Quantum correlations in Jahn-Teller molecular systems simulated with superconducting circuits

Abstract

We explore quantum correlations, in particular, quantum entanglement, among vibrational phonon modes as well as between electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom in molecular systems, described by Jahn-Teller mechanism. Specifically, to isolate and simplify the phonon-electron interactions in a complex molecular system, the basis of our discussions is taken to be the proposal of simulating two-frequency Jahn-Teller systems using superconducting circuit quantum electrodynamics systems (circuit QED) by Tekin Dereli and co-workers in 2012. We evaluate the quantum correlations, in particular entanglement between the vibrational phonon modes, and present analytical explanations using a single privileged Jahn-Teller mode picture. Furthermore, spin-orbit entanglement or quantum correlations between electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom are examined. We conclude by discussing experimental feasibility to detect such quantum correlations, considering the dephasing and decoherence in state-of-the-art superconducting two-level systems (qubits).