Geometrical Rabi transitions between decoupled quantum states

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method for inducing transitions between decoupled quantum states by combining periodic perturbations with adiabatic parameter variations, enabling control over quantum state evolution through geometrical pathways.

Contribution

It demonstrates that adiabatic parameter changes can enable transitions between decoupled states, with evolution depending solely on the path in parameter space.

Findings

Full amplitude transfer between decoupled states achieved.

Transitions depend on the path in parameter space, not just on the initial and final states.

Technique allows studying geometrical dynamics via auxiliary states.

Abstract

A periodic perturbation such as a laser field cannot induce transitions between two decoupled states for which the transition matrix element vanishes. We show, however, that if in addition some system parameters are varied adiabatically, such transitions become possible via adiabatic-change-induced excitations to other states. We demonstrate that full amplitude transfer between the two decoupled states can be achieved, and more significantly, the evolution of the system only depends on its path in parameter space. Our technique then provides a valuable means of studying nontrivial geometrical dynamics via auxiliary states with large energy splittings.