Non-Markovian quantum dynamics: What is it good for?

¹ CAS Key Laboratory of Quantum Information, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026, China
² CAS Center For Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China - Hefei 230026, China
³ Turku Centre for Quantum Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku FI-20014 Turun yliopisto, Finland

^(a) cfli@ustc.edu.cn
^(b) jyrki.piilo@utu.fi

Received: 8 November 2019
Accepted: 7 December 2019

Abstract

Recent developments in practical quantum engineering and control techniques have allowed significant developments for experimental studies of open quantum systems and decoherence engineering. Indeed, it has become possible to test experimentally various theoretical, mathematical, and physical concepts related to non-Markovian quantum dynamics. This includes experimental characterization and quantification of non-Markovian memory effects and proof-of-principle demonstrations how to use them for certain quantum communication and information tasks. We describe here recent experimental advances for open system studies, focussing in particular to non-Markovian dynamics including the applications of memory effects, and discuss the possibilities for ultimate control of decoherence and open system dynamics.