Dynamics of quantum information scrambling under decoherence effects measured via active spin clusters

Developing quantum technologies requires the control and understanding of the nonequilibrium dynamics of quantum information in many-body systems. Local information propagates in the system by creating complex correlations known as information scrambling, as this process prevents extracting the information from local measurements. In this paper, we develop a model adapted from solid-state NMR methods, to quantify the information scrambling. The scrambling is measured via time-reversal Loschmidt echo (LE) and multiple quantum coherences experiments that intrinsically contain imperfections. Considering these imperfections, we derive expressions for out-of-time order correlators (OTOCs) to quantify the observable information scrambling based on measuring the number of active spins where the information was spread. Based on the OTOC expressions, decoherence effects arise naturally by the effects of the nonreverted terms in the LE experiment. Decoherence induces localization of the measurable degree of information scrambling. These effects define a localization cluster size for the observable number of active spins that determines a dynamical equilibrium. We contrast the model's predictions with quantum simulations performed with solid-state NMR experiments, that measure the information scrambling with time-reversal echoes with controlled imperfections. An excellent quantitative agreement is found with the dynamics of quantum information scrambling and its localization effects determined from the experimental data. The presented model and derived OTOCs set tools for quantifying the quantum information dynamics of large quantum systems (more than 104 spins) consistent with experimental implementations that intrinsically contain imperfections.

Automated summary

Developing quantum technologies requires understanding and controlling the nonequilibrium dynamics of quantum information in many-body systems. In this paper, a model adapted from solid-state NMR methods is developed to quantify information scrambling. By considering imperfections, expressions for out-of-time order correlators (OTOCs) are derived to measure observable information scrambling based on the number of active spins where the information was spread. Decoherence effects naturally arise, inducing localization of the measurable degree of information scrambling, defining a localization cluster size for the observable number of active spins that determines a dynamical equilibrium.