Freezing phenomenon in high-dimensional quantum correlation dynamics

Quantum information processing (QIP) based on high-dimensional quantum systems provides unique advantages and new potentials where high-dimensional quantum correlations (QCs) play vital roles. Exploring the resistance of QCs against noises is crucial as QCs are fragile due to complex and unavoidable system-environment interactions. In this study, we investigate the performance of high-dimensional QCs under local dephasing noise using a single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. A freezing phenomenon in the high-dimensional quantum discord dynamics was observed, showing that discord is robust against local dephasing noise. Utilizing a robustness metric known as the freezing index, we find that the discord of qutrits outperforms their qubit counterparts when confronted with dephasing noise. Furthermore, we develop a geometric picture to explain this intriguing freezing phenomenon. Our findings highlight the potential of utilizing discord as a physical resource for advancing QIP in high-dimensional quantum settings.