Investigating the Effects of the Non-Classicality of Environments in Open Quantum Systems

In the field of quantum technologies, it is essential that engineered quantum systems be considered "open" and their interaction with their environments not be ignored. In quantum computing for example, this interaction (decoherence) leads to errors that massively limit present-day usefulness. However, recent investigations beyond the typical regimes of weak system-environment coupling and simple unstructured environments, particularly of photosynthetic biomolecular systems, have hinted that certain environments might enable and even enhance (rather than simply degrade) quantum phenomena in the system.

In this project, we aim first to quantify the non-classicality of the system dynamics generated by interaction with such an environment. To do so, we will extend previously-developed non-classicality measures related to the degree to which environmental fluctuations can be accurately characterized by classical noise. Then, using an array of non-perturbative approaches to open quantum systems, we aim to use our measure to investigate the role of non-classicality in potentially enhancing specific dynamics of interest. Specifically, we will focus on systems and dynamics associated with quantum sensing and energy transport, cornerstones of quantum technology.