Simulating generic single-qubit open-dynamics via polarization-frequency coupling in a photonic interferometer

Abstract

We propose a photonic platform for simulating arbitrary single-qubit open-system dynamics using a single photon in an open Mach-Zehnder interferometer. A birefringent quartz plate induces a coupling between the polarization and frequency degrees of freedom. By treating the latter as an effective environment, we analytically derive the reduced polarization dynamics. We show that the resulting evolution is characterized by a controllable interplay between populations and coherence, instead of the usual dephasing caused by quartz plates. By adjusting the photon frequency distribution and interferometric parameters, we demonstrate that target single-qubit states can be efficiently reproduced through a tunable optical protocol expected to work under accessible experimental conditions. The simulator is benchmarked against paradigmatic open-system evolutions, including depolarization and non-Markovian dynamics, achieving high accuracy. Our results establish polarization-frequency engineered photonic interferometers as a versatile protocol for simulation of open quantum systems.