walker starting on a node of a finite graph will always reach any other node since the search is ergodic, namely it fully explores space, hence the arrival probability is unity. For quantum walks, destructive interference may induce effectively non-ergodic features in such search processes. Under repeated projective local measurements, made on a target state, the final detection of the system is not guaranteed since the Hilbert space is split into a bright subspace and an orthogonal dark one. Using this we find an uncertainty relation for the deviations of the detection probability from its classical counterpart, in terms of the energy fluctuations. Full article

So far, none of attempts to quantize gravity has led to a satisfactory model that not only describe gravity in the realm of a quantum world, but also its relation to elementary particles and other fundamental forces. Here, we outline the preliminary results for a model of quantum universe, in which gravity is fundamentally and by construction quantic. The model is based on three well motivated assumptions with compelling observational and theoretical evidence: quantum mechanics is valid at all scales; quantum systems are described by their symmetries; universe has infinite independent degrees of freedom. The last assumption means that the Hilbert space of the Universe has $SU(N\to \infty )\cong \mathrm{area}\mathrm{preserving}\mathrm{Diff}.\left(S_2\right)$ symmetry, which is parameterized by two angular variables. We show that, in the absence of a background spacetime, this Universe is trivial and static. Nonetheless, quantum fluctuations break the symmetry and divide the Universe to subsystems. When a subsystem is singled out as reference—observer—and another as clock, two more continuous parameters arise, which can be interpreted as distance and time. We identify the classical spacetime with parameter space of the Hilbert space of the Universe. Therefore, its quantization is meaningless. In this view, the Einstein equation presents the projection of quantum dynamics in the Hilbert space into its parameter space. Finite dimensional symmetries of elementary particles emerge as a consequence of symmetry breaking when the Universe is divided to subsystems/particles, without having any implication for the infinite dimensional symmetry and its associated interaction-percived as gravity. This explains why gravity is a universal force. Full article

We address the problem of efficiently and effectively compress density operators (DOs), by providing an efficient procedure for learning the most likely DO, given a chosen set of partial information. We explore, in the context of quantum information theory, the generalisation of the maximum entropy estimator for DOs, when the direct dependencies between the subsystems are provided. As a preliminary analysis, we restrict the problem to tripartite systems when two marginals are known. When the marginals are compatible with the existence of a quantum Markov chain (QMC) we show that there exists a recovery procedure for the maximum entropy estimator, and moreover, that for these states many well-known classical results follow. Furthermore, we notice that, contrary to the classical case, two marginals, compatible with some tripartite state, might not be compatible with a QMC. Finally, we provide a new characterisation of quantum conditional independence in light of maximum entropy updating. At this level, all the Hilbert spaces are considered finite dimensional. Full article

We consider two alternative procedures which can be used to control the evolution of a generic finite-dimensional quantum system, one hinging upon a strong continuous coupling with a control potential and the other based on the application of frequently repeated pulses onto the system. Despite the practical and conceptual difference between them, they lead to the same dynamics, characterised by a partitioning of the Hilbert space into sectors among which transitions are inhibited by dynamical superselection rules. Full article

The stabilizing effect of quantum fluctuations on the escape process and the relaxation dynamics from a quantum metastable state are investigated. Specifically, the quantum dynamics of a multilevel bistable system coupled to a bosonic Ohmic thermal bath in strong dissipation regime is analyzed. The study is performed by a non-perturbative method based on the real-time path integral approach of the Feynman-Vernon influence functional. We consider a strongly asymmetric double well potential with and without a monochromatic external driving, and with an out-of-equilibrium initial condition. In the absence of driving we observe a nonmonotonic behavior of the escape time from the metastable region, as a function both of the system-bath coupling coefficient and the temperature. This indicates a stabilizing effect of the quantum fluctuations. In the presence of driving our findings indicate that, as the coupling coefficient $\gamma$ increases, the escape time, initially controlled by the external driving, shows resonant peaks and dips, becoming frequency-independent for higher $\gamma$ values. Moreover, the escape time from the metastable state displays a nonmonotonic behavior as a function of the temperature, the frequency of the driving, and the thermal-bath coupling, which indicates the presence of a quantum noise enhanced stability phenomenon. Finally, we investigate the role of different spectral densities, both in sub-Ohmic and super-Ohmic dissipation regime and for different cutoff frequencies, on the relaxation dynamics from the quantum metastable state. The results obtained indicate that, in the crossover dynamical regime characterized by damped intrawell oscillations and incoherent tunneling, the spectral properties of the thermal bath influence non-trivially the short time behavior and the time scales of the relaxation dynamics from the metastable state. Full article