Quantum evolution in disordered transport

Abstract: We analyze the propagation of quantum states in the presence of weak disorder. In particular, we investigate the reliable transmittance of quantum states, as potential carriers of quantum information, through disorder-perturbed waveguides. We quantify wave-packet distortion, backscattering, and disorder-induced dephasing, which all act detrimentally on transport, and identify conditions for reliable transmission. Our analysis relies on the treatment of the nonequilibrium dynamics of ensemble-averaged quantum states in terms of quantum master equations.