Localization in open quantum systems

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that dissipation can induce and control localization in open quantum systems, leading to steady states with tunable localization properties through engineered dissipative operators.

Contribution

It introduces a method to achieve and tune localization in open quantum systems using specific dissipative operators and phase parameters.

Findings

Dissipation can induce a localized steady state in disordered quantum systems.

The localization properties are tunable via a uniform phase parameter.

Quantum trajectories show intermittent dynamics with sticking and jumping behavior.

Abstract

In an isolated single-particle quantum system a spatial disorder can induce Anderson localization. Being a result of interference, this phenomenon is expected to be fragile in the face of dissipation. Here we show that dissipation can drive a disordered system into a steady state with tunable localization properties. This can be achieved with a set of identical dissipative operators, each one acting non-trivially only on a pair of neighboring sites. Operators are parametrized by a uniform phase, which controls selection of Anderson modes contributing to the state. On the microscopic level, quantum trajectories of a system in a localized steady regime exhibit intermittent dynamics consisting of long-time sticking events near selected modes interrupted by jumps between them.