Reshaping the Quantum Arrow of Time

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2503.13615v1
• Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:07:22 GMT
• Title: Reshaping the Quantum Arrow of Time
• Abstract summary: In quantum physics, an arrow of time emerges when a sequence of measurements is performed on a system.<n>We introduce quantum control tools that can yield dynamics more consistent with time flowing backward than forward.
• Score: 0.5188841610098435
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: The microscopic laws of physics are symmetric under time reversal. Yet, most natural processes that we observe are not. The emergent asymmetry between typical and time-reversed processes is referred to as the arrow of time. In quantum physics, an arrow of time emerges when a sequence of measurements is performed on a system. We introduce quantum control tools that can yield dynamics more consistent with time flowing backward than forward. The control tools are based on the explicit construction of a Hamiltonian that can replicate the stochastic trajectories of a monitored quantum system. Such Hamiltonian can reverse the effect of monitoring and, via a feedback process, generate trajectories consistent with a reversed arrow of time. We show how to exploit the feedback process to design a continuous measurement engine that draws energy from the monitoring process, or to simulate the backward-in-time dynamics of an open quantum system.

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