Open Quantum Systems

Quantum description of composite subsystems and their subsystems, density operator. Pure and mixed states, entropy. Quantum correlations, entanglement, its basic properties and possible applications. Introduction to theory of generalized quantum measurement, positive operator-valued measure, physical realizations. Quantum operations, general description of state changes, superoperator theoretical framework, examples of quantum operations. Markovian quantum master equation, quantum dynamical semigroups. Basic models for description of decoherence and thermalization.

Knowledge: Introduction to quantum physics of open systems.

Skills: Application of theory to particular physical situations.

To obtain the course credit, attendance at lectures is required. A maximum of 2 absences is allowed. If the number of absences is higher, the student will be assigned a homework task to work out one of the problems in the area related to OQS.

• Key references:
• [1] H.-P. Breuer and F. Petruccione, The theory of open quantum systems, Oxford Univ. Press, 2002
• Recommended references:
• [2] M. A. Nielsen, I. L. Chuang, Quantum computation and quantum information, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2002
• [3] I. Bengtsson, K. Zyczkowski, Geometry of Quantum States, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2006
• [4] R. Alicki, K. Lendi, Quantum Dynamical Semigroups and Applications (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1987)

Lectures