Invariant-Parameterized Exact Evolution Operator for SU(2) Systems with Time-Dependent Hamiltonian.

We report the step-by-step construction of the exact, closed and explicit expression for the evolution operator U(t) of a localized and isolated qubit in an arbitrary time-dependent field, which for concreteness we assume to be a magnetic field. Our approach is based on the existence of two independent dynamical invariants that enter the expression of SU(2) by means of two strictly related time-dependent, real or complex, parameters. The usefulness of our approach is demonstrated by exactly solving the quantum dynamics of a qubit subject to a controllable time-dependent field that can be realized in the laboratory. We further discuss possible applications to any SU(2) model, as well as the applicability of our method to realistic physical scenarios with different symmetry properties.

Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser Stability for Conserved Quantities in Finite-Dimensional Quantum Systems.

We show that for any finite-dimensional quantum systems the conserved quantities can be characterized by their robustness to small perturbations: for fragile symmetries, small perturbations can lead to large deviations over long times, while for robust symmetries, their expectation values remain close to their initial values for all times. This is in analogy with the celebrated Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser theorem in classical mechanics. To prove this result, we introduce a resummation of a perturbation series, which generalizes the Hamiltonian of the quantum Zeno dynamics.

Bounds on Mixed State Entanglement.

In the general framework of d 1 × d 2 mixed states, we derive an explicit bound for bipartite negative partial transpose (NPT) entanglement based on the mixedness characterization of the physical system. The derived result is very general, being based only on the assumption of finite dimensionality. In addition, it turns out to be of experimental interest since some purity-measuring protocols are known. Exploiting the bound in the particular case of thermal entanglement, a way to connect thermodynamic features to the monogamy of quantum correlations is suggested, and some recent results on the subject are given a physically clear explanation.

Experimental Investigation of Quantum Decay at Short, Intermediate, and Long Times via Integrated Photonics.

The decay of an unstable system is usually described by an exponential law. Quantum mechanics predicts strong deviations of the survival probability from the exponential: Indeed, the decay is initially quadratic, while at very large times it follows a power law, with superimposed oscillations. The latter regime is particularly elusive and difficult to observe. Here we employ arrays of single-mode optical waveguides, fabricated by femtosecond laser direct inscription, to implement quantum systems where a discrete state is coupled and can decay into a continuum. The optical modes correspond to distinct quantum states of the photon, and the temporal evolution of the quantum system is mapped into the spatial propagation coordinate. By injecting coherent light states in the fabricated photonic structures and by measuring a small scattered fraction of such light with an unprecedented dynamic range, we are able to experimentally observe not only the exponential decay regime, but also the quadratic Zeno region and the power-law decay at long evolution times.

Analytic estimation of transition between instantaneous eigenstates of quantum two-level system.

Transition amplitudes between instantaneous eigenstates of a quantum two-level system are evaluated analytically on the basis of a new parametrization of its evolution operator, which has recently been proposed to construct exact solutions. In particular, the condition under which the transitions are suppressed is examined analytically. It is shown that the analytic expression of the transition amplitude enables us, not only to confirm the adiabatic theorem, but also to derive the necessary and sufficient condition for quantum two-level system to remain in one of the instantaneous eigenstates.

Exponential rise of dynamical complexity in quantum computing through projections.

The ability of quantum systems to host exponentially complex dynamics has the potential to revolutionize science and technology. Therefore, much effort has been devoted to developing of protocols for computation, communication and metrology, which exploit this scaling, despite formidable technical difficulties. Here we show that the mere frequent observation of a small part of a quantum system can turn its dynamics from a very simple one into an exponentially complex one, capable of universal quantum computation. After discussing examples, we go on to show that this effect is generally to be expected: almost any quantum dynamics becomes universal once 'observed' as outlined above. Conversely, we show that any complex quantum dynamics can be 'purified' into a simpler one in larger dimensions. We conclude by demonstrating that even local noise can lead to an exponentially complex dynamics.

Purification through Zeno-like measurements.

A series of frequent measurements on a quantum system (Zeno-like measurements) is shown to result in the "purification" of another quantum system in interaction with the former. Even though the measurements are performed on the former system, their effect drives the latter into a pure state, irrespectively of its initial (mixed) state, provided certain conditions are satisfied.