SIMULATIONS OF QUANTUM TRAJECTORIES USING MARKOV-CHAINS

Stochastic simulations of quantum trajectories have been proposed as a n alternative to density matrix calculations for some open quantum sys tems. In this paper it is shown that Monte Carlo wavefunction simulati ons of open atomic systems produce quantum trajectories in a discrete Markov process. This process can be simulated with a discrete Markov c hain, and this is demonstrated for several example systems. Statistica l properties for these atomic systems are produced more rapidly and wi th greater accuracy using this method than by calculating an ensemble of individual trajectories.