Decoherence and Quantum Simulations of Spin-Environment systems (2006-2009)
Abstract
The interaction of a system with the surrounding environment contains rich physics, and presents a major problem in developing quantum technology. This project is concerned with several mutually interacting quantum systems coupled to their environment, in which the environment causes the decay of quantum correlations amongst the systems. This project has several specific aims: 1. To determine the effect of several physically important environments on small quantum systems, such as a continuum of vibrational modes, or a large collection of nearby fluctators. 2. To propose methods for simulating these systems in ion-traps, in order to access various parameter regimes, in order to observe quantum phase transitions.
