Dirac open quantum system dynamics: formulations and simulations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new formalism for simulating open quantum systems governed by the Dirac equation, enabling efficient numerical analysis of relativistic quantum dynamics and dephasing effects.

Contribution

It develops an efficient interaction formalism for Dirac systems that overcomes previous complexity issues, facilitating practical simulations of relativistic quantum phenomena.

Findings

Quantum dephasing does not suppress negative energy particle generation.

Majorana spinors can be robust against dephasing.

The Klein paradox remains unaffected by dephasing.

Abstract

We present an open system interaction formalism for the Dirac equation. Overcoming a complexity bottleneck of alternative formulations, our framework enables efficient numerical simulations (utilizing a typical desktop) of relativistic dynamics within the von Neumann density matrix and Wigner phase space descriptions. Employing these instruments, we gain important insights into the effect of quantum dephasing for relativistic systems in many branches of physics. In particular, the conditions for robustness of Majorana spinors against dephasing are established. Using the Klein paradox and tunneling as examples, we show that quantum dephasing does not suppress negative energy particle generation. Hence, the Klein dynamics is also robust to dephasing.