Qubit measurement by a quantum point contact: A quantum Langevin-equation approach

We employ a quantum Langevin-equation approach to establish Bloch-type dynamical equations, on a fully microscopic basis, to investigate the measurement of the state of a coupled quantum dot qubit by a nearby quantum point contact. The ensuing Bloch equations allow us to analyze qubit relaxation and decoherence induced by measurement, and also to determine the noise spectrum of the meter output current with the help of a quantum regression theorem, at arbitrary bias voltage and temperature. Our analyses attempt to provide a clear resolution of a recent debate concerning the occurrence of a quantum oscillation peak in the noise spectrum.