Paper detail

Observation of hierarchy of Hilbert space ergodicities in the quantum dynamics of a single spin

Ergodicity, the property that all allowed configurations are explored over time, plays a pivotal role in explaining the equilibrium behavior of classical dynamical systems. Yet, such a property is typically precluded in quantum systems owing to the presence of energy eigenstates, which are stationary states in dynamics. However, recent theoretical works have argued that ergodic explorations of the Hilbert space, occurring at varying levels as measured by statistical pseudorandomness of the time-evolved quantum states, may be exhibited for quantum systems driven by Hamiltonians with aperiodic time dependencies, which do not face such obstacles. Here, we experimentally investigate the hierarchy of Hilbert-space ergodicities (HSE) achievable in the dynamics of a single quantum spin realized by a solid-state defect in diamond, upon subjecting it to various time-dependent modulations. Through continuous monitoring of spin trajectories with full state tomography, different degrees of HSE were observed, ranging from no HSE in a time-periodic (Floquet) drive, to partial HSE in a smoothly kicked time-quasiperiodic drive, to complete HSE in a drive composed of a sequence of kicks generated by the Fibonacci word. We formulate a theoretical understanding of the increasing levels of HSE observed by attributing them to increasing levels of complexities associated with the drive sequences, whose notions we elucidate. Our work constitutes the first unambiguous experimental evidence of Hilbert space ergodicity and promotes deeper investigations into the mechanisms and fine-grained levels with which closed quantum systems reach equilibrium.