Nonlinear Michelson interferometer for improved quantum metrology

We examine quantum detection via a Michelson interferometer embedded in a gas with Kerr nonlinearity. This nonlinear interferometer is illuminated by pulses of classical light. This strategy combines the robustness against practical imperfections of classical light with the improvement provided by nonlinear processes. Regarding ultimate quantum limits, we stress that, as a difference with linear schemes, the nonlinearity introduces pulse duration as a new variable into play along with the energy resources.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure. Close to published versio

Open Quantum Systems. An Introduction

We revise fundamental concepts in the dynamics of open quantum systems in the light of modern developments in the field. Our aim is to present a unified approach to the quantum evolution of open systems that incorporates the concepts and methods traditionally employed by different communities. We present in some detail the mathematical structure and the general properties of the dynamical maps underlying open system dynamics. We also discuss the microscopic derivation of dynamical equations, including both Markovian and non-Markovian evolutions.Comment: 100 pages, 3 figures. Updated version with typos corrected. Preprint version of the published boo

Nonlinear fiber gyroscope for quantum metrology

We examine the performance of a nonlinear fiber gyroscope for improved signal detection beating the quantum limits of its linear counterparts. The performance is examined when the nonlinear gyroscope is illuminated by practical field states, such as coherent and quadrature squeezed states. This is compared with the case of more ideal probes such as photon-number states.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

On measures of non-Markovianity: divisibility vs. backflow of information

We analyze two recently proposed measures of non-Markovianity: one based on the concept of divisibility of the dynamical map and the other one based on distinguishability of quantum states. We provide a toy model to show that these two measures need not agree. In addition, we discuss possible generalizations and intricate relations between these measures.Comment: 7 pages; new section is adde

Topological Heat Transport and Symmetry-Protected Boson Currents

The study of non-equilibrium properties in topological systems is of practical and fundamental importance. Here, we analyze the stationary properties of a two-dimensional bosonic Hofstadter lattice coupled to two thermal baths in the quantum open-system formalism. Novel phenomena appear like chiral edge heat currents that are the out-of-equilibrium counterparts of the zero-temperature edge currents. They support a new concept of dissipative symmetry-protection, where a set of discrete symmetries protects topological heat currents, differing from the symmetry-protection devised in closed systems and zero-temperature. Remarkably, one of these currents flows opposite to the decreasing external temperature gradient. As the starting point, we consider the case of a single external reservoir already showing prominent results like thermal erasure effects and topological thermal currents. Our results are experimentally accessible with platforms like photonics systems and optical lattices.Comment: RevTeX4 file, color figure

Quantum Thermodynamics in the Refined Weak Coupling Limit

We present a thermodynamic framework for the refined weak coupling limit. In this limit the interaction between system and environment is weak, but not negligible. As a result, the system dynamics becomes non-Markovian breaking divisibility conditions. Nevertheless, we propose a derivation of the first and second law just in terms of the reduced system dynamics. To this end, we extend the refined weak coupling limit for allowing slowly-varying external drivings, and reconsider the definition of internal energy due to the non-negligible interaction.Comment: Color figures, invited pape

Unidirectional information flow and positive divisibility are nonequivalent notions of quantum Markovianity for noninvertible dynamics

We construct a dynamical map which is not positive divisible and does not present information backflow either (as measured by trace norm quantifiers). It is formulated for a qutrit system undergoing noninvertible dynamics. This provides an evidence that the two definitions of quantum Markovianity based on absence of information backflow and positive divisibility are nonequivalent for general noninvertible dynamical mapsComment: Submission to a special issue of 'Open Systems and Information Dynamics' devoted to the memory of Prof. Andrzej Kossakowsk