Environment-governed dynamics in driven quantum systems

TL;DR

This paper explores how driven quantum systems can exhibit two different dynamical regimes influenced either by the system's Hamiltonian or by environmental factors, with implications for quantum control.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of environment-governed dynamics in driven quantum systems and provides an effective parameter to describe the transition between regimes.

Findings

Identification of two dynamical regimes: system-governed and environment-governed.

An effective coupling parameter characterizes the transition between regimes.

Proposal to observe the transition in a superconducting charge pump.

Abstract

We show that the dynamics of a driven quantum system weakly coupled to the environment can exhibit two distinct regimes. While the relaxation basis is usually determined by the system+drive Hamiltonian (system-governed dynamics), we find that under certain conditions it is determined by specific features of the environment, such as, the form of the coupling operator (environment-governed dynamics). We provide an effective coupling parameter describing the transition between the two regimes and discuss how to observe the transition in a superconducting charge pump.