Geometric quantum speed limits for Markovian dynamics in open quantum systems

Abstract

Abstract We study theoretically the geometric quantum speed limits (QSLs) of open quantum systems under Markovian dynamical evolution. Three types of QSL time bounds are introduced based on the geometric inequality associated with the dynamical evolution from an initial state to a final state. By illustrating three types of QSL bounds at the cases of presence or absence of system driving, we demonstrate that the unitary part, dominated by system Hamiltonian, supplies the internal motivation for a Markovian evolution which deviates from its geodesic. Specifically, in the case of unsaturated QSL bounds, the parameters of the system Hamiltonian serve as the eigen-frequency of the oscillations of geodesic distance in the time domain and, on the other hand, drive a further evolution of an open quantum system in a given time period due to its significant contribution in dynamical speedup. We present physical pictures of both saturated and unsaturated QSLs of Markovian dynamics by means of the dynamical evolution trajectories in the Bloch sphere which demonstrates the significant role of system Hamiltonian even in the case of initial mixed states. It is further indicated that whether the QSL bound is saturated is ruled by the commutator between the Hamiltonian and reduced density matrix of the quantum system. Our study provides a detailed description of QSL times and reveals the effects of system Hamiltonian on the unsaturation of QSL bounds under Markovian evolution.