Quantum Transition Rates in Arbitrary Physical Processes

Abstract

We introduce a framework for computing time-dependent quantum transition rates (QTRs) that describe the pace of evolution of a quantum state from a given subspace to a target subspace. QTRs are expressed in terms of flux-flux correlators and are shown to obey two complementary quantum speed limits. Our framework readily accommodates the generalization of Hamiltonian dynamics to arbitrary open quantum evolution, including quantum measurements. We illustrate how QTRs can be controlled by counterdiabatic driving.