Hidden parameters in open-system evolution unveiled by geometric phase

TL;DR

This paper reveals that in certain open quantum system models, individual trajectories depend on hidden parameters, which influence the geometric phase and introduce ambiguity in the quantum trajectory approach.

Contribution

It uncovers a class of open-system models where quantum trajectories depend on undetermined parameters, affecting the geometric phase and challenging existing interpretations.

Findings

Quantum trajectories can depend on hidden parameters.

The geometric phase retains information about these parameters.

This dependence introduces ambiguity in the quantum trajectory framework.

Abstract

We find a class of open-system models in which individual quantum trajectories may depend on parameters that are undetermined by the full open-system evolution. This dependence is imprinted in the geometric phase associated with such trajectories and persists after averaging. Our findings indicate a potential source of ambiguity in the quantum trajectory approach to open quantum systems.