Non-Markovian dynamics of a qubit due to single-photon scattering in a waveguide
- Authors: Fang, Yao-Lung L; Ciccarello, Francesco; Baranger, Harold U
- Publication year: 2018
- Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/296702
Abstract
We investigate the open dynamics of a qubit due to scattering of a single photon in an infinite or semi-infinite waveguide. Through an exact solution of the time-dependent multi-photon scattering problem, we find the qubit's dynamical map. Tools of open quantum systems theory allow us then to show the general features of this map, find the corresponding non-Linbladian master equation, and assess in a rigorous way its non-Markovian nature. The qubit dynamics has distinctive features that, in particular, do not occur in emission processes. Two fundamental sources of non-Markovianity are present: the finite width of the photon wavepacket and the time delay for propagation between the qubit and the end of the semi-infinite waveguide.