Enhancing quantum transport in a photonic network using controllable decoherence

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates experimentally that controllable decoherence can enhance quantum transport efficiency in a photonic network, using engineered waveguides and adjustable input illumination bandwidth.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of environment-assisted quantum transport using engineered photonic waveguides with controllable decoherence.

Findings

Broadening input bandwidth increases transport efficiency

Engineered waveguides simulate target Hamiltonians and open quantum systems

Controllable decoherence enhances quantum transport in photonic networks

Abstract

Transport phenomena on a quantum scale appear in a variety of systems, ranging from photosynthetic complexes to engineered quantum devices. It has been predicted that the efficiency of quantum transport can be enhanced through dynamic interaction between the system and a noisy environment. We report the first experimental demonstration of such environment-assisted quantum transport, using an engineered network of laser-written waveguides, with relative energies and inter-waveguide couplings tailored to yield the desired Hamiltonian. Controllable decoherence is simulated via broadening the bandwidth of the input illumination, yielding a significant increase in transport efficiency relative to the narrowband case. We show integrated optics to be suitable for simulating specific target Hamiltonians as well as open quantum systems with controllable loss and decoherence.