The impact of a measurement on an open quantum system

TL;DR

This paper investigates how measurements influence the behavior of open quantum systems, revealing that memory effects lead to specific state sequences and multiple current-carrying states in molecular junctions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of measurement-induced effects and memory in open quantum systems, providing experimental insights into state alternations and fixed sequences.

Findings

Memory effects cause state alternations in quantum systems.

Multiple current-carrying states are observed.

Fixed sequences of states emerge with three or more states.

Abstract

A molecular MCB junction in the partially wet phase has been used to probe effects related to open quantum systems. Although the exact quantum system, environment, and coupling, are not known the nature of the experiments shows a measurement influenced next measurement. The quantum system senses the measurement outcome and prepares itself in a state other than the state related to the measurement outcome. This triggers an alternation of measurements which are indicative of two current carrying states. In case three or more current carrying states are observed, there exists a fixed sequence of states that carry the current. We conclude that memory effects in these systems are responsible for these experimental observations.