Space-time dual quantum Zeno effect: Interferometric engineering of open quantum system dynamics

Abstract

Superposition of trajectories, which modify quantum evolutions by superposing paths through interferometry, has been utilized to enhance various quantum communication tasks. However, little is known about its impact from the viewpoint of open quantum systems. Thus we examine this subject from the perspective of system-environment interactions. We show that the superposition of multiple trajectories can result in quantum state freezing, suggesting a space-time dual to the quantum Zeno effect. Moreover, nontrivial Dicke-like super(sub)radiance can be triggered without utilizing multiatom correlations.