Continuously Diagonalized Density Operatorof Open Systems

TL;DR

This paper discusses the continuous diagonalization of the density operator in Markovian open quantum systems, linking it to quantum trajectories and consistent histories, providing a deeper understanding of quantum dynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the density operator of Markovian open systems can be continuously diagonalized, connecting quantum trajectories with fundamental quantum history concepts.

Findings

Density operator can be diagonalized continuously in time.

Pure state jump processes correspond to quantum trajectories.

Links between quantum trajectories and consistent histories are established.

Abstract

We showed several years ago that the density operator of Markovian open systems can be diagonalized continuously in time. The resulting pure state jump processes correspond to quantum trajectories proposed in recent quantum optics calculations or, at fundamental level, to exact consistent histories.