Detuning-induced robustness of a three-state Landau-Zener model against dissipation

Abstract

A three-state system subjected to a time-dependent Hamiltonian whose bare energies undergo one or more crossings, depending on the relevant parameters, is considered, also taking into account the role of dissipation in the adiabatic following of the Hamiltonian eigenstates. Depending on whether or not the bare energies are equidistant, the relevant population transfer turns out to be very sensitive to the environmental interaction or relatively robust. The physical mechanisms on the basis of this behavior are discussed in detail.